Matching a deep vee Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013 against a modified vee Starcraft Marine Star Step OB Series 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013 at 19,8 ft versus Starcraft Marine Star Step OB Series 2009 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Starcraft Marine Star Step OB Series 2009 tips the scales at 284 lbs — 141 lbs less than the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013 at 143 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 250 hp, the Starcraft Marine Star Step OB Series 2009 has a 50-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013's 200-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 52 gal and 51 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Starcraft Marine Star Step OB Series 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine Star Step OB Series 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine Star Step OB Series 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 196 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.