Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Starcraft Marine C-Star 166 DC 2004 vs Starcraft Marine Star Step 221 I/O 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Starcraft Marine C-Star 166 DC 2004 vs Starcraft Marine Star Step 221 I/O 2011 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Starcraft Marine Star Step 221 I/O 2011 has a 300-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine C-Star 166 DC 2004's 125-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Starcraft Marine Star Step 221 I/O 2011 carries 51 gallons versus 32 gallons in the Starcraft Marine C-Star 166 DC 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Starcraft Marine Star Step 221 I/O 2011 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine C-Star 166 DC 2004 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine Star Step 221 I/O 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine Star Step 221 I/O 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 21,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine C-Star 166 DC 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeStarcraft Marine
MakeStarcraft Marine
ModelC-Star 166 DC
ModelStar Step 221 I/O
Model Year2004
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise15°
Deadrisenot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail11 in
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.28
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches11
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail22 in
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches22
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1135 lbs
Weight - Detail2,945 lbs
Weight - kg514.83
Weight - kg1335.83
Weight - lbs.1135
Weight - lbs.2945
Height - Detail27 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.69
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches27
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]not available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 7 in
Length overall - Meters5.03
Length overall - Meters6.58
Length overall - Inches198
Length overall - Inches259
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail32 in
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters81.28
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches32
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail94 in
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet21.58
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail32 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail51 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters193.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal32
Fuel tank capacity - Gal51
Engine max125
Engine max425 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1500 lbs
Maximum capacity1,900 lbs
Maximum people6 persons
Maximum people13