Starcraft SVX 230 I/O Review

Over the past several years there’s been a steady shift taking place in North America’s boating landscape, as the once dominant bowrider has been gradually giving up ground at the top of the market to deck boats like the remarkable Starcraft SVX 230 I/O.

Deck boats like the SVX use some innovative engineering to keep all the things we loved most about bowriders, while addressing the one big beef – their lack of interior space.

First impressions count, and on the SVX that means big extended swim platforms at both the  front and back, each with a concealed retractable boarding ladder and soft-touch mat decking.

When you step aboard the Starcraft SVX 230 I/O you can’t help but notice the extended stern swim platform, complete with its retractable, stainless steel four-step boarding ladder and aft-facing stereo speakers. EVA soft-touch decking comes as a standard feature, on both the stern and bow swim platforms.

But what’s a swim platform without a sun pad? Starcraft covers that base with a big stern lounge that’s ideal for soaking up a few rays while drying off after a swim.

A nearly full-width stern seat continues forward up the port side pf the boat, while anchoring a big sun pad that faces the aft swim platform.

The Starcraft SVX 230 I/O comes with an L-shaped lounge seat across the transom, which continues forward along the port side of the boat. The big lounger offers a load of dry storage space under the seat cushions, including room for bulky items like bags and coolers.

Both the passenger and helm bucket seats feature pull-up bolsters. Note the useful sink in the passenger console.

Both the driver and co-pilot ride around on nice bucket seats with pull-up bolsters and swivel bases. The driver’s seat also slides, to adjust for drivers of different heights.

A passenger compartment glove box provides secure storage for valuables.

The sporty black windshield is supported by twin consoles, with a useful sink in the passenger side. There’s also a locking glove box with plenty of interior room for phones, truck keys and other valuables, plus a pair of stainless drink holders.

The helm console positions the primary gauges right up top in a near cluster where they’re easily seen. The standard stereo is a Jensen model, which can be upgraded to a JL Audio MM50 unit with Bluetooth if desired.

The helm is simple, straightforward, and neatly designed, leaving plenty of space for aftermarket electronics.

Each of the consoles offers even more storage space in their bases, accessed through facing doors on stainless steel piano hinges. Between them, there’s a huge in-floor storage compartment for yet more gear. There’s no shortage of storage space on this boat.

The amount of interior space in the SVX 230 I/O is really impressive – there’s no banging knees on this boat.

Overhead, a standard Bimini top provides relief from the mid-day sun. Kudos to Starcraft for including the top as a standard feature, since virtually everyone will want it.

Bow lounge seats offer a comfy place to stretch out, while hiding large storage spaces for bear beneath. Note the low profile hand rail for added security when riding up front.

Step through that stylish walk-through windshield into the bow of the Starcraft SVX 230 I/O and we find twin forward-facing loungers served by a pair of stainless drink holders. Wrap-around coaming in the bow allows forward-facing, side-facing or aft-facing seating in pretty much equal comfort. Between the front end of the loungers is a convenient insulated cooler to keep cold drinks readily available.

Rated to handle engines to 250 horsepower, the SVX 230 I/O is a legitimate 50 mph boat at full throttle.

Rated to handle sterndrive engines of up to 250 horsepower, the Starcraft SVX 230 I/O features a modified dihedral pad V hull that delivers stunning performance, including planing times in the range of five seconds flat and top-end speeds over 50 mph. The hull design also assures stable, predictable handling, making the SVX 230 I/O a joy to drive at any speed.

With its interior space, sporty handling and low maintenance requirements, Starcraft’s SVX 230 I/O will appeal to families looking for a versatile runabout.

The Starcraft SVX 230 I/O maintains all the sportiness and versatility that made bowriders the top choice among boaters for decades, while serving up greater comfort, space and amenities. Families on the hunt for a roomy runabout that’s fun to drive and easy to maintain will like it – a lot.