Does anybody have experience with splendor boats. I like the layout and the idea of a 12" draft. It looks like they have a good top speed and are easy on fuel. I just can't seem to find many owner reviews. I am asking as I would like to buy a new deckboat this fall. Something that would do mid 50's, use some where around 7gph at 30mph, seat at least 10 when needed, and have some fishing seats. I looked at the Glastron DX235 but it had very little fishing capabilities and was down on power abit.
I like some cats myself. But you could save a lot of $$ by buying a used one instead of new. In addition to Splendor, cat type deckboats have also been sold by Harris Kayot and VIP.
Splendor boats are some pretty high-quality stuff. Very nice if you are looking for a specific application where you need the ride/draft. I almost got one before I decided to get a pontoon boat.
You have to buy used or direct from the factory for new ones.
I had found Jthe thread by JimmyC. Doesn't really answer the question of how service was performe or how the boat held up. I was wondering about quality issues and performance. I get conflicting statements as to max hp figures also. I have emailed the Splendor and gotten some literature but even that conflicts with it's self.
I live in the Beaumont Tx area and was hoping that someone near the area would have one to look at. I was thinking new so we could option it the way we want. I have looked for deckliner boats used but none seem to really be all that good a deal when compared to the Splendor.
The ride draft is what is selling me. Our lake is rather stumpy especially when the water drops a bit. We had thought of a pontoon ourselves but the speed, cornering ability, and fuel consumption put us off. The performance toons were considered but we may want to go out in the Gulf sometime (or some of the marsh bays) and besides, those toons are really expensive.
I have finally found a Sunstar used but it has the 350mag and was wanting a 496mag (an HO if they will take one).
I have tried to do a little research on the Legend. I can't seem to find a 496 availible as an option. I really like the layout (except for the missing fishing seats/deck). The grandkids would love a dual helm seat! The few reviews I have seen of them do not really praise their performance esp their cornering ability. They seem to be quite a bit more then the Splendors new but less used (supply demand?). The problem with the reviews of the Splendors is the ones with hard data come from their site and makes them suspect. I was hoping there were some owners out there.
Taken from "Boating Life": Don't be confused by the catamaran designation. Whereas the big offshore versions make large arcing turns, the Sunstar turns as tightly as a sport boat.
From "Boating World": Although the stable, easy-to-drive ride is among the 240 SunStar’s more impressive features, its incredible cornering ability comes in a close second. Some cats turn with a funky lean to the out- side, but not only does the Splendor lean inward like a V-hull, it also turns phenomenally well into hard corners. Steiner says at 40 mph, it’ll turn in a 30-foot radius.
Magazine reviews are usualy always positive but owners will give you the real scoop which is what I was looking for. I can't find a draft with engine down at rest figure. Another reason to find an owner.
Well I can tell you after owning the Splendor Sunstar for my third summer, I am still totally satisfied.
I used it for my first summer in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area and then moved to Panama City Florida up till now. With my third summer under my belt I don't really have any negative comments to say about the boat other than a few minor items that are common to most boat owners.
Some of my favorite items:
- Customer service - Had a fishing seat break on me the first summer of use and they sent me two brand new ones free of charge to include shipping. Anytime I called with questions about operation or maintenance they were only a phone call away and made sure my concerns and questions were fully answered. Because the motor is a mercruiser I had any maintenance done at the local certified Mercury marine dealer under warranty. Any other boat issue can be handled directly by calling Splendor or sub-contracting through local boat manufacturers via Splendors authorizations. (I didn't have any other issues)
-Layout of the boat - Seems like everytime we go to the beach, everybody always ends up in my boat lounging around. I think it's mainly due to the fact that it seats twelve it's easy to hold conversations. Because of the front platform and shallow draft I just nose the boat into the beach and everyone can get off or on with ease. I then just pull the boat back a few feet so the hull is not resting on the sand and anchor up with the nose in. I almost feel sorry for my friends who have to back their boats in while setting their anchors and then have to get off on the back of their boats while dragging all their gear on to the beach in waist-chest high water. My wife barely gets her feet wet when she sets foot on the beach. It's also set up as a great fishing platform. I've used it several time in shore and in the bay. It's easy to get to the shallow water because of the draft but I also like the stable platform especially when people are fishing off both side and front and back of the boat. Trolling motor makes fishing in the flats a blast. I've had it off shore a few times and in calm waters it works great, but I have a friend who has an off shore fishing boat that is more suited for the type of off shore fishing we do. I've had water come over the front of the boat but I've got a self bailing hull so it wasn't an issue.
