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NauticStar 32XS: 2020 Boat Buyers Guide

The 32XS mixes easy handling with many fishing features.
NauticStar 32XS running shot
LOA: 32′ | Beam: 10’6″ | Fuel Capacity: 307 gal. | Dry Weight: 8,500 lb. plus power | Max HP: 850 | Certifications: NMMA NauticStar Boats

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.

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NauticStar 32XS console
Ample shade and weather protection come from the hardtop. There’s loads of storage as well. NauticStar Boats

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.

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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.

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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

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⋅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

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