NauticStar water-tests every boat that leaves its factory, a step many boatbuilders fail to take. The result is the proof of the design and construction, and assurance of quality for the boat buyer. It’s representative of an attitude to deliver value, a thing NauticStar built its reputation upon.

The 274 Bay boasts wood-free construction. Its internal structure will not rot. Hand-laid fiberglass ensures each layer is bubble-free and properly saturated with resin. NauticStar bonds the hull and deck using adhesive sealant and a stainless-steel fastener every 3 inches, resulting in a super-strong bond that doesn’t leak—or groan and creak. A vinylester barrier coat makes for durable hulls that resist cracking and osmotic blistering, promoting longer hull life. Gelcoat is precision-sprayed—not too thin and not too thick—resulting in a deep, long-lasting shine. Waterproof Deutsch connectors are used in rigging the electrical system. And NauticStar custom-sews its upholstery in-house. These build and rigging attributes instill confidence on the water and in long-term ownership.

The 274 Bay will delight anglers. There are three livewells/baitwells (42, 21 and 13 gallons) located in the console and aft, which keep bait livelier than forward livewells. Plus, the aft recirculating pump is rated at 500 gph, and the Max Air system is standard. Store your gear in two hatches with a total of 237 quarts of capacity. The fish box at 43 gallons is bull-red-size. The 274 Bay offers lockable storage for eight rods, six vertical rod holders and four gunwale rod holders. At the helm, two 12-inch Simrad Evo touchscreen MFDs come standard. The boat has acres of space, thanks to its 9-foot beam.

Niceties include premium stitched upholstery, which looks great and lasts long. Two jump seats are located in the aft cockpit, and a swim platform is on the transom. Music comes courtesy the standard Fusion stereo with Bluetooth and four speakers.

Seeking a bay boat that’s thoughtfully laid out, equipped with tons of options, and comes built like you’re going to challenge Mother Nature to a brawl? Check out the NauticStar 274 Bay.

High Points

• Wood-free, three-piece construction is built for the long haul.
• Waterproof Deutsch connectors used in the wiring are a mark of quality.
• Custom-stitched upholstery made in-house looks great.
• Two 12-inch Simrad Evo touchscreens.
• Standards include three livewells/baitwells and locking storage for eight rods.
• Wide beam provides plenty of room to fish.

Pricing and Specs

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If you’re a hardcore angler, but you also like to spend time onboard with the family enjoying watersports, cruising or just hanging out on the hook, the 251 Hybrid delivers exactly what its name implies: a multi-purpose boat for the family that wants to do it all.

Where to start? How about with the aft casting platform that comes standard with comfy SeaDek flooring. The casting deck features built-in storage and a 40-quart cooler, accessible from the water when you’re taking a swim off the transom. Flip up the transom jump seat to create a cockpit conversation pit, or for a comfortable cruising seat on the ride out of the inlet.

The bow also proved itself another great social-gathering point, with a cushioned love seat in front of the console and the wraparound bolsters on the U-lounge serving double duty as backrests or to provide fish-fighting comfort. Add in the seat cushions when it’s time to chill and stow them away when it’s time to fish. Backrests flip out from the gunwales to create forward-facing lounges. A 45-quart Yeti cooler comes with a snap-on cushion to complete the U-lounge in the bow.

If your kids enjoy watersports, opt for the ski tower, which can be black or white powder-coated aluminum to match your boat’s color package. It raises the tow point above the outboard so that the rope won’t hit the engine’s cowling.

Ready to wet a line? Stowage space under the bow seats hide a rod locker and an insulated fish box. There’s a 15-gallon livewell under the forward console seat and a 16-gallon one in the aft deck. Between the rod holders in the T-top, the gunwales and the rod locker, the boat can hold 21 fishing rods. At the helm, there’s room to vertically flush-mount two large MFDs for your electronics package.

As for performance, the boat can be rigged with a Yamaha outboard ranging from 250 to 350 horsepower. With a Yamaha F300, NauticStar reported a top speed of 52.5 mph. It found its optimal cruising speed of 24 mph at 3,000 rpm, burning 6.4 gph. NauticStar also recorded a time of 3.81 seconds to plane and a zero to 30 mph time of just 5.5 seconds.

High Points

⋅The standard SeaDek flooring on the aft casting platform increases your comfort underfoot while increasing the boat’s dockside appeal.

