The Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE CR 2006 vs Starcraft Marine Majestic 256 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE CR 2006 at 24,0 ft versus Starcraft Marine Majestic 256 2011 at 25,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE CR 2006 tips the scales at 2 417 lbs — 2 391 lbs more than the Starcraft Marine Majestic 256 2011 at 26 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 Majestic 256 2011 has a 65-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE CR 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 Majestic 256 2011 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 18 lbs per hp for the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE CR 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 RE CR 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Starcraft Marine Majestic 256 2011 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Starcraft Marine Majestic 256 2011 and its 200-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE CR 2006 with its 135-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.