- Love the engine - The duo prop and mercruiser horizon 350 motor are a great combo on this boat. I can cruise as fast as 45 mph fully loaded with 12 people and gear and have seen as high as 50 when I'm by myself with the boat empty and the bimini top down in smooth water. Usually I cruise at 25-30 to save on fuel, and because 45 mph wind isn't very fun unless you're behind the windshield. But it's nice to know you can go that fast if you want to. The engine is great for pulling skiiers and tubes. I've been doing a lot of wakeboarding and the boat will pull two wakeboarders with no problem. The duo prop is excellent for slow speed manuevering specifically in tight spots like the at boat docks and ramps. I've even had people ask me if it had side thrusters on it becuase it seemed as if I was able to spin my boat in a circle just by momentarily bumping the throttle forward and reverse while turning the wheel. Gets up on plane very quickly.
- Maneuverability - Unlike most catamarans this boat performs and acts just like a giant jet ski. When turning to retrieve downed skiiers I typically just turn the wheel full left or right without having to reduce the throttle. Most times I'll actually give it more gas when I enter the turns because this boat turns so sharply. Very reminiscant of an aircraft going into a turn.
- Pump out porta pottie - with kids and wife and boating on an island with no facilities it's saved me from having to cut a trip short on more than a dozen occasions. Only problem now is everyone knows I have one and all the kids want to use it...
- Fresh water wash down - when playing in the salt water, it's amazing how just quickly rinsing off with freshwater helps when you dry off. It also helps to keep the boat clean.
- Live well - great for keeping bait and all the other critters my kids find at the beach alive before we set them free.
Now for the negatives...
- Some hardware on the boat is not stainless and not designed specifically for saltwater use. This is common for most boaters and with the use of some naval jelly it really isn't a problem but no one like to see rust on their boat. Just replace non stainless hardware with stainless ones and you'll be set.
- Sterndrive engine compartment doesn't leave you with a whole lot of room to do engine maintenance. You can get the outboard but I really like having the swim platform and the look of the sterndrive. It's especially nice when people are swimming from the boat. The horizon engine is a must when operating in salt water as the water never goes through the enging block, but an outboard would be easier to maintain.
- Switch panel is not illuminated/backlit - Not an issue in the daytime but at night it would help to see which switches were which just by turning on the key. Instrument guages are nicely illuminated.
- Hull scupper valves (drain holes) are not screened. It's easy for larger items such as leaves, bugs and anything else that will fit to fall into the drain holes. I would recommend putting larger drain hoses and a screened drain cover on to prevent pluggin up the lines.
- Some of the hardware including the bimini top seem aftermarket instead of custom. I guess this has an advantage as well... to replace anything you can just order the exact items from boaters world or Overton's
That's about it. I'm sure there's something I forgot but if you have any questions just send me an IM. In the past three summers the only maintenance I've had to do was the standard scheduled maintenance and change the water pump (impeller).
Bottom line I really enjoy this boat and while it may not be as refined as some of the other expensive models, it really does it all and everyone I know that has seen it or has taken a ride in it feels the same way. See if you can't find one at a boat show. I'm sure any owner would love to take you out on it.
Cheers!
Edited by JimmyC (08/27/0802:55 AM) Edit Reason: spelling
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JimmyC 2007 Splendor Sun Star 240 Mercuiser 350 MAG MPI Horizon 300HP Bravo 3
Is your speed figures off the spedo or GPS? How much is the draft at the prop with the trim down at standstill? How much headroom is in the head? How is the weight of the vinyl? Do you have any figures on fuel consumption? How is the fit and finish compared to other boats? What type of warranty is on the boat?
Sorry to have so many questions but I guess you are the man with the answers!
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