⋅Standard livewells both fore and aft mean that fresh bait will always be in reach when you’re offshore.

⋅The built-in cooler in the aft deck and the removable Yeti cooler at the bow mean cold beverages also will always be in reach when you’re hanging out.

⋅Bring your kid’s soccer team aboard. There’s seating for all to cruise comfortably.

Specs

LOA: 25′2″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 1′5″

Dry Weight: 3,650 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 12/1,733 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 75 gal.

Available Power: Yamaha outboards to 350 hp

Price: $78,499 (base)

More Information

NauticStar Boats – Armory, Mississippi, 662-200-4664;nauticstarboats.com

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NauticStar built its reputation crafting boats of value and performance, solid reasons to be named the Official Bay Boat of the Louisiana CCA Star Tournament. The boatbuilder’s Hybrid series of boats exemplifies this pedigree. Versatility proves paramount aboard these three outboard-powered boats. The largest of these is the 251 Hybrid.

With its sleek and stylish contours, this 25-foot addition to NauticStar’s Hybrid lineup offers a fresh look. It’s a unique multipurpose vessel, big enough to combine the features of a family-friendly pleasure boat with those of a tournament-ready fishing platform. The 251 Hybrid’s aft deck is covered with SeaDek faux teak decking for good-looking durability, and the oversize fold-down jump seat converts this area into a roomy fishing platform. The boat also features a nice stowage area and NauticStar’s integrated SmartStar access hatch, which makes it easy to access pumps, batteries and the bilge area as a whole. Also there’s a 40-quart swim-up cooler that makes it a snap to grab a cold beverage while enjoying the water.

Other features include an Infinity PRV 315 Bluetooth stereo with JBL marine speakers and the premium Llebroc seating with flip-up bolsters, folding armrests and footrests. There’s a galley with a sink and cutting board, and the bow boasts flip-out backrests, a large insulated fish box, rod locker and a 45-quart YETI cooler. Forward and aft livewell/baitwells and stowage for up to 21 rods add to the 251 Hybrid’s fishability. The console floor drops down for an optional head, and the console dash provides ample room for electronics at the helm. Each 251 Hybrid — in fact each and every NauticStar boat — gets water-tested before shipping from the factory. There is no wood used in the construction of a NauticStar boat, and the marine vinyl-ester barrier coat provides a quality long-lasting gelcoat finish It’s for reasons such as these that NauticStar offers a limited-lifetime hull warranty.

Powered by your choice of Yamaha outboards with 250 or 350 horsepower, the 251 Hybrid provides performance whether you’re pulling the crew on a tube or chasing a trophy catch.

High Points

• Wood-free construction and vinyl-ester barrier coat enhance durability.
• Proprietary SmartStar access hatch provides unmatched access to the bilge, pumps and more.
• Planing pods and air-assist chines aid acceleration and performance.
• Stainless-steel wheel with a power knob.
• Stowage for 21 fishing rods along with both fore and aft baitwells enhance fishability.

Price: $74,908 (base)

NauticStar Boats – Amory, Mississippi; 662-200-4664; nauticstarboats.com

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NauticStar calls the 265 XTS a beast of a bay boat, ready to take the most-ardent ­anglers to the action in safety, style and comfort. We say it’s ready for waters ­inshore and off — and most especially perfect for those whose fishing takes them across large, open expanses of water en route to shallow, protected honey-hole hot spots. For anglers fishing the shallows, the 265 XTS’s 14-inch draft is ready to chase game fish into skinny water. When it comes time to run back home, the planing pods and air-assist chines incorporated into the hull of this 4,200-pound boat promises the quick acceleration we experienced during our test. Heading outside the inlet? Forty degrees of deadrise at the entry neatly splits chop, and the boat’s beefy displacement provides stability and a confident feel. The latter was proven on test day as high winds and 3- to 4-foot waves made for absolutely snotty conditions. Still, the NauticStar 265 XTS shined, in our opinion, slicing through a head sea with finesse and delivering a surprisingly soft re-entry. With a 300 hp Yamaha outboard mounted to the standard 6-inch Atlas hydraulic jack plate (an option aboard many boats), we could really dial in the ride for performance. The 265 XTS planed in a quick 3.8 seconds and rocketed to a top speed that peaked at 52.8 mph.

