Starcraft MX 25 ERG Review

The Starcraft MX 25 ERG is a pontoon boat with sporty looks and performance to match. Add in luxurious comfort and this boat truly impresses.

Pontoon boats continue to dominate sales in many parts of North America, and boats like the Starcraft MX 25 ERG are a big reason why. Offering comfortable accommodation for up to 14 people in a fast, sporty platform, the big MX is versatile enough to pull the kids on a tube, head out for an early morning fishing trip, or take the whole family on a relaxing twilight cruise. It is the irresistible combination of versatility and value which gives the MX near-universal appeal.

Step aboard from the dock and the enormous, extended rear swim platform hints at the fun to come, with its ski tow pylon and retractable boarding ladder. The standard Sea Weave flooring on the platform provides a comfortable, secure grip with wet toes, and dries far more quickly than the traditional carpet, making it an ideal choice for areas like this that will see a lot of water.

A rear-facing recliner alongside an aft-facing sun pad give the MX 25 ERG plenty of space for soaking up the sun.

The rear gate – and the entire aft section of the boat – is beautifully formed from stainless steel railing, providing security with an unobstructed view from the wide, long lounge seat that dominates the stern. This comfortable perch features an adjustable back cushion that can be positioned for either forward-facing or aft-facing seating. It’s the perfect spot for swimmers to dry off and work on their tans, or to catch all the action out back when pulling riders on a tube, skis or a wakeboard. Along the starboard rail, a pair of elegant fiberglass consoles provide storage space, cup holders, rear-facing stereo speakers and a sink with faucet and solid-surface counter. This entire area can be shaded by the boat’s standard Bimini top, creating an attractive lunch spot that’s protected from the mid-day sun.

The aft lounge seat / sun pad can be adjusted to allow forward-facing seating. With the mid-cockpit bench seat and swiveling Captain’s chair at the helm, this creates an inviting space for conversations and drinks.

Another inviting lounge seat midway along the port side of the Starcraft MX 25 ERG provides passengers with a place to hang out and keep the driver company. The standard flooring in the main cockpit is a super-soft 28-ounce carpet, which can be upgraded to a full SeaWeave or synthetic floor if desired.

The deluxe fiberglass console houses a custom-molded dash panel that’s topped by a small but effective wind screen.

The driver gets spoiled in the Starcraft MX 25 ERG. A comfortable, widescreen console with storage in its base houses a custom-molded dash panel that’s topped by a small but effective wind screen. The standard Captain’s chair sits atop an elevated platform, as part of the boat’s Executive Helm package, and provides fold-down arm rests and a seat base that both swivels and slides for optimal driver comfort. The main instruments – a speedometer, voltmeter, trim gauge and fuel gauge – are presented in a pair of digital multi-function gauges that surround a central touch-screen panel. Below it, you’ll find an elegant and luxurious Gucci Verona steering wheel with tilt adjustment and SeaStar hydraulic steering control, a power point with a breaker, and push-button controls for the LED docking lights, courtesy lights and other electrical components.

In-floor storage for skis, fishing rods and other bulky gear is surrounded by twin lounge seats in the bow.

As you continue forward in the boat, a discreet hatch in the floor opens to provide access to the MX 25 ERG’s large in-floor storage compartment. This is a boat with a huge amount of storage space for gear, most of it within the Rotocast seat bases – all of which feature integrated drains.

The upholstery in the Starcraft MX 25 ERG is top-shelf, with supportive yet plush seat cushions and impeccable vinyl work.

The bow follows a familiar pontoon layout with twin lounge seats, and a base in the floor between them to accommodate a removable, pedestal-mount table. Starcraft wisely raised the seat back height on its corner loungers so they can provide forward-facing, aft-facing or gunnel-facing seating with equal comfort. This arrangement provides the greatest versatility, yet it’s not something you see on a lot of pontoons any more.

A pair of elegant fiberglass consoles provide storage space, cup holders, rear-facing stereo speakers and a sink with faucet and solid-surface counter.

A door on the aft face of the port-side front lounger opens to reveal a pop-up changing room, giving swimmers a bit of privacy when they change back into dry clothes. Throughout the boat, removable cup holders are illuminated for easy access in low light conditions. Standard interior mood lighting not only provides a hint of drama on those evening cruises around the lake, it also provides added safety for passengers moving about early or late in the day.

The MX 25 ERG has plenty of performance to back up its good looks, especially with the optional HMX PR 25 Performance Package and a 300 horsepower outboard.

The Starcraft MX 25 ERG isn’t just about good looks and comfortable accommodations – this pontoon is a bona-fide thrill ride – especially if you order it with the available HMX PR25 Performance Package, which adds a performance shield, lifting strakes and more. All MX 25 ERGs ride on Starcraft’s full heavy hat understructure, a framework that provides exceptional strength and rigidity for a smooth ride and steady handling. But adding the HMX package – and a 300-horsepower Yamaha on the transom – takes things up another notch entirely.

With its sporty looks, luxurious comfort, thoughtful design and invigorating ride, it’s impossible to not like the Starcraft MX 25 ERG. Boating is all about fun, and this pontoon truly delivers.