EFFICIENT ENGINEERING - Nautic Star Boats - #1

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The two features that stand out the most on this boat are the transformable passenger seat in the cockpit and the ski locker that doubles as a changing room – talk about efficient use of space. When it’s time to get out of the sun, the cockpit area can be shaded with the standard Sunbrella Bimini top. The boat provides the typical amenities we would like to see on a deckboat, such as a galley that provides a nice stainless steel sink and faucet, plenty of storage at the bow and stern, and enough seating for up to 10 people. Under the console is extra storage, which offers plenty of room for the 25-quart Igloo cooler, and this is also the location of the trash can. The helm has a nice feel, accented with Faria gauges and steering with its wood-grain hub. Options for the instrumentation include Sirius Satellite radio, a Lowrance in-dash fish finder and a hardwired radio remote control. The captain can also upgrade to tilt steering. For the wakeboarders or anglers in the group, don’t fret that the 206 I/O doesn’t have a ton of standard features for you. For the boarders, there are still optional upgrades for a wakeboard tower that can be equipped with speakers and board racks. Anglers will want the fishing package, which comes with two fish seats, an aerated livewell and a trolling harness. By Go Boating Test Team Though NauticStar is only celebrating its fifth anniversary, it’s the three generations of boat building experience the company draws from that has helped propel NauticStar to compete with established boat builders in such a short time. Its new 206 I/O is a fine example of the company’s drive to produce great boats. The 206 I/O is a new deckboat for NauticStar, which the company touts as offering sound construction and a welldesigned top deck. NauticStar uses composite construction on the 206 I/O with pieces such as the fiberglass stringers and composite transom, which is a little more costly to use than wood but provides better long-term durability for the boat. NauticStar backs its construction with a limited lifetime hull warranty. The 206 I/O is 20 feet in length, and extends another 2 feet with the optional swim platform. Though the 206 is not a large deckboat, NauticStar really managed to fit a lot of user-friendly features on the top deck. Starting at the bow, there’s an open platform that’s a great place for fishing, sunbathing or simply accessing the boat. There’s also a retractable stainless steel reboarding ladder with designated storage and an anchor locker in the deck. Once you’re inside the boat, the wide beam is carried up through the bow in typical deckboat fashion to provide an open and spacious area with seating on each side. A filler cushion covers the step to access the bow, which lifts to reveal an insulated, draining cooler to keep food and drinks at hand for bow passengers. The bow area is accented with large stain- EFFICIENT ENGINEERING NAUTICSTAR PACKS A LOT INTO ITS 206 I/O SPORT DECK �¥ SPECIFICATIONS Length 20 ft., 2 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Capacity 10 people Dry Weight 3,600 lbs. Fuel Capacity 51 gals. Maximum Power 225 hp Deadrise (@ transom) 15 degrees »PERFORMANCE TESTED less steel grabrails, cupholders and stereo speakers. One of the unique features on the NauticStar 206 I/O is the ski locker toward the bow, which opens to reveal more than just storage for skis and boards. Upon opening the compartment, the underside of the lid houses a pull-out changing room – it’s a unique space-saving technique we’ve never seen done quite this way. In the cockpit, the passenger-side console features a small galley, which includes a stainless steel sink with faucet as well as some flat counter space and a few 40 GO BOATING | fall 2007 www.goboating.com 41 �¥ ABOUTTHEBOAT: »NAUTICSTAR 206 SPORT DECK