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By Go Boating Test Team . hough NauticStar is only celebrating ' its fifth anniversary, it's the three generations of boat buñding experi- ence the company draws from that has helped propel NauticStarto 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 NauticStar, which the company touts as offering sound construction and a well- designed top deck. NauticStar uses com- posite construction on the 206 1/O with pieces such as the fiberglass stringers and composite transom, which is a little more costly to use than wood but provides bet- ter long-term durability for the boat. NauticStar backs its construction with a limited lifetime hull warranty. extends another 2 feet with the optional swim platform. Though the 206 is not a large deckboat, NauticStar really man- aged to fit a lot of user-friendly features on 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 stor- age 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- less steel grabrails, cupholders and stereo 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. sole features a small galley, which includes a stainless steel sink with faucet as well as some flat counter space and a few » NAUTICSTAR 206 SPORT DECK OThe two features that stand out the most on this boat are the trans- formable passenger seat in the cockpit and the ski locker that doubles as a chang- ing room - talk about efficient use of space. When ifs time to get out of the sun, the cockpit area can be shaded with the standard Sunbrella Bimini top. The boat provides the typical ameni- ties we would like to see on a deckboat, such as a galley that provides a nice stain- less steel sink and faucet, plenty of stor- 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 The helm has a nice feel, accented with Faria gauges and steering with its wood-grain hub. Options for the instru- mentation include Sinus Satellite radio, a Lowrance in-dash fish finder and a hard- wired radio remote control. The captain can also upgrade to tilt steering. the group, don't fret that the 206 1/0 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 fish- ing package, which comes with two fish seats, an aerated livewell and a trolling

TIME TP PLANE 4 seconds Fuel consumption measured with Mercury SmartCraft digital fuel-flow meter; range based on 90% of total fuel Craft available with 135 to 225 hp stern drive engines from MerCruiser and Volvo Penta PEOPLE (GALS./LBS.) MISC. BASE PRICE 'Price can vary depending on options, location and freight —price does not include trailer 'Assuming a final price of $42,000 with a 10% downpay- ment anda fixed interest rate of 7.40% — does not FIVE NOTABLE OPTIONS Tilt steering ($ 186), Bow filler cushions ($286), Porta Potti ($1 86), Fishing Package ($886), FIVE NOTABLE STANDARDS...