As a family-owned and operated company, Splendor is best known for the performance of its catamaran hulls. The hull design was perfected generations ago and shines most when cutting across rough water. However, for this manufacturer, performance is only the beginning. The use of space, layout, attention to detail, and quality craftsmanship on this 259 SunStar should not be overlooked.

You can’t appreciate the stability until you step onto the bow. There is no side-to-side listing as with a non-catamaran hull. This is part of the secret sauce behind this proven hull that Splendor was founded on. There is a large platform for easy dock access with a well-hidden boarding ladder/anchor locker in the bow. As you step down into the boat, there are two large bench seats with recessed speakers and cupholders for your passengers upfront, plus USB ports to keep everyone comfortable and plugged in.

All the upholstery, canvas, and even the wiring harnesses are built in-house to control the quality, and it shows. We love the white and gray color scheme with navy blue accents for the vinyl seating, and it is as comfortable as it looks. Below the seats, the fiberglass storage compartments help keep your items protected.

Having multiple tiers throughout the boat helps with transitions between sections. As you step up between the dual helm consoles, there is a wraparound windshield and two sporty bucket helm chairs for the captain and co-captain. The 9-inch Garmin digital dash display is offset at the console with a wireless phone charger and lighted push buttons below.

Directly across from the helm, the first mate has access to the Fusion stereo controls, plus this is where you’ll find one of the deepest head compartments in the deck boat segment. Just behind the captain’s chair is a sink with a washdown hose that runs off a 13-gallon freshwater tank. This hull is also capable of sterndrive power, so there is an extremely deep storage compartment below the rear bench seat where the engine would normally be if you opt for the outboard version.

Hidden under a different bench seat in the stern is a built-in insulated fiberglass cooler. Out on the swim deck is a stainless steel ski/tow bar and a second boarding ladder.

No wood is used in the construction of this boat, and during production, each fiberglass layer is hand-laid by an assembly team as the hull is built. Below deck, the gelcoat work is clean and consistent, and up top, the boat earned high marks for its quality and craftsmanship. The hidden areas are especially well done, including the wiring under the helm, which is bundled and well protected, with a well-labeled fuse box.

If you’re looking for a smooth ride and a shallow 12-inch draft with minimal bow rise, this legendary hull is what dreams are made of. She quickly comes on plane with the Mercury 300XL outboard with a zero-to-20 mph time of just 5 seconds. We reached a top speed near 50 mph, and with Mercury’s Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), the extremely tight turns were effortless.

While the catamaran’s ride and stability are its biggest selling points, the layout and features up top are just as impressive. We love all the hidden storage compartments and the thoughtful amenities on this model, which come at a favorable price point given what you get in return.

Wood-Free Construction, True Wraparound Windshield, Raised Cockpit, Pier-Level Access On Forward & Aft, Dual Captain’s Chairs, Underseat Storage, Fusion Premium Bluetooth AM/FM Radio, 9-inch Garmin Digital Dash Display, USB Charging Ports, Sink w/Spraydown, Rear Large Storage Compartment w/Step-Down, LED Docking Lights, Forward & Aft Boarding Ladders, DBD Sport Pod, Over Motor Ski/Tow, Oversized Head Area w/Pull-Out Tank, Sunbrella Bimini Top, Bow Cover & Cockpit Cover, and Windshield Cover.

Mercury 300XL DTS, Wide Gel Coat Stripe, CoolVibe Blue Light Pkg., and Insulated Seat Cooler.