CROWNLINE 240 SS LPX

Like most Kiwi boaties, I am a keen fisherman, and my current boat is set up for nothing else. However, there was a time when fishing was not my only water-borne pleasure. I brought up three boys who were mad keen on wakeboarding and also family picnics to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Mercury Islands and the Bay of Islands. Fishing was one of our activities but for my three sons, not number one. 

They started on tubes and kneeboards and graduated to being damn good at wakeboarding and wake surfing. So when I reviewed the 240 SS LPX, my mind returned to those earlier years. While fibreglass bowriders, such as the Crownline SS series, are not mainstream in New Zealand, in the USA they are commonplace. Crownline is just one of those, and while they have a considerable reputation for quality and have built over 75000 boats, they are only now being recognised in New Zealand and Australia. That’s thanks to Terry Elmsly, the founder of Euro City Marine. When he launched the company three years ago, he did it in style and wasn’t afraid to buck the local trends.

One of the first brands he  imported was Crownline and its fishing- orientated partner Finseeker. Success took  time, but the Crownline and Finseeker names have been spreading, and in the past few years, despite Covid, sales have been steady and growing. Plus, not only did he secure the distribution rights for NZ but also for Australia and several countries in Sth East Asia.  “It’s hard to bring a new brand to market, especially one that many Kiwis feel doesn’t suit their needs”, says Terry. “However, we have made some good inroads into the smaller cruiser market and also our Finseeker fishing boat range, and I feel confident that the Crownline SS bowriders will also find their niche following”, he added.

I have already reviewed a couple of the more ski/wake dedicated Crownline bowriders, but that’s where the 240 SS LPX is different. This multi-tasking sport boat will appeal to anyone wanting a fun craft that oozes style, comfort and pizzazz. The Crownline 240 SS is one of eight models in the SS series, with SS standing for super sport. It makes sense when you look at any of the boats in the range. They are designed for performance and having fun on the water. While they are not dedicated wakeboard, wave or ski boats, in their style, they are suited to the casual enthusiast of any of the above.

The 240 SS is around midway in the fleet, which starts with the 6.15m 200 SS and runs through to the 8.79m 290 SS. They are all sterndrive powered and bowriders. The 240 SS was released simultaneously as the 210 SS and 240 SS and featured Crownline’s newest additions to the range, such as extended custom windshields to offer better protection in the cockpit. However, the 240 SS stands alone with additional features such as a new board assist ladder, wrap-around stern seating and a seat assembly in the bow that hinges up to expose a massive storage area.

The first 240 SS in the country is one of two models in the LPX series, which has custom LPX graphics and a low-profile black LPX windscreen, giving the boat a racey look. LPX translates to luxury, performance and extras and delivers in all three areas. As the brochure says, the bright hull graphics and solid colour gel coat are not for the shy or introverted. Our boat was finished in a bright orange, or as Crownline like to call it, Moonstone. There are other colour options available for both the hull and interior. While the LPX Series has been around since the ’90s, Crownline has taken them to the next level with the release of the Gen 2 version. The layout is the same as the 240 SS, and it’s just the cosmetics and profile that changes.