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2024 Starcraft LX 20 CB

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

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If you’re in the market for your first pontoon boat or simply looking to add an easy to use pontoon package, the Starcraft LX 20 may be the answer you’ve been searching for.

The list of standard inclusions demystifies and simplifies the shopping experience, which we found ourselves upon testing a pontoon with only one option – a playpen cover. Brilliant packaging from the Starcraft family whose 100 plus years of building quality boats is a testament to their customer first commitment.

From the outside, the LX20 delivers great curb appeal with traditional fencing dressed in elegant styling cues and aluminum 1 ¼” anodized rails. New buyers will appreciate that the risers that are incorporated on the base of the rails, which lifts the fencing off the floor and creates a passage for water to move through to avoid pooling or potential mold buildup.

The LX20 CB carries an LOA of 20’10” with an 8’ beam, creating lots of space for entertaining guests in a trailer friendly and garage storeable package. She is rated to run with up to 90HP, and I was pleased to see the dealer equipped her with a 60 HP outboard engine for our test. This type of pontoon is all about calmly creating memories for you and your family, so while you won’t often be the fastest down the lake you will arrive in style with smiles all around.

Her undercarriage features 23” pontoon tubes and the same heavy construction standards that Starcraft uses across their entire pontoon lineup. Marine grade plywood is used on the flooring creating a lasting experience, which Starcraft stands behind with their ‘Lifetime Plus 6’ warranty. The warranty package offers lifetime coverage on decks, tubes, and transoms, along with 6 years on marine grade flooring. Check their website for further details. Either way, this is awesome coverage.

Our test boat was equipped with a Suzuki DF60 fuel injected, four-stroke engine which was sure to take care of business once we got out on the water. Knowing the DF60 model incorporates a larger lower unit gave me confidence that maneuvering the boat would be a breeze.

Everything I have mentioned so far is standard. But wait, I am just getting started.

As we moved towards the interior, I noticed an 8’ bimini which creates exceptional shade for the non-sun lovers or those seeking to take a break. This is also great cover in the event of a light rain fall. Standard.

I next took note of the high back lounge seats that rise several inches above the fencing. This offers luxurious comfort in all seating positions. Standard.

Seating choices are smartly designed in this package, starting with the opposing bow loungers which combined offer spacious room for 5 adults, 6 if you’re ‘close’. I noted the lounger forward of the helm offered plenty of legroom for an afternoon of relaxation or perhaps a wee nap. Across from the helm there is an L-shaped lounger where 3–4 friends fit easily here. If you really wanted you could add a dinette table in this space – I wouldn’t but that’s a personal choice. The helm seat itself is on a slider and swivel and the armrests are comfortably positioned. The home run for me is the plush two-person seat on the stern. This is an exceptional perch for sitting at a sandbar or your favorite beach, watching your kids play in the water and creating memories. And yes, it’s all standard.

The extended stern swim platform creates a roomy space for guests who may want to cast a line, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a generously sized 5-step re-boarding ladder back here. Standard, of course.

I also noted that underneath all lounge seating, Starcraft features self-draining, rotomoulded seat bases for storing your gear. This means your stuff stays dry and there’s lots of space to store all the inevitable goodies that come onboard.

Years ago, pontoon boats were only available with carpeted flooring, and while comfortable on the toes, carpet creates its own unique set of challenges in marine environments. Fast forward to today and Starcraft offers Sea Weave comfort flooring on the LX20. Your benefit is a low maintenance and simple to clean flooring solution. Any guesses? You bet, Sea Weave flooring is also standard.

The rotomoulded helm (which will never rot) is functional and efficient with a tachometer, fuel gauge, and toggle switches for various onboard electrical controls.

Once we were safely out of the marina and easing onto the open water, I tested the Suzuki lower unit by fully turning the boat in a confined loop. She maneuvered perfectly and is sure to make even the most novice captain proud of their docking efforts.

Out on the water, we found hole shots in the 4 second range which exceeded my expectations. Once we were in the open, I activated my handheld GPS to test cruising and top speeds and once again came away impressed. She purrs along at modest cruising speeds of 13 and 15 mph and we found our way to a top speed of 21 mph. Note that I was running solo with a full tank of fuel and only basic safety equipment – results will vary.

I truly enjoyed running this boat. The simplicity made for a pleasurable experience, her performance was exactly where I expected, and she truly was both easy and fun to drive.

Your Starcraft LX 20 CB will seldom be the fastest boat on the lake, but thanks to smart packaging and a healthy and lengthy list of standards she will absolutely create memories for those seeking to get out and experience their local waters. Job well done by the Starcraft team.