STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

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Major Nine
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Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:32 am
Location: Beaver Lake - Nebraska

STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#1 Post by Major Nine » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:51 pm

Last year I caught the pontoon virius and purchased a Sylvan 8520 with Yamaha 50. Loved the pontoon lifesystle but missed the speed and ability to tow skiers and wake boarders. Took the plunge and ordered a Starcraft SLS3 with tripletoon with PR 25 package, and Yamaha VMAX 250 . I think this will get the job done. Looking forward to picking it up Memorial day weekend.
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Bamaman
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Joined: Fri May 06, 2011 1:44 pm
Location: NW Alabama--Tennessee River

Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#2 Post by Bamaman » Mon Apr 20, 2015 10:47 pm

Just be sure to follow Yamaha's break in instructions carefully on the SHO motor. They and most 4 strokes run very cool, and they've got to be warmed up before being brought up to speed. Some SHO's have problems getting the piston rings to break in properly.

And when they say run them hard, SHO's need to be run really, really fast. Get ready for a wild ride during break in, and leave the family home when you're breaking it in.

Until you get many hours on the motor, you should keep your oil level at the mid level on your dipstick. And be sure to religiously check the oil every time you go out. If your oil level increases, contact your dealer.

I've been reading about SHO's for the last 3 years on the bass boat forum. Most owners are very happy with them now.
'12 Bennington 24' SSLX Yamaha 150

dronetoon
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Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2015 11:21 am
Location: Chain O'lakes Illinois

Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#3 Post by dronetoon » Tue Apr 21, 2015 5:31 am

I have my SLS3 ordered. Will be in second week of May. I have the Merc 150 on it.

Major Nine
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:32 am
Location: Beaver Lake - Nebraska

Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#4 Post by Major Nine » Sat Apr 25, 2015 3:02 pm

Bamaman wrote:Just be sure to follow Yamaha's break in instructions carefully on the SHO motor. They and most 4 strokes run very cool, and they've got to be warmed up before being brought up to speed. Some SHO's have problems getting the piston rings to break in properly.

And when they say run them hard, SHO's need to be run really, really fast. Get ready for a wild ride during break in, and leave the family home when you're breaking it in.

Until you get many hours on the motor, you should keep your oil level at the mid level on your dipstick. And be sure to religiously check the oil every time you go out. If your oil level increases, contact your dealer.

I've been reading about SHO's for the last 3 years on the bass boat forum. Most owners are very happy with them now.
Thank you for the heads up on engine break in procedures

Major Nine
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:32 am
Location: Beaver Lake - Nebraska

Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#5 Post by Major Nine » Tue Jun 23, 2015 11:36 am

I have had my SLS3 now for a month and could not be any happier. The ride is great handling, and interior is every thing I had hoped for. The Yamaha VMAX 250 with a full load of fuel 60 gallons, gear and 2 passengers I got 46mph love the power.

2015 Starcraft SLS3
Yamaha 250 VMAX
2005 Dodge Hemi

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ROLAND
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Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#6 Post by ROLAND » Wed Jun 24, 2015 2:02 am

congratulations on the new toon... man, that is a sweet boat.. looks really comfy!
Roland & Jo
2010 Bennington 20 Sfi
Yamaha 75 4 Stroke
Shreveport, Louisiana

dronetoon
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2015 11:21 am
Location: Chain O'lakes Illinois

Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#7 Post by dronetoon » Thu Jun 25, 2015 8:00 am

My SLS3 with Merc 150 is getting about 35 mph with about 50 gallons of fuel and 3 - 4 passengers.

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04Ram2500Hemi
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Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#8 Post by 04Ram2500Hemi » Fri Jun 26, 2015 11:13 am

Wow- sharp boat!
My wife and I bought the Starcraft Stardeck 216 Starlounger with the 115HP and we really like the seating on it (same as yours, just a bit smaller). The 115 Yamaha does pretty good, but there is still a little voice in the back of my head that say's I should have looked a little harder and bought something like you did. I can squeeze 30mph out of the boat when it's just me and the wife and the water is perfect, but we usually find ourselves cruising around 20-22mph. At least I know for next time we need to go a pinch bigger motor.
The Truck:
2012 Ram Power Wagon (not exactly 100% stock)

The Boat:
2015 Starcraft Stardeck 216 Starlounger

Major Nine
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:32 am
Location: Beaver Lake - Nebraska

Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#9 Post by Major Nine » Wed Nov 11, 2015 10:03 am

After the first season on the new pontoon I have to say I really have enjoyed it, lots of room and awesome power from the Yamaha 250, Water skiing is great very little wake

4wheeldeal
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Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2016 5:31 am
Location: Ontario

Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#10 Post by 4wheeldeal » Fri Aug 05, 2016 5:55 pm

Very nice boat, I'm hoping to get a similar starcraft for next year.

Anyone run a 135ho on a starcraft tritoon? I'm looking at the 21 footer not the 23 like the sls3. They seem light enough, the 140 Suzuki I tested did 34mph hoping the 135ho will touch 40 maybe.

Mike

4wheeldeal
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Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2016 5:31 am
Location: Ontario

Re: STARCRAFT SLS3 with Yamaha VMAX 250

#11 Post by 4wheeldeal » Fri Aug 12, 2016 2:19 pm

dronetoon wrote:I have my SLS3 ordered. Will be in second week of May. I have the Merc 150 on it.
What does this run top speed?

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