Starcraft MX 23L Review

Story by Craig Ritchie Dec. 08, 2015

It used to be that there were two distinct schools of thought where pontoon boats were concerned. You could buy one that was opulent and luxurious, or you could buy one that was built for watersports. It was always either-or, and people who wanted both comfort and performance were forced to compromise one way or another.

That’s no longer the case, as evidenced by Starcraft’s new MX pontoon series. These stylish, high performance and luxurious pontoons reflect everything the New Paris, Indiana-based company has learned in more than 112 years of building some of the best boats on the water.

The MX 23L uses a versatile double-lounger layout, with twin forward lounge seats in the bow surrounding a removable pedestal-mount table.

With more than a dozen different models from 23 to 25 feet, the MX series combines all the opulent appointments of Starcraft’s top-of-the-line Majestic series with the heart-stopping performance of its exhilarating SLS performance pontoons in a single, versatile package. Perhaps no model in the lineup better exemplifies this meshing of pampering and performance like the MX 23L – a 23-foot pontoon that can handle up to 250 horsepower while seating 11 adults.

Our Champagne-finished review boat was loaded with options, including Starcraft’s Prestige package which added black anodized fence rails, new graphics, beautiful two-tone furniture and an all-new Majestic console, giving the boat a fresh and inviting appearance.

Twin stern lounge seats are the ideal spot to spot skiers and boarders, or just soak up the sun on a summer afternoon.

The rear deck extends to form a spacious swim platform, finished in maintenance-free Teak Weave flooring, while the main cockpit gets plush 28-ounce carpeting as the standard floor. That would be an upgrade on a lot of other boats.

In the stern, a pair of rear-facing lounge seats provide a great place to spot skiers or wakeboarders or dry out in the sun after a swim. The lavish two-tone vinyl upholstery sits on gracefully formed fiberglass bases with integral stereo speakers and lighted beverage holders, giving a refined and sophisticated look that makes it hard to believe this boat isn’t Starcraft’s top-of-the-line.

The upholstery work in Starcraft’s MX pontoons is spectacular. So too is the attention to detail, with illuminated beverage holders and stereo speakers throughout.

The driver and navigator ride on pedestal-mounted high-back Captain’s chairs, each with fold-down arms. Our review boat came with a raised helm platform with LED courtesy lights, and a sculpted fiberglass helm console built around a Murphy touch-screen display – part of the available Prestige package, one of Starcraft’s most popular option groups. The helm console features storage in its base and lighted cup holders on top. The helm seat is supportive, comfortable, and not only swivels but rides on an automotive-style sliding base, so you can easily adjust the seat to the optimum distance from the steering wheel.

The helm in our review boat featured an available Murphy touch-screen display, simplifying the dash while rendering a clean look.

Up front in the bow, two additional lounge seats allow riders to face forward while underway, or sit face-to-face while enjoying conversation or enjoying a snack on the removable pedestal-mount table. The aft face of the port side bow lounger conceals a pop-up change room, while both bow seats offer storage space in their self-draining Rotocast bases.

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As a premium model in the company’s pontoon lineup, the Starcraft MX 23L comes with an extensive list of standard features, including docking lights, courtesy lights, a colour-coordinated Bimini top with storage boot, a great-sounding Polk Audio AM/FM stereo with MP3 input, and a playpen cover.

So how does it drive? Our review boat was rigged with a Yamaha F150 four-stroke, a good match for the MX 23L that provides great performance and top speeds of over 35 mph with quiet operation and outstanding fuel economy. For those who want the ultimate performance this boat can offer, the available HMX PR25 Performance Package provides a third PR25 center pontoon tube with performance strakes, a performance shield, a ski tow and Sea Star hydraulic steering – plus the ability to manage outboards of up to 250 horsepower.

If the four-step retractable boarding ladder on the stern swim platform doesn’t tell you this boat is made with water sports in mind, the ski tow bar should remove all doubt.

With its fresh and invigorating styling, lavish appointments, plush upholstery and awesome performance, Starcraft’s MX 23L is a versatile and delightful pontoon. Families looking for a great looking boat that can do it all will find it right here.

Starcraft MX 23L Specs

LOA: 24; 10”
Beam: 8′ 6″
Dry Weight: 2,425 lbs.
Passenger Capacity: 11
Fuel Capacity: 30 gal.
Power (Max): 150 hp/250 hp w. Tri-Toon
Power (as reviewed): Yamaha F150, 150 hp
Info: starcraftmarine.com