Perhaps no better example of this exists than the company’s 1800 dual console runabout. This is a unique boat that offers quick planing and superb agility with a spacious cockpit and great storage, making it a perfect choice for all-around family fun.

Although the Starcraft company cut its teeth building riveted aluminum fishing boats, its runabouts are constructed of fibreglass. More specifically, the 1800’s reverse-chine hull is built of 24-ounce woven roving fibreglass with a six-inch overlap, with an integrated stringer system filled with injected foam. English translation: the 1800’s hull is as solid as a rock – to the point Starcraft warrants it for life. It looks pretty good too, with no less than 10 coats of wax applied to its 22 mm of ISO-NPG gelcoat. The 1800 comes in a choice of five colour schemes.

The 1800 offers the familiar bowrider layout, with three-zone seating. Up front an expansive, plush cushion set creates a comfy place to relax in the bow, where cupholders and stereo speakers help you lounge away in comfort while you catch some rays and unwind. At the helm, the driver’s and copilot’s bucket seats are pedestal-mounted locking sliders, plushly upholstered, with convenient and comfortable flip-up bolster cushions that provide improved visibility when negotiating tight channels or finding your way back to your slip at the marina. To the stern, a full-width bench seat with integral cupholders and a 36-quart cooler underneath accommodates three adults in perfect comfort. Grab handles are provided for the outboard seats. The transom has a full-beam sun pad, and a smallish swim platform with a retractable, three-step boarding ladder.

For an 18-foot boat, the 1800 offers a surprising amount of storage. Large, bulky items can be easily accommodated in storage compartments beneath the bow and stern seating areas, while an in-floor ski locker with composite lid keeps skis and wakeboards secure. No less than nine cupholders keep beverages safe while the large compartment in the passenger console accommodates additional items and provides protection for the standard AM/FM stereo. An optional satellite stereo is also available.

The helm is neatly designed for comfort and ease of operation. Driver and passenger consoles sit behind a stylish, curved, walk-through tempered glass windshield that provides some protection from the elements while underway. The custom molded silver metallic dash accommodates a full range of domed gauges, including a speedometer, tach, fuel gauge, volt meter, engine temperature gauge and trim gauge. Rack-and-pinion power steering is standard, while the tilt wheel on our test boat is a worthwhile option, as is the upgraded tach with hour meter and digital depth finder.

Our test boat came equipped with Mercury’s brand-new 100 hp Vazer stern drive. This innovative powerplant reduces engine height by tilting the power head 50 degrees, allowing it to fit under seats, platforms and decks in pontoons, fishing boats and runabouts like the 1800. The compact design of Vazer allows boatbuilders to utilize more space for passengers and gear, and provides improved access to the water compared to traditional sterndrive or outboard engines. The Vazer is based on GM’s Vortec 1600 four-cylinder, single overhead cam engine, which is bolted to an all-new, compact sterndrive. Standard power steering improves boat control and greatly reduces operator effort, while special engine mounts are designed to reduce engine noise and vibration.

The Vazer had absolutely no trouble lifting our 1800 smartly onto plane with a half tank of fuel and three adults aboard. Fitted with a 15-inch by 17-inch Black Max three-blade propeller, it provided crisp acceleration and predictable handling at pretty well all speeds, with the boat topping out at an indicated 32 mph at 6,000 rpm. I suspect that with a stainless prop, the package should reach 35 mph with ease.

Starcraft’s 1800 bowrider comes with a long list of standard features, so there aren’t a lot of items left as options. The Convenience Package, which includes a stainless steel rub rail, Bimini top and tilt steering, is one upgrade worth splurging on, as is the 24-inch extended swim platform with boarding ladder. If there are teenagers in your family, the wake tower is a must.

Otherwise, Starcraft’s 1800 comes ready to play. MerCruiser’s 100 horsepower Vazer stern drive works well with this boat, providing ample power while eating up very little space. If I were in the market for a fun cottage boat, I’d give it a long, hard look.

– Craig Ritchie

LOA  18' 1"

Beam         92"

Weight         1,725 lbs.

Hull         Fibreglass

Deadrise         14 degrees

Passenger Capacity         7

Fuel Capacity         113.6L /30 gal.

Power (standard) 

Power (as reviewed)         MerCruiser Vazer, 100 hp

Draft n/a

Retail (base)

Retail (as reviewed)

Quoted setup may not be exactly as depicted in photos.

Review boat provided by

Starcraft Marine

Box 517

201 Starcraft Dr.

Topeka, IN

46571

Tel.: (260) 593-2500

starcraftmarine.com