Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions

Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
CD Stereo
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Tower: Watersports
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover
Full Canvas

= Standard = Optional

Over the bow

The Senza has the same attention to long lasting hardware that I have witnessed on her cousins. Beefy rails, grab rails and cleats that work for the size line you should be using when tying your boat up at the dock. I found I could actually fit up front along with another adult and enjoy watching the action around the boat. Grab handles are inset in the seat backs at a fairly good position. Also inset were stainless steel grills over the speakers and stainless steel drink holders, two to a side thank you very much! You can add filler cushions and make the front a large sunpad or play pad for the kids. The storage compartments under the seat cushions are fully finished which makes them easy to clean as well as a potential place to add some bags of ice to use during the day. Speaking of cushions, I really like the pin and grommet style that holds these cushions on rather than the clunky, often failed loop and snap system of old.



As you move back, you will notice the braces on the windshield are also stainless steel to insure durability and proper support for the sport windshield, even if the kids like to use it for a monkey bar.

Cockpit central

Although the deck is an integral fiberglass deck, I like the optional snap-in carpet they offer. It is more comfortable and simplifies cleanup after a day of boating. The carpet is a plush, well padded carpet, better than most I have seen. Larson now includes Sony stereo systems that have larger face dials for easier visibility. As I get further past 40, I appreciate that more and more. The stereo is mounted inside the glove box so that it will stay dry in a light shower along with your MP3 player or iPod.

The helm was well laid out for drivability with great visibility over the windshield when up on the bolster, and through the windshield when seated. Larson is using upgraded throttles and shifters from MerCruiser and Volvo Penta along with upgraded cabling for smooth shifting. Primary gauges were 5” gauges mounted high for clear visibility with a section between them to install an optional GPS. Even though there wasn’t a big armrest, I found the position and shape of the shifter to be comfortable enough to rest my hand and forearm on when driving.



The cockpit has about 35” from the sole to the gunwale tops which is really huge, safe and secure. If you are leaning over to grab the tube, or one of the youngsters goes running toward the edge, you can feel secure about staying on the dry side of things. The carry-on cooler has a dedicated space under the stern bench seat that doesn’t require stowing cushions away to utilize it. Having a small table for snacks or beverages isn’t new, but Larson has added a real convenience to it. There is now a cork layer on top that helps make sure the glass doesn’t go sailing across the table after a bit of sweat forms on the outside of the chilly beverage. Love it! The optional U-shaped seating on my test model had enough room for several normal sized adults like me (6’ and north of 235 pounds). The bucket seats on the test model were actually an older style, but the ones intended for delivery on your boat will be the really comfortable ones I tested on the new LXi Series. These old ones are comfortable, but the new ones are truly nice. You can add reinforcement for a tower, and an upgraded stereo system to this boat to really enjoy the wakeboard lifestyle.



The stern and beyond

Grab two loop handles and you can lift the sunpad to get to the engine for daily checks and maintenance. Inside you have room to stow the wet life jackets, using the engine heat to help dry them. There was dedicated space on the port side for the table and filler cushions, very smart and convenient. There are 19 engines to choose from. You can choose from a 220-hp up to a 320-hp sterndrive from either MerCruiser or Volvo Penta to power your water rocket.

To get to the stern, you have one small cushion to remove and you’re off to the races, or at least to the integrated swim platform and water beyond. This model has the optional extended swim platform that I am sure you will want if you are really into the water sports. Another popular option will be the rubber protective mats for the platform. It also had the transom tilt switch which I like for handling the outdrive unit from the parking lot. My arms just aren’t long enough to get to the helm from the parking lot.



Other notable features and options

Cleats, pull up cleats and where you need them! How often have I wanted to tie up at the dock and struggled to put a line around the steering column or somewhere because there just were not enough cleats? Larson’s Senza has cleats in proper numbers and locations, and they are properly sized so you can get more than a flimsy piece of clothesline around them.

A popular dealer add-on, if you need more precise control for wakeboarding, are fat sacks and cruise control. Captain’s Call Exhaust will give your engine that deep roar you want to impress your friends with, and the wakeboard tower speakers with amplifier will get the tunes out to the person on the hook underway.



The numbers and size of it all

Senza 206 is 20’6” length on the centerline with a beam of 8’3”. It weighs in at 3150 lbs. with base engine and is rated for 10 people and up to 1500 lbs. of total weight. It has a fuel capacity of 35 gallons. The Senza proved her mettle, delivering top speeds around 51 mph. She was on plane in 3.2 seconds and clocked 30 mph in 6.9 seconds. At 3000 rpm, she was making 28.4 mph burning 8 gph for a full tank range of 112 miles. Turns were smooth and under control without losing grip. Bowrise was minimal and I was able to keep the horizon in view up on the bolster.

If you have that need for speed, getting noticed and having the room to get you and your friends out for a day of skiing or wakeboarding without breaking the bank, the Senza 206 certainly has the power, performance and comfort that will make it fun. With the optional tower and graphics, you will not have a problem drawing the attention of everyone on the lake as you zip on by!