The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 SC 2013 vs Starcraft Marine Starfish 227 RE CR 2006 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 Starfish 227 RE CR 2006 measures 22,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 5,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 SC 2013 at 16,2 feet (2013). At 9 lbs and 21 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 125 hp, the Starcraft Marine Starfish 227 RE CR 2006 has a 50-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 SC 2013's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 24 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Starcraft Marine Starfish 227 RE CR 2006 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 SC 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 Starfish 227 RE CR 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 SC 2013 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 0 lbs per hp for the Starcraft Marine Starfish 227 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 Starfish 227 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 Explorer 160 SC 2013 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 Starfish 227 RE CR 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 SC 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.