2014 Starcraft Starfish 176

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Richard Crowder

Starcraft Marine of New Paris, Indiana began in 1903 by producing galvanized steel rowboats and has evolved into probably one of the most diversified pleasure boat manufacturers today. For 2014 Starcraft offers almost a hundred models of fishing, pontoon, bay, utility, and Jon boats plus deck boats and runabouts, some outboard powered, some sterndrive powered, and quite unique in the industry, some made of fibreglass while the majority of aluminum.

The Starfish 176 subject of this review is part of the twenty-six models in nine series of fishing boats ranging from sixteen to twenty-one feet; fourteen of which are aluminum construction, two of which are fibreglass. The aluminum-constructed Starfish 176, at 17-feet, eight inches length overall on a seven-foot, eight-inch beam, comes in two variations; a dual-console (176 DC) with a tall, full walk-thru windshield, and a side console model (176 SC). Both models have identical specs and standard and optional features with the sole exception being that the side console variation does not offer the range of canvas options that the dual-console model does.

Starcraft seems to place considerable emphasis on what it refers to as “The Starcraft Difference” in how it constructs its boats, so let’s start here. It utilizes 5052 H34 marine grade aluminum which “resists dents, dings and corrosion for years of reliability.” Foam is injected between the floor and hull to eliminate air and water pockets for greater buoyancy and reduced noise. Full-length reverse chines “keeps the bow down during acceleration for faster hole shots and improved cornering, providing a drier ride.”

Starcraft uses 7-ply pressure treated in its floor and decks to resist warping and other effects of dampness. The Starfish 176 rides on Starcraft’s Power-Trac® hull which combines longitudinal, machine-formed ribs with Starcraft’s exclusive Torsion Beam Construction (TBC) stringer system “that flexes with the waves instead of against them, providing greater strength and a smoother ride.” Starcraft then adds a limited lifetime warranty on the hull and structure, plus a six-year warranty on all components, carpet, upholstery, and electronics. This warranty includes all parts and labour and is transferrable to the second owner.

Whether you prefer a side console or a dual console, the following features and amenities apply to both the 176 SC and 176 DC models. First off, three wood-free deluxe fishing seats are supplied standard and can be moved to any of the six in-floor bases provided; one on each fishing deck plus four within the cockpit. The driver’s seat is mounted on an adjustable slider. Additional seats are optionally available.

The carpeted raised bow casting deck features a port side 18-gallon livewell plus a starboard side in-floor storage compartment. A centre in-floor rod storage locker with easy accessibility from the helm position has dedicated rod storage tubes. A 12-volt trolling motor plug is standard on the extreme forward raised trolling motor mounting platform.

Both sides of the cockpit offer below gunnel storage compartments. The port side locker is long enough to accommodate even more of your fishing rods. A second even larger 30-gallon livewell occupies the port side of the rear casting deck while another storage compartment is found on this rear deck’s starboard side.

The very modern-looking molded helm of the Starfish 176 features full instrumentation consisting of two large gauges being a tachometer and a speedometer flanked by two smaller gauges being a voltmeter and a fuel gauge. An AM/FM stereo with MP3 port is standard equipment. A flat surface to the right of the instrument cluster is ideal for mounting an optional graph fish-finder. A power point is also supplied. A glove box is provided within the passenger console of the dual console model.

Notable options available for the Starfish 176 include a Power Pack Upgrade package which includes a Humminbird 728 fishfinder, a 55 PD trolling motor and a quick disconnect. An All Weather package for both models provides snap-in carpet for the standard vinyl flooring in the cockpit, a fisherman’s top, plus a mooring cover.

You can separately choose a bimini top with visor with or without a full enclosure and/or a snap-on cover. Other available options include a 2-bank battery charger, bow cushion set, swim platform with ladder, a ski tow, plus highly recommended hydraulic steering. Maximum rated horsepower for the Starfish 176 is 150 and you can choose your favourite brand from Evinrude, Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, or Yamaha.

Whether you prefer a dual console or a side console, Starcraft’s Starfish 176 offers the amenities you need for fishing at its finest.

2014 Starcraft Starfish 176 Photo Gallery

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