Standards are many, with an obvious slant toward the angler. Expansive casting decks are found both at the bow and stern. Rod storage is abundant, from inwales to forward lockers to multiple rocket launchers. A generous 43-gallon fish box is centered at the bow. Ten Plano boxes are found below side-by-side hatches center and ­starboard; cast-net and bucket storage awaits to port. Three livewells/baitwells are standard-issue, split between a ­13-gallon well below the forward console seat, a 21-gallon well with transparent lid behind the leaning post, and a 42-gallon tub aft. The 35-quart cooler located below yet another casting-deck hatch is a genuine Yeti.

Though much of the 265 seems devoted to fishy business, NauticStar hasn’t overlooked comfort. A trio of jump seats is ­hidden within the aft casting deck until their backrests are pivoted into view. Atop the console livewell is another favorite spot with a generously padded backrest. And then there’s the exceptional leaning post with its ergonomically correct Llebroc seating featuring flip-up bolsters, folding armrests and a pivot-down footrest bar.

High Points
* Powder-coated hardtop pipework stylishly integrates with the console; the windshield can remain in place, hinge down for ventilation, or be removed entirely.
* Helm boasts real estate for dual 12-inch displays. Standards include Yamaha digital gauges, lighted stainless-steel push-button switches, Infinity PRV350 stereo, and SeaDek-covered top with flush-mounted compass.
* In-console head compartment includes gelcoat-finished interior and acrylic console door.

Price: $111,685 (with test power)

How We Tested
Engine: 300 hp Yamaha F300
Prop: Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 1/4″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 74 gal.
Crew Weight: 355 lb.

More Information
NauticStar – Amory, Mississippi; 662-200-4664; nauticstarboats.com

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NauticStar designs boats for professional and recreational anglers, families and other recreational boaters, in bay, deck and offshore styles — more than two dozen models in all, and they’ve been doing it for 25 years. Pride shows in wood-free construction, limited lifetime hull warranty, and a vinylester barrier coat that’s durable, resistant to cracking and corrosion, and always shiny.

Big, comfortable and ready to fish, its one-piece, molded and foam-filled stringer system is tougher than those made of components, the company says. Spaces between elements of the stringer skeleton are also foam-filled for flotation, sound dampening and vibration reduction.

The fiberglass inner liner is also single-piece molded, meeting the hull shoe-box-style, bonded to the hull with a stainless-steel fastener every 2 inches, then sealed.

The 2602 Legacy’s helm offers space for a pair of 12-inch screens behind a curved windshield. Within the console, a large head compartment is fiberglass-lined with a sink, mirror, and SeaDek flooring; you can opt to add a portable toilet. A fiberglass T-top shades the console.

The new leaning post features ergonomically correct double-wide seating with flip-up bolsters, a 21-gallon baitwell, and freshwater washdown. It also boasts a rocket launcher and tackle drawers.

Three-across aft seating tops a 50-gallon fish box and 18-gallon cooler. Portside is a 30-gallon baitwell. SeaDek finishing on the boarding ladder and port and aft transom landings provide reassurance when taking a dip or wrestling a fish aboard.

• Fiberglass lids are finished on both sides and watertight.
• Deutsch electrical connections are watertight.
• Cast-net bucket storage in the sole.
• Freshwater system is standard.
• Lifetime hull warranty for added value.

Price
$102,978 (base with dual Yamaha 150s)

Contact
NauticStar Boats Amory, Mississippi; 662-256-5636; nauticstarboats.com

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Our host had just slipped the NauticStar 211 Angler and us into the water, and while he drove to the parking area, we took note of our surroundings. The 211 Angler boasted a wide beam from stern to stem and a wide center console with a large windshield that we wouldn’t fully appreciate on this balmy day.

We spotted a 20-gallon livewell under one hatch and a beefy cooler on the centerline. The easy step to the bow will be appreciated when fighting fish, hauling anchor, or just dipping a toe in the water while drifting in a bay. There was a boarding ladder astern — a standard on the 211 Angler.

We took note that there was something else besides the fishability. Roomy, comfortable seating abounded from stowaway cushions fore and aft. These weren’t just flat pads; the combination of cushions and coaming bolsters made them very comfortable seats. Real seats. On the forward seats, flip-out backrests turned the lounge into a forward-facing seat.

When our host returned to the boat, he said, “My wife says this is the perfect boat.” One of our tech-team members nodded in agreement. “If there could be one, this comes the closest,” he remarked. “My family likes hardcore fishing,” he continued. “If we have to give some up for cushy seating, we will. We prefer open water or a stout outboard motor as a backdrop to our hero-shot selfies, and while we could appreciate the comfort on this boat, we wouldn’t accept it at the expense of its fishability.”

