The Starcraft Marine Classic 240 2004 vs Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2005 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Starcraft Marine Classic 240 2004 at 24,0 ft versus Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2005 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2005 tips the scales at 2 417 lbs — 525 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine Classic 240 2004 at 1 892 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 135 hp, the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2005 has a 75-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Classic 240 2004's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2005 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Classic 240 2004 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine Classic 240 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.