Sleek Performer: 2006 Larson Senza 206
By Capt. Keith Burton
Test Captain
Sometimes I come across a boat while conducting a review that really surprises me. Such was the case with the 2006 Larson Senza 206. This is supposed to be a value leader among Larson’s runabouts, but “value leader” must mean something different at Larson because this certainly isn’t a stripped down boat.
The Senza 206 is a sleekly designed and remarkably well-equipped 20-foot-6-inch runabout that offers great performance and style at an affordable price. This is a boat that screams “look at me,” but it won’t cost an arm and a leg to own.
Durable Reputation
Larson knows a thing or two about boats. The company has been in business for what is an eternity in the boating business. Way back in 1913 that Paul Larson started selling boats and since that time, the Minnesota-based company has grown to be among the best in the business, shipping boats throughout the country and overseas.
The Senza 206 is designed to appeal to young boating enthusiasts that want a boat with the room and performance of more expensive boats, without sacrificing amenities and style.
Style and Design
Style is the first thing you notice with the Senza 206. Larson’s engineers clearly used more than a straight edge in designing this boat. Sweeping lines along the flanks blend with the flow of the side windows to make a truly striking impression of grace and power.
Everywhere you look, you will see great detail, such as the stainless steel pop-up cleats, the high-quality vinyl covering the seats, and the cool “Senza” logo stitched into the stern bench seat. These are not the type of details that most “value leader” boats have, and Larson should be commended for this effort.
The bow wraparound seating in this runabout is comfortable and roomy with plenty of space in the footwell. A large deck storage compartment with a stout cover provides room for skis and a wakeboard. A nice touch is the windshield supports that are designed to double as handholds to the bow area.
At the Helm
Amidships, the captain and passenger get premium-looking bucket seats that are well padded and comfortable enough for a whole day of water fun. The helm is not a stogy affair either and looks like the dash of a sports car with full instruments in nicely styled white on black gauges made by Faria.
Netted storage cubbyholes are sprinkled around the cabin, and as you would suspect, storage under the bow and stern seats is plentiful. We particularly like the way the rear wraparound bench seat has room underneath for a carry-on cooler, which comes with the boat.
You also get an upscale Clarion marine AM, FM/CD radio for some sweet sounding tunes.
This is also a boat that will be easy to clean and maintain. The floors have nicely curved corners and are clear of obstructions where dirt and sand could hide.
Transom Features
At the stern, is a broad sunpad that opens on hydraulic struts for access to the engine bay. And speaking of engines, the Senza 206 can be ordered with up to a 320 horsepower engine if you really need that much power.
Impressive Performance
Our boat was equipped with a 260-horsepower MerCruiser MPI 5-liter V8 and it was plenty fast. We achieved a top speed of 51.4 mph turning 5000 rpm. But as in any boat, speed is only part of the fun equation. The Senza 206 is fun to pilot and answers the helm more like a sports car than a boat. Steering is linear and smooth, and the boat cuts easily on sharp turns. Wakes and waves are also handled without undue pounding, which is a credit to the boat’s design team.
Optional Features
Our Senza was equipped with an optional Captain’s Call performance dual exhaust system from Corsa Performance. The system operates with a rocker switch and would change the exhaust sound from mellow to throaty. The side-exiting exhaust also looks very cool.
At the stern there is an integrated swim platform with a three-step fold down ladder. But if you want more space, an extended swim platform is among the options.
The 2006 Larson Senza 206 makes a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable medium-sized runabout with capable performance and style. But I'm sure its excellent construction and easy maintenance will win you over on the long term.
