The Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2006 vs Starcraft Marine Star Step 220 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2006 measures 24,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 3,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Starcraft Marine Star Step 220 I/O 2011 at 20,3 feet (2011). At 2 417 lbs and 2 325 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 260 hp, the Starcraft Marine Star Step 220 I/O 2011 has a 125-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2006's 135-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 220 I/O 2011 carries 51 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2006. 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 Elite 246 RE 2006 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Star Step 220 I/O 2011 caps at 12. 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 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Starcraft Marine Star Step 220 I/O 2011 comes in at 9 lbs per hp versus 18 lbs per hp for the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 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 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Starcraft Marine Star Step 220 I/O 2011 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine Elite 246 RE 2006 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 Star Step 220 I/O 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.