Our First Impression
Forgive us for taking a double take when this PlayCraft
first made its way to our dock. We've come to expect bright colors, extreme
graphic packages and pontoon boats that could break speed records by looks
alone. So seeing the more conservative approach caught us off guard a little. But
we quickly discovered that this new version is built just as well and goes just
as fast as the NASCAR-looking boats; it's just packaged in a more elegant way.
Consumer Test
The overstuffed furniture is very inviting and is as
comfortable as it looks. Even the durable vinyl that is white, blue and a touch
of black is done to perfection to provide an elegant look to this performance
pontoon. We love the contoured design of the two chaise lounges in the bow as
well as the rear-facing one in the stern.
For the captain is an attractive-looking console with
easy-to-read gauges, Clarion stereo and a 12-volt outlet. We especially like
the side glove box that includes a MP3 port. The fully adjustable helm chair
slides, swivels and reclines, and it provides excellent lumbar support for the
driver.
With the extended center pontoon that allows you to extend
the engine pod you gain performance, but from a cosmetic standpoint you gain a
whole lot more, like an extended swim deck. And built into the rear starboard
pontoon is by far the best ladder/boarding system in the industry that drops
into the water nearly five feet, plus is extra wide with actual steps at the
top. Also in the stern is a stereo remote as well as a massive ski/tow bar that
will get plenty of good use on this model. On top of that there is even a nice
in-floor ski locker to store those toys when you're not using them.
Worth noting is all the unique LED lighting throughout the
boat, including the exterior side lights as well as in the interior of the
boat, which flows well with the layout.
Inspection Test
The three 24- by 24-inch U-shaped pontoons are foam-filled
with lifting strakes on the insides of the outside pontoons and on both sides
of the center tube. PlayCraft refers to its extra welded bottom as "rock shoes,"
but we simply refer to it as a great idea to help protect the bottom of your
boat when you beach it. The all-aluminum cross-members are on 16-inch centers
and are bolted to the one-piece plywood deck. The weld quality, including on
the double splash fins on the nosecones, is excellent throughout.
Up top there is over 17 feet of usable deck space from
inside the bow gate to the rear bench seat. Both craftsmanship and fit and
finish work earned high marks for this solid craft that is well-built from top
to bottom.
Performance Test
We could have driven this boat around for hours; well
actually, we did, and that got us into a little bit of trouble back at the
dock. But we just didn't want to stop driving it because we were having too
much fun. This is one boat that you'd never get tired of. She banks like a
dream in the sharp turns and with the new Yamaha 250 SHO engine we nearly hit
the 50-mile-per-hour mark.
Who Should Buy It
You don't need to be into racing to appreciate this boat,
but it wouldn't hurt. Building high-end go-fast boats is what PlayCraft is
known for so it it's nice to see all of those great qualities wrapped into a more
conservative-looking package. For the family who values performance but wants a
touch of class and luxury as well, this might be the pontoon you've been
searching for.
Number of Occupants 15
Price As Tested With Power $69.6K
Maximum Speed: 47.7
mph
Wild Ponies: 250hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 4.7
seconds
Ladder Measurement: 4'
9" deep
Why we love this boat.When you can
successfully combine performance and luxury what's not to love? The colors,
overstuffed furniture and overall layout are great, plus she still performs
like a PlayCraft.
Just being picky.The in-floor locker could be a little wider
and one feature we'd like to see (that is available as an option) is a changing
room enclosure that should be included on a boat this size.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
X-Treme
surface piercing nosecones, wide heavy-duty extruded aluminum side deck
bumpers, two-tone exterior panels, triple pontoon package with RAC-R-FINS, LED
running lights, Clarion stereo w/ four speakers, plush marine carpet, Signature
seating, reclining helm seat, full instrumentation, 12-volt outlet, LED
courtesy lights, docking lights, hydraulic steering, sculptured exterior tubing
and in-floor locker.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Depth
finder, trash compartment, glove box, extra step, powder coat rails, mood
lights, rock shoes, dual battery switch, extra cleats, extended center toon,
Sharkhide, ski/tow, power assist and stainless side LED docking lights.
VITAL STATS
LOA 27'
Beam 8'
6"
Hull Design Three Pontoons
Dry Weight 2,750 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 50
Gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Yamaha
250 SHO
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 254ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.75:1
Propeller 15 1/2 X 17
RPM vs. SPEED
vs. DB-A
800 3.1 mph 71
1000 4.6
mph 77.5
1500 7.0
mph 80.5
2000 8.6
mph 82
2500 11.9
mph 91.5
3000 16.0
mph 89.5
3500 20.2
mph 89.5
4000 24.8
mph 90.5
4500 33.1
mph 95.5
5000 39.9
mph 100
5500 43.8
mph 102
5900 47.7
mph 102
Richland, Mo.
Phone: 573-765-3265
Website: www.playcraftboats.com
