The Starcraft Marine Elite 246 CR Weekender 2006 vs Starcraft Marine Limited 256 Starlounger Starport 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Starcraft Marine Elite 246 CR Weekender 2006 at 24,0 ft versus Starcraft Marine Limited 256 Starlounger Starport 2013 at 26,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Limited 256 Starlounger Starport 2013 tips the scales at 2 575 lbs — 158 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 CR Weekender 2006 at 2 417 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 200 hp, the Starcraft Marine Limited 256 Starlounger Starport 2013 has a 65-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 CR Weekender 2006's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 3 gal and 3 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 14 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Starcraft Marine Limited 256 Starlounger Starport 2013 comes in at 13 lbs per hp versus 18 lbs per hp for the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 CR Weekender 2006. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
The Starcraft Marine Elite 246 CR Weekender 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Starcraft Marine Limited 256 Starlounger Starport 2013 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: The Starcraft Marine Limited 256 Starlounger Starport 2013 at 26,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Starcraft Marine Elite 246 CR Weekender 2006 at 24,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.