What You Need To Know
It didn't take long for word to spread about this new Aqua Patio. It seems like the industry was buzzing about this `toon last fall, and rightfully so. When engineers are able to create a unique-looking pontoon that is different than what we're used to seeing, excitement is sure to follow.
The Highlights
We hope the engineers who helped create this 250 Express received raises or at least some type of compensation for the overtime they must have put in to design such a sporty pontoon. The first eye-catching feature is the arch with no back strut that gives the tower a freestanding look. And once we figured out how the bimini top worked, we were officially impressed by the overall design.
There are four major fiberglass sections onboard, including two in the bow that help tie in the beautiful stainless steel gate. But it's the two fiberglass sections in the stern that had everyone talking. The two rear rumble seats are well-hidden when not in use and below these rear-facing seats you can still gain access to storage below. Having built-in jump seats that include a footrest is very unique, not to mention stylish.
To match the tower, a huge ski/tow bar was created to complete the look of the stern. Throw in the Silver Versa Teak flooring to match the metallic fiberglass, as well as the easy-to-use rear boarding ladder that creates an S-shape when in the water, and you have one futuristic-looking rear deck. However, without a rear gate, smaller children will need to stay out of this area when the boat is underway.
For the captain, the raised helm stand gives you a better view from behind the wheel. As for the actual console, we love the sporty look that flows well with the rest of the boat and comes standard with easy-to-read gauges, 12-volt outlet, MP3 jack and stereo. And this model included the optional depth finder too.
As for the seating, we especially like the Carbon Fiber Pearl vinyl that was used throughout the boat that is designed to reflect the heat, not absorb it like some material does. There are three chaise lounges onboard, two in the bow and a rear-facing one across from the captain. In two of the chaise backrests we found trash receptacles, which is always great to have when you're away from the dock.
We also like the Fusion/Polk Audio Amphitheater sound system with 13 speakers that are all angled and positioned to get the best sound quality possible.
Inspection Notes
Having a 27-inch diameter center tube not only gives you a great advantage in performance, but also for storage. The in-floor ski locker is incorporated into the center pontoon giving you over 8 feet of space in this nearly 3-foot deep compartment. The large diameter pontoons are part of the G-ForceIII Package for Aqua Patio.
After a close inspection we gave this `toon high marks for its fit and finish work, overall unique design as well overall construction. This is a well-built boat that is ideal for families with older, water sport-loving kids.
Performance Evaluation
When Aqua Patio designed this sporty boat they wanted to make sure it was never under-powered so that's why you can only get it with V6 power. This specific model was equipped with a Yamaha 300 and if the quick zero to 20 mile per hour time of just over 4 1/2 seconds doesn't impress you, the way she dives into those tight turns surely will. With the power-assist steering this `toon is a dream to drive and capable of speeds well over 40 mph.
Final Thoughts
She performs as sweet as she looks. We had a blast driving this unique and sporty `toon that goes the extra mile with its out-of-(pontoon)-box thinking with a well-executed design.
Number of Occupants 16
Price As Tested With Power $69K
Maximum Speed 44.2 mph
Wild Ponies 300hp
No. of Gates 2
0-20 MPH 4.6 seconds
Ladder Measurement 3' 5" deep
Why we love this boat.It's one thing to design a sporty boat, but it's another to perfectly execute it. Aqua Patio engineers worked overtime to create this masterpiece.
Just being picky.Our only real knock is the throttle position that seemed a little low compared to the rest of the boat. But once you get used to the location it's a non-issue.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
G-ForceIII Package, Corner Castings; bright polished stainless steel w/ LED lights and integrated Pull-up cleat, Graphic accent panels, Ski/Tow Bar, Battery switch, NextWave Electrical System, Carbon Fiber Pearl Base Vinyl, 27" Tubes, Full instrumentation, Power assisted Steering, Sea Star hydraulic with tilt wheel Steering, Aft facing seating, Chaise lounge; contoured back rest and built-in trash receptacle in seat back, Changing room with curtain, Mood accent lighting under seats, Sterling carpet, Wake board tower
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Rub Rail Inserts, Underdeck LED Lighting, Underwater LED Swim Light, Digital Depth Finder, Silver Versa Teak decking, Monster wake board racks
VITAL STATS
LOA 26' 10"
Beam 8' 6"
Hull Design Pontoon
Dry Weight 3685 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 46 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Yamaha F300
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 254ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.75:1
Propeller 15 W/SDS 15 3/4
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
600 2.7 73.5
1000 4.6 76.5
1500 7.2 80
2000 10.7 84.5
2500 16.1 89.5
3000 20.0 91
3500 23.6 95
4000 27.9 97
4500 31.9 101.5
5000 36.9 100
5500 40.4 101
6000 43.5 101.5
6100 44.2 103.5
Elkhart, Ind.
574-522-8381
aquapatioboats.com
