Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Starcraft Marine C-Star 170 DC 2004 vs Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Starcraft Marine C-Star 170 DC 2004 vs Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 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 125 hp, the Starcraft Marine C-Star 170 DC 2004 has a 50-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013's 75-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 C-Star 170 DC 2004 carries 32 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013. 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 C-Star 170 DC 2004 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine C-Star 170 DC 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine C-Star 170 DC 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeStarcraft Marine
MakeStarcraft Marine
ModelC-Star 170 DC
ModelExplorer 160 DC
Model Year2004
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.08
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches82
Deadrise15℃
Deadrise19°
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 - Detail1190 lbs
Weight - Detail900 lbs
Weight - kg539.77
Weight - kg408.23
Weight - lbs.119
Weight - lbs.9
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. 10 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters5.13
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Inches202
Length overall - Inches194
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail77 in
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet16.17
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.080 in. bottom and rib 0.070 in. side
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail32 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal32
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Engine max125
Engine max75 hp
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelnot available
Engine model50ELPT
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1555 lbs
Maximum capacity1,275 lbs
Maximum people6 persons
Maximum people5