(Boat and Motor)
(Boat w/ 150hp)
Starcraft’s EXS Series puts third-tube performance within range of most budgets with its Sport Package coming standard and other upgrade packages available to help dial in your specific needs. It’s designed to perform well, but is a lot more than just your average performance-driven pontoon.
Highlights
The standard black exterior rails help set the tone for a sporty look. Combined with the power Bimini top (which is also included by the way), it gives you the start of a high-end beauty. As you step on board, the cream vinyl seats are very conservative for a high-end feel and we absolutely love that the only color (other than the lighted cupholders) is the blue accent in the logo and the vinyl piping that give this interior a subtle pop of color. It’s a classy look that will never go out of style. The optional Infinity Teak Weave flooring helps complete the luxurious look the manufacturer was most likely going for when first envisioning the look of this interior.
For the captain, the full fiberglass helm console includes a couple of multi-function analog gauges with additional room to customize the dash as needed. This is also where the Jensen Bluetooth stereo controls are located along with a row of rocker switches and a USB port. If we’re being picky, it would be nice to see additional USB ports for the passengers as part of the standard features so everyone can stay charged up when on board.
The identical dual helm chairs slide, swivel and recline and just behind those mid-sized seats are two rear-facing chaise lounges that wrap around to the extra-wide gate in the stern. Speaking of wide, the grab rails on the stainless four-step boarding ladder are spaced out nicely for easier boarding, and the extended stern deck gives you plenty of room outside the gate with the standard swimdeck. There is even a tall ski pylon, which will get plenty of good use on this boat, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
Of course with a performance pontoon you need room to stow those water toys, so the optional in-floor ski locker that is 17 inches deep and over 8 feet long inside makes a lot of sense.
Inspection
Below deck, the three pontoons are 25 inches in diameter with lifting strakes on both sides of the center tube and on the insides of the outer ones. The hull design also includes an all-welded aluminum transom and full “heavy hat” understructure. Up top, the rail height varies from 24.5 inches tall in the bow to nearly 28 inches tall around the rest of the perimeter of the boat.
Affordable performance is what this series is known for and when paired with the Yamaha 250hp four-stroke this pontoon really delivered. Our 0-to-20-mph time of just over 4 seconds got us up on plane quickly as we comfortably reached the mid 40 mph mark at full throttle.
Final Thoughts
When attempting to select the right all-around boat that will please everyone in your family, it can be a little difficult but this Starcraft has plenty of key features that will check a lot of boxes. It performs well with a great setup for water sports, plus the comfort for those days when you just want to cruise around.
Full Fiberglass Console, Black Exterior Rails, Power Bimini Top, Telescoping Ladder, Third Tube Performance Pkg., Extended Rear Deck.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Center Tube Storage, Infinity Teak Weave Flooring, Playpen Cover, Lighted Cupholders.