Starcraft Renegade 168 DC Review

The all-new Starcraft Renegade 168 DC might measure only 16 feet in length, but it feels and behaves like a much bigger boat. That’s obvious from the moment you step aboard.

For decades the standard 16-foot aluminum fishing boat has topped sales charts across much of North America. Big enough to be comfortable yet small enough to store in a standard garage and tow easily behind a mid-sized vehicle, the basic 16-foot aluminum fishing boat is arguably the most versatile boat ever made. Able to fish, to pull the kids on a tube, to take the family out exploring or enjoy a twilight cruise with close friends, it’s among the most versatile designs of all time. Little wonder then that the sweet 16 remains a top-seller across North America.

It’s sometimes hard to believe you’re in a 16-foot boat when you stop and consider what the Starcraft Renegade 168 DC offers on its standard equipment list. We’re talking both raised bow and stern casting decks. Dual live wells. In-floor rod storage. Deluxe, movable fishing seats. It even comes with a helm seat that doesn’t just rotate; it also slides like the seat in your vehicle, so it comfortably fits drivers of all sizes.

The elevated bow casting platform conceals a large storage locker and an 18-gallon aerated recirculating live well.

Stepping up on the front casting deck, the first thing you notice is the size – it’s a lot roomier than you might expect for a 16-footer. There’s cavernous storage space beneath the platform, a bow panel for plugging in a bow-mount electric motor, plus a 18-gallon aerated, recirculating live well. Along the centerline you’ll find a large in-floor rod storage rack, with a second in-floor rack located in the main cockpit.

A large in-deck storage locker protects valuable fishing rods when not in use.

Step down between the consoles and you can close off the walk-through windshield to enjoy protection from the elements when running early or late in the season. Starcraft also offers the Renegade in side console and tiller versions, so anglers can select the floorplan that suits them best.

Twin deluxe fishing seats move wherever they’re needed, with six bases located throughout the boat, and you’ll find plenty of additional storage space in the side walls of the main cockpit. The passenger console provides even more secure storage, including a large glove box that’s perfect for wallets, cell phones, the truck keys and other valuables.

The open cockpit and raised rear casting deck speak to the Starcraft Renegade’s versatility as a multi-species fishing platform.

The helm console is no-nonsense, with a speedometer, tach, volt meter, fuel gauge, a 12-volt outlet and a PRV19 Millenia AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also plenty of room for aftermarket electronics.

Like the raised front deck, the Starcraft Renegade’s raised rear casting deck includes an aluminum base to accept a pedestal-mount seat, and plenty of storage space beneath. You’ll also find a 25-gallon live well with aeration and recirculation. The durable vinyl floor covering throughout dries much faster than carpet and wears like iron, providing a durable, maintenance-free finish that serious anglers appreciate. Snap-in carpet is available as an option.

The helm is no-nonsense, with plenty of room for aftermarket electronics.

For a 16-foot boat, the Renegade is built like a tank with its 5052 H34 marine grade aluminum hull that resist dents, dings and corrosion. With its built-in 24-gallon fuel tank and efficient Power-Trac hull design, the Renegade 168 planes easily and provides a stable, solid ride with even less than maximum horsepower. Rated to handle up to 90 horsepower, the Starcraft Renegade 168 runs very well with a 75, pushing 40 mph.

There’s a huge amount of storage in this boat, including a massive in-floor locker in the main cockpit.

The Starcraft Renegade 168 DC is a lot of boat for a 16-footer, yet still easy to tow, easy to launch, and capable of storing in a standard garage. It’s an easy boat to like. Starcraft’s more than 114 years of experience building aluminum boats is obvious in the Renegade, with its irresistible combination of features and amenities.

Starcraft Renegade 168 DC

• Length: 16’ 11”
• Beam: 89”
• Interior depth: 22″
• Transom height: 20″
• Transom width: 85″
• Maximum capacity: 900 lbs
• Dry weight: 975 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 24 gal
• Passenger capacity: 6
• Maximum power: 90 hp
• MSRP: $24,000