2009 Starcraft Super Fisherman 170 Sport

More than ever, boaters want a vessel that can do as much as they can. Although it’s widely held that families who boat together stay together, not every member’s idea of boating is the same. Versatility is the key to maintaining family boating peace.

Starcraft Marine has set itself up well to meet the demands of consumers who refuse to compromise on their variety of boating needs. Offering an extensive lineup – including aluminum fishing boats, fibreglass runabouts and deckboats, as well as pontoons – Starcraft understands many boating segments well. This is obvious in the company’s Super Fisherman 170 Sport – a serious fishing machine meets sporty family runabout.

Whether you’re on a fishing trip or a family cruise, everyone will appreciate the solid fit-and-finish and roomy feel of this boat. While the raised casting platform at the bow is carpeted, the spacious cockpit comes complete with vinyl floor for easy clean-up. If you’re interested in a bit of added comfort in the cockpit, snap-in carpeting is available as an option.

None of your friends will be left behind with a seating capacity for eight. The 170 Sport comes equipped with a pair of stern flip-up jump seats, sliding helm seat and two removable passenger seats. A single in-floor position is available in both the bow and at the stern, with three more in the cockpit area (including one at the port-side console).

If it’s fishing or watersports that takes this boat off the dock, there will not be any shortage of storage space with lockable in-floor rod storage, lockable port-side rod storage, open storage at both the port and starboard consoles, starboard side open storage, and storage compartments under both bow and stern casting decks. The lockable glove box on the port-side console will also allow you to keep small valuables, such as keys or a wallet, safe and secure.

Given the “Super Fisherman” name, you’d expect to find a host of fishing amenities on board – well, you won’t be disappointed. Fishing features include custom accessory rod tracks, an 18-gallon aerated bow livewell, 28- gallon aerated stern livewell and stepped transom for kicker motor. Flip down the transom jump seats to create a full-beam stern casting deck.

If family fun is on order, the optional swim platform and ladder will provide easy access for everyone on board. The AM/FM Stereo with MP3 plug and CD player with four speakers will keep spirits high during a day of family cruising and sports.

The helm is nicely protected from the elements with the walk-thru tempered glass windshield. Our test boat boasted a full complement of instrumentation, with plenty more room on the dash for additional electronics.

Water conditions were calm on our hot and humid test day, but the Starcraft 170’s 29-inch depth will definitely offer safety and security in rough, open water. The company’s exclusive Power-Trac hull offered up a smooth ride with confident handling through various tight turns and manoeuvres. The test boat did seem a little dogged, feeling at times like it needed a bit more power. No problems there, though, with the boat rated up to 150 hp.

Despite this, the Super Fisherman 170 Sport turned in more than respectable numbers – planing in 3.47 seconds at 11.3 mph and 2100 rpm and reaching a top speed of 38.5 mph at 5000 rpm. The Evinrude E-TEC 90 had us out of the hole to 20 mph in 5.37 seconds and to 30 mph in just over eight seconds with the help of the Power-Trac hull.

All in all, the stylish yet versatile Starcraft Super Fisherman 170 Sport defies classification – getting versatile boaters everything they want at a price they can afford.

TEST BOAT ENGINES
Evinrude E-TEC 90 with 17 pitch aluminum prop

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20 / 5.37 ; 0-30 / 8.12

TOP SPEED (rpm / mph)
5000 / 38.5

CRUISING SPEED (rpm / mph)
3000 / 20.5 ; 3500 / 24.9 ; 4000 / 29.5

SOUND LEVELS AT CRUISE (3500 rpm)
Helm – 91 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 93 dbA

SOUND LEVELS AT TOP SPEED
Helm – 94 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 96 dbA