Starweld 18 Fusion Pro DC Review

The Starweld 18 Fusion Pro DC is a capable and comfortable multi-species fishing boat that’s sure to please even the most discriminating anglers.

Welded aluminum boats enjoy a strong following from anglers who appreciate their toughness, durability, and high strength-to-weight ratio. That’s especially true for versatile, multi-species designs built for serious fishermen who head out in all conditions, and from ice-out to freeze-up. Completely redesigned from the keels up, the Starweld 18 Fusion Pro DC takes this concept forward with a number of innovative features sure to please even the most discerning anglers.

Stretching 17 feet, 6 inches in length, the Starweld seems bigger than its measurements would suggest, thanks in no small part to a generous 90-inch beam and a deep 25-inch transom height. With its ample freeboard, this gives the boat an impressive interior depth of 26 inches, right up there with the 20-footers. The deep cockpit gives a feeling of confidence when trolling in choppy conditions, and provides a dry ride when the waves kick up.

All Starweld Pro-Series boats ride on a heavy .100-gauge aluminum hull that’s fully welded and backed by a lifetime warranty. The hull design holds its beam forward of the windshield, providing one of the most spacious cockpits we’ve seen in a boat of this size. It also holds its beam vertically as well, and that additional bottom width has a big impact on performance. With more surface area to carry the load, the Starweld Fusion Pro planes easily, even with less than maximum power, and stays on plane at surprisingly low speeds. Not only does this greatly contribute to the boat’s overall handling, it reduces rolling while enhancing fuel economy as well.

The wide, deep cockpit provides plenty of space, making the Starweld seem larger than it actually is.

The other noteworthy point on the hull of Starweld 18 Fusion Pro DC is that it has a huge splash well, making this a great offshore troller. The transom has a central notch to allow the engine to be tilted fully upright, with space on either side for a pair of removable stern seats. The seats are comfortable enough for running out to the fishing spots, while the ability to remove the cushions opens up a lot of critical space in the corners. It makes it much easier to set aft-mounted downriggers, for example, or net hooked fish before they become entangled in other lines. Wide gunnels and plenty of flat surfaces across the transom facilitate mounting downriggers, rod holders and other accessories.

Removable transom seats stow conveniently out of the way when it’s time to start trolling.

The floor in the Starweld 18 Fusion Pro DC is a durable marine vinyl, which provides a secure grip, wears like iron, and makes for easy end-of-day cleanups. A large floor panel between the console seats opens to reveal a large in-floor rod locker, with a lid support allowing both hands to be used to stow or retrieve equipment. There are additional enclosed rod storage lockers located in each gunnel.

The full walk-through windshield provides excellent protection when driving against cold winds or rain.

The twin passenger and helm consoles are neatly designed with sculpted fiberglass tops, each boasting a large drink holder. The passenger console features a large glove box for safely stowing small valuables, with a storage shelf and a compartment for gear bags below. The helm console on our review boat featured a Yamaha digital multi-gauge on the left-hand side, a combination tach and fuel gauge to right, and a flush-mounted Humminbird Helix 5 in the center. A row of backlit toggle switches control accessories such as the lights, live well and bilge pump, while a large, padded black steering wheel with comfort grips and chrome spokes and center cap feels great and looks even better. SeaStar hydraulic steering is standard, as is a Jensen MS3A stereo with Bluetooth streaming capability, so it can play music directly from any phone or tablet.

The attractive helm console includes a flush-mount Humminbird Helix 5, SeaStar hydraulic steering and Jensen stereo with Bluetooth connectivity.

With its dual consoles, the Starweld 18 Fusion Pro DC has a full walk-through windshield that provides excellent protection against cold morning air or, in the case of our review ride, rain. The windshield, supported by twin console arms for extra bracing, closes firmly and does not rattle when driven through a rough chop. It’s high enough to provide real protection, yet still low enough to not get in the way when casting.

A single step through the walk-through windshield leads to the spacious raised bow casting deck.

Step up on the large, raised bow casting deck and that last point becomes clear – you don’t even notice the windshield even when you have two anglers fishing side-by-side. Like the main cockpit, the deck surface is finished in a hard-wearing vinyl, with a large storage compartment forward of the swivel seat base and a 30-gallon aerated live well aft. The live well even includes a removable bait bucket for added versatility. Far forward, an elevated pad provides the ideal spot to mount a pedal-controlled electric motor. An adjacent panel includes the power plug, a courtesy light, and a trim switch for the big motor.

In-floor rod storage, plus additional rod lockers in the gunnels, keep expensive tackle safely out of sight when not in use.

Rated to handle outboards of up to 150 horsepower, the Starweld 18 Fusion Pro DC is a joy to drive. Even if rigged with less than maximum power,  its wide hull encourages the boat to plane easily even under a heavy load, and it responds promptly to the controls.

With their solid build and great looks, it’s little wonder why welded aluminum boats like Starweld’s 18 Fusion Pro DC continue to grow in popularity. If you haven’t taken one for a spin, perhaps you should. You might just be surprised.