NauticStar, founded in 2002, builds more than two-dozen boat models, 18 to 32 feet: The NauticBay Series, Sport Deck single- and dual-console boats, XS offshore center-consoles, Legacy Series center- and dual-console boats, and Hybrid series boats for flats/bay boat fishing and coastal cruising.
Now a member of the MasterCraft family, NauticStar manufactures boats in its 200,000-plus-square-foot plant on 17 acres in Amory, Mississippi. Features include wood-free -construction, limited lifetime hull warranty, durable vinylester barrier coat to prevent blisters, and one-piece molded stringer systems, foam-filled for flotation, sound-dampening and vibration reduction.
Deck and liner are molded as one unit and joined to the deck shoebox-style with a stainless-steel fastener every 2 inches. NauticStar makes its own upholstery and both-sides–finished fiberglass lids. Each and every boat is water-tested or tank-tested at the factory.
Nauticstar 32XS
Largest of its line is NauticStar’s 32XS offshore center-console. Its leaning post has Lebrock double billfish seats with flip-up bolsters and pivot arms, Corian counter-top, sink and spray faucet, tackle storage, and a 35-quart slide-out Yeti cooler (or optional refrigerator or additional livewell).
To the standard integrated T-top, you can add options like a retractable shade, or even a fold-down 32-inch cockpit television that replicates what’s on the dashboard display, in either the standard dual 12-inch or optional single 16-inch displays.
Up front, a spacious bow has forward lounge and wraparound seating, all atop storage compartments. Beneath a large console lounge seat is a step-down storage compartment with SeaDek flooring and six rod holders—a good start toward the nine-rod storage capacity our survey respondents said they need.
The head console has a fully lined interior with a stainless-steel sink, SeaDek floor and electric-flush porcelain toilet.
Aft, a transom lounge flips up to create a spacious cockpit, with port and starboard 8.8-cubic-foot fish boxes in the deck. A large portside door makes access easier. A single aft baitwell meets the needs of 63 percent of our respondents; 95 percent said they carry a couple dozen live baits.
The 32XS has eight stainless-steel gunwale-mounted rod holders and five shotgun rod holders, surpassing the demands of 92 percent of our offshore CC survey respondents.
Survey Says: On Target
⋅Plenty of rod holders on deck
⋅Bow comfort for the one-third who demand it
⋅Generous fuel capacity for long range
Owners Say
⋅Ease of handling
⋅Lots of storage, easy to handle by myself
Brand Says
⋅An outstanding saltwater performer
⋅Cutting-edge styling and comfort features for serious anglers
More Info: nauticstarboats.com