They wouldn’t have to. Yes, there was comfort all around this 8-foot-6-inch beam platform, but it wouldn’t get in the way of a good day’s catch in most conditions. We could cast a net from the bow or stern, or, when done casting, sip some tea in a reclined position. More convenience can be had by adding an optional head to the changing compartment beneath the console. A full Bimini top shaded the cockpit. The rig is ideal for fishing the inlet, scalloping on the flats, or pulling the kids on tubes.

The test boat lacked only two things: a stout rod and a livewell full of feisty fish — or a cooler full of drinks and a party crew of music-loving sunbathers. Any of those could be fun on the NauticStar 211 Angler.

High Points
*Bluetooth-equipped stereo is standard.
*Recessed cleats avoid tangling lines and nets.
*Reinforced trolling-motor deck at the bow
*Aft jump seats fold out of the casting deck.
*Vented chines give an aggressive look and are said to improve acceleration.

How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F150
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Powertech 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.86:1
Fuel Load: 20 gal.
Crew Weight: 440 lb.

Price
$51,019 (as tested)

Contact
NauticStar Armory, Mississippi; 662-256-5636; nauticstarboats.com

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NauticStar pitches the 231 Angler as a craft that will change the way you boat. It certainly offers features to satisfy a variety of masters. Anglers will appreciate the generous 3-foot-6-inch-deep bow casting deck, covered in nonskid. Step into the bow cockpit, remove the seat cushions, and you’ve got a secondary casting deck. Three separate insulated coolers/fish boxes are found below. A 20-gallon livewell is housed below the seat in front of the 231 Angler’s center-console. A friction hinge guarantees the lid won’t slap down on unsuspecting fingers. Another 27-gallon livewell is found below the aft bench. Flip the latter’s seat backs down and you’ve got yet another 6-foot-8-inch by 3-foot-2-inch casting platform. Rod storage is found under each gunwale. A pair of rod holders for trolling are standard aft.

Family time? Those same wraparound forward bow seats invite passengers to stretch out in comfort. Add optional backrests to make forward-facing lounges. That perch atop the forward livewell is comfortably padded, as are the three seats that make up the aft bench. A removable 94-quart Igloo cooler is tucked below the leaning post. Add some ice and those livewells also do double duty. Keep everyone happy with the standard Bimini, Bluetooth-equipped Infinity stereo, and a roomy head compartment below the console. Its lockable door also makes it a great spot for safe storage of your gear.

The 231 Angler is built on NauticStar’s STAR Performance System hull, featuring shallow-water draft for beaching and fishing in skinny waters, air-assist chines and aft planing pods for improved acceleration, and a deep forward V to deliver a smooth ride. With a Yamaha F200 outboard, the boat planed in 3.3 seconds and reached 30 mph in a quick 5.8. Top speed was a satisfying 48 mph. That’s more than enough performance to handle that third master — kids wanting to tube, ski and board.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Fish-friendly amenities include multiple casting decks, two livewells, insulated fish boxes and rod storage.
*Family features include ­expansive seating, standard Bimini, Bluetooth stereo and roomy console head compartment.
*STAR Performance System hull delivers shallow draft, air-assist chines and planing pods to enhance acceleration, and a deep forward V for a smooth ride.
*With a Yamaha F200 outboard, the boat planed in 3.3 seconds and reached 30 mph in a quick 5.8, all of which ensures thrilling ski, wakeboard and tubing adventures for your crew.
*Top speed is a satisfying 48 mph with a 200 hp Yamaha outboard.

How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F200 XB
Prop: Reliance 14¼” x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 20 gal.
Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Price
$55,794 (with test power)

Contact
NauticStar Amory, Mississippi; 662-256-5636; nauticstarboats.com

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NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

We Say: Outboard power, combined with a build more resembling a fish boat than most deck boats, makes NauticStar’s 243 DC ideal for coastal boaters. Its self-bailing cockpit couples with its single-piece stringer grid and a hull-to-deck joint bonded with Plexus adhesive to create a boat that’s safe and durable when used where waves and chop are the norm. The outboard tilts clear of the water for superior resistance to the ravages of corrosion.

