January 5th 2012.
By Lenny Rudow

Starcraft Starfish 176 Boat Test Notes

This seventeen foot fishing boat has high gunnels, perfect for fishing with the kids.

Overview: An aluminum dual-console fishing machine that can handle big water.

Concept

Versatility and reliability are the two key words Starcraft likes to keep in mind, with this boat.

Starcraft Starfish 176 Performance Data
Construction

A .10 aluminum hull bottom supports a pressure-treated plywood deck (which has a lifetime guarantee).
Sturdy, tall windshield provides lots of protection and won’t wiggle when you shake it.
Rubbery non-skid deck is extremely grippy.
Seams and transom corners are double-rivited, for extra strength.

Performance

With a 90-hp. ETEC outboard, this boat cruises at around 30-mph and approaches 40 at top-end.
Hole shot is excellent.

Handling

Four-keel hull design grabs the water in sharp turns, but prop tends to blow out if you make them too tight.
Takes waves well for its size.

Starcraft Starfish 176 specifications
Features

Deep foredeck gives a real feeling of security.
Beam is carried far forward, making for lots of fishing room.
Rodbox in the foredeck is HUGE- it holds 11 rigs.
Seats are surprisingly comfy for a boat of this size and nature.
* The Starcraft Starfish 176 has been named one of the Top 10 Fishing Boats of 2012.

About the author:

Lenny Rudow

Profile: Lenny Rudow is Senior Editor for Dominion Marine Media, including Boats.com and Yachtworld.com. With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, he has contributed to publications including Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design who has won 28 BWI and OWAA writing awards.
Website: http://blog.boats.com/2012/08/video-bio-lenny-rudow/
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This feature was posted on Thursday, January 5th, 2012 at 7:40 am and is filed under Boat Test Notes.