It’s the little added details that often make the biggest difference, and there’s something about this SVX 231 IO that feels extra inviting. Maybe it’s how the black and grey interior flows so well with the exterior monochromatic hull with blackout badging. Or possibly the use of SeaDek flooring throughout, which is all custom-made on-site. Whatever it is, this deck boat clearly grabs your attention.  

As part of the executive package, the cool-touch black and gray vinyl dissipates heat faster than traditional vinyl. The dark-colored seats are gaining in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. The aggressive and sporty vibe they bring to a layout is now possible thanks to the cool-touch technology.

Rated for up to 14 people, this boat has plenty of seats for everyone, including two chaise lounges in the bow with a slight angle for the backrests, and a U-shaped seating area in the stern with a walkway so you don’t have to step on your furniture to access the swim deck. The multi-purpose lounger is part of the rear seating configuration, allowing you to sit either forward-facing or rear-facing. Below the lounger, the inboard MerCruiser 6.2L engine is hidden, and it’s easy to access with plenty of room to service the motor.

The aft swim deck is massive, and both the bow and the stern have a telescopic boarding ladder built into the deck that stows in its own compartment.

For the captain, the fiberglass helm console includes a variety of multi-function gauges in the center, with access to the Wet Sounds audio system controls to the right. It’s part of the stereo upgrade, which includes four speakers that sound amazing. Below is a panel of lighted rocker switches. Additionally, part of the dash features a depth finder and a shallow cubby for smaller items. The high-back captain’s chair slides, swivels, and reclines, and directly across is a second helm with a sink, USB port, and counter space to balance out the interior, featuring excellent storage below each one. Speaking of storage, the in-floor ski locker between the helms, which measures 8 feet long and 12 inches deep, is a great place to stow your water toys.

The SVX rides on a dihedral V hull with a stern pad that offers superior performance and fuel economy by reducing water resistance to the propeller. An integrated stringer system uses alternating layers of 24-ounce woven roving and 60 millimeters of fiberglass to fully encapsulate all stringers and components. Starcraft Marine began building quality boats in 1903, and regardless of the price, you can always count on the gel coat and overall fiberglass work to be of outstanding quality.

Powered with the upgraded 300hp, MerCruiser 6.2L Bravo I/O engine, we easily reached the 50 mph mark at full throttle after a zero-to-20 mph time of 5.3 seconds. She dives into the tight corners as expected with the dihedral V hull, and the overall handling is effortless and very responsive.

We see a lot of added value in this performance deck boat that comes in at a budget-friendly price point with a solid mix of options and standard features. The power of the upgraded MerCruiser engine helps support the sporty look of the deck boat, and as tested, we love the complete package.

Auto Bilge, Bow Platform w/Boarding Ladder, Bow & Stern SeaDek, Bimini Top & Storage Boot, Flip-Up Bolster, Gauge Pkg., In-Floor Storage, Wet Sounds MC-5 Stereo w/Bluetooth, Wet Sounds Speakers, 6-Year Blister Warranty, Lifetime Hull Warranty, Marine-Grade UV Stable Upholstery, Mooring Cleats, Premium Helm Chair, and 4.5L 250hp Sterndrive Engine.

Executive Pkg,: Solid Color Hull, Cool-Touch Blackout Upholstery, & Highback Helm, Audio Plus 225 Pkg., Docking Lights, Dual Battery System, Depth Finder, Mercury Smartcraft Gauge, Cockpit SeaDek, SS Bimini Top, and Cockpit Cover.