With Yamaha’s F250 pushing, we bested 51 mph and hit 30 mph in six seconds. The 243 DC crested wakes at high speed without undue rattle, bang or hum. The boat features vented chines, performance enhancers that give some boats a skittish feel, but I threw the wheel hard over at high speed and never got that hinky feel of operating on the edge. This boat’s handling is spirited, but confident.

I felt the anchor locker hatch was too small — the locker itself is actually quite large for this size boat — to fit an appropriate-size anchor. Otherwise, the cockpit layout ticked the right boxes. There’s a walk-in changing room in the portside console, with an option for an electric-flush marine head. Other available options included a generously sized livewell, a Lowrance Elite sonar and GPS combo, and an Infinity stereo with Bluetooth. Leatherlike vinyl upholsters the seats.

Who’d Want One: Boaters seeking a rugged, yet refined, saltwater deck boat.

Another Choice: Hurricane‘s V-hull SunDeck SD 237 OB ($66,717 with a Yamaha F225)

Bottom Line: $67,788 (with test power); nauticstarboats.com

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NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

There is little mystery as to why NauticStar’s 243 DC delivered a solid, confidence-inspiring ride during our test. The 243 DC is built with a one-piece molded stringer grid, bonded to the hull with a special adhesive from Plexus. This is a great family boat for tubing, touring or partying in a cove. But it’s got build qualities akin to those of boats that range far offshore.

With a single 250 hp Yamaha F250 outboard motor on the transom, the 3,400-pound 243 DC whooshed us to a top speed of 51.6 mph, spinning a 20-inch-pitch stainless-steel prop. Savvy shoppers will note the vented chines that NauticStar labels as “air-assist” and should check out the planing pods on the hull while inspecting this boat at a show or dealership. During acceleration trials, we recorded a time to plane of about four seconds and consistently zoomed from 0 to 30 mph in about six seconds. Naturally, the F250’s corrosion resistance, and its ability to tilt completely clear of the water, should weigh heavily in the decision-making of any boater considering plying salty coastal waters. After all, the walk-through windshield arrangement that makes the 243 DC a great family boat also allows it to compete with sterndrive-powered bowriders and deck boats for family boaters seeking a new waterborne conveyance.

The self-bailing cockpit is another blue-water feature of the 243 DC that even boaters who never leave the bay or lake can appreciate. It makes the boat safer and less reliant on bilge pumps and makes it easier to hose out sand and snacks that hit the deck. Of course, the wraparound cockpit seating, covered in leatherlike upholstery, will probably impress your guests even more. Then there’s the fully enclosed walk-in changing room in the portside console. Aboard our test boat, an optional electric-flush marine head was installed here. Some of the other optional goodies installed aboard our test boat were the generously sized livewell, a Lowrance Elite sonar and GPS combo, and an Infinity stereo with Bluetooth and preset feature.

For coastal boaters seeking a deck boat with more shallow-draft capability and corrosion resistance than sterndrive-powered boats, NauticStar’s 243 DC ranks as a must-see. Heck, any boater seeking a deck boat or bowrider ought to check this one out just to get a baseline for the word quality.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Planing pods and chine vents help this NauticStar to literally fly.
*Changing room is roomy, and it even can feature an optional head.
*Offshore build qualities reside in a trailerable family fun boat.

Specs
LOA: 24’3″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 3,373 lb. (without engine)
Seating/Weight Capacity: 12/2,000 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 66 gal.

How We Tested
Engine: 250 hp Yamaha F250 outboard
Drive/Prop: Outboard/15″ x 20″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 360 lb.

Price
$72,913 (as tested)

Contact
NauticStar
Amory, Mississippi; 662-256-5636; nauticstarboats.com

The post NauticStar 243 DC appeared first on Boating Mag.

There’s room for 10 crew members divided between the U-shaped aft lounge and parallel bow lounges, with ample space for gear in the finished stowage compartments below. A chaise lounge aft of the helm is the perfect spot to recline and keep an eye on swimming kids while anchored at your favorite cove. The bow platform offers space for boarding or fishing, plus covered boarding ladder and anchor locker, and an insulated cooler. It can be converted into a livewell and drains overboard. Additional options include a platform casting chair and trolling motor.

NauticStar mixes a shallow transom deadrise, for stability, with a full V-forward to slice through chop. An air-assist chine releases water to enhance lift and deliver quicker planing. Powered by a Yamaha F150, our test boat jumped onto plane in four seconds and topped out at an even 44 mph.

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