What You Need To Know
There is just something about this Hampton with the plush seating, as well as the colors and textures used, that helps make it feel like home. Some might argue that it could use a splash of color, but as-tested we love the conservative and high-end luxurious feel.
The Highlights
A new exterior rail system that doesn't need graphics has been added for 2013, giving customers another option. The durable 35-ounce marine-grade vinyl with a Pre-Fixx protective finish is a nice touch, and we also like the colors and textures used for the seating. The Hampton line is built by PlayCraft, which gives customers-who want a solid performance boat in a more conservative-looking package-an alternative to a race-themed pontoon.
There are three chaise lounges onboard, two in the bow and a rear-facing one across from the helm. There are plenty of great options for storage onboard, but one of our favorites is the trash can built into the back of the rear-facing lounge. We feel strongly that every boat should have a trash receptacle.
Using dual-function gauges, the helm console includes a nice and simplistic layout design, while at the same time still having a high-end touch to it. The rocker switches are well labeled and we especially like the mood lighting switch that not only lights up the floor, but the speaker covers also include these LED lights, which are ideal for those evening cruises. For the captain, the helm chair is very comfortable and we especially like the position of the throttle that appears to be in the perfect location for most drivers.
Just outside the rear gate in the stern is where your passengers are going to want to be. The extra wide rear lounger is perfect for two people or by flipping up the middle arm rest you can easily add one more. There is even a padded head rest to really help you get comfortable.
We especially like the tall rail around the loungers from a safety standpoint, but for the luxurious look as well. The removable ski/tow pylon is a nice touch, but the one feature that gets talked about the most is the rear boarding system. PlayCraft is known for its patented built-in steps into its U-shaped pontoons and we like that on this Hampton. The engineers were able to incorporate it into the round-shaped logs. With the extended ladder, it really does make boarding from the water very simple. Also worth noting is the teak-looking composite deck that nicely finishes off the stern swim deck.
Inspection Notes
A U-shaped center pontoon is combined with two round-shaped, 25-inch diameter pontoons for a unique performance hull. We also like the double-plated nose cones with an extra layer of aluminum that have been added for durability. Hampton uses a one-piece plywood design with no seams, which also increases the strength. As far as overall craftsmanship and fit and finish work, this Hampton earned top marks for the quality design.
Performance Evaluation
As-tested, this boat was packaged well with a Mercury 150hp outboard and is capable of speeds over the 35 mile per hour mark. It is rated for up to 250hp for those looking for a little more top-end speed, but the zero to 20 mph time of just 4.8 seconds really impressed us.
Final Thoughts
From bow to stern, everything feels high-end and the conservative earth tone vinyl colors only add to that luxurious feel. It's well-constructed with a lot of great standard features. Plus at this price, we love the added value and feel. You get a lot for your recreational dollar on this Hampton.
Number of Occupants 15
Price As Tested With Power $41.3K
Maximum Speed 35.6 mph
Wild Ponies 150hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 4.8 seconds
Ladder Measurement 5' 5" deep
Why we love this boat.The overstuffed rear-facing loungers in the stern, along with the easy boarding ladder, will help make this boat attractive to a lot of people.
Just being picky.It has plenty of great safety features, but to be considered truly family-friendly, we'd like see a changing room as part of the standard features.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Full Length Keels on Bottom of Outer Pontoons, Stainless Steel Fold Down Cleats on Each Corner, Circuit Breaker Protected Wiring System, Selected Roto-Cast Seat Frames, LED Docking Lights Recessed in Front Side Trim, AM/FM Stereo w/MP3 Adapter & 4 Marine dual Cone Speakers, Plush Marine Patterned Carpet, Reclining Captain Chair w/Bolster Seat, Universal Remote Control, Rear Access w/Aluminum Swing Down Ladder, Built In 30 Gallon Fuel Tank, Hinged Full Rear Sun Deck w/ Tanning Cushions
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Stainless Ski/Tow bar, Mooring Cover, Performance Pkg. (3rd Pontoon, Lifting Strakes, Alum. Underliner), SeaStar Hydraulic Steering, Stainless Prop, Companionway (Patented Rear-Entry System, Elite Pkg. (LED Interior Mood & Speaker Lighting, Exterior LED Logo Lights, Depth Sounder, Trim Gauges, 2 Aft Speakers, 36 Qt. Cooler, In-Console Removable Cooler, 2 Movable Cupholders, Teak/Holly Rear-Entry Flooring, LED Under Deck Lighting)
VITAL STATS
LOA 26'
Beam 8' 6"
Hull Design Three Pontoons
Dry Weight 1775 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 30 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Mercury 150 XL
Cylinder Type In-line 4
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 183ci/150hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.92:1
Propeller 14 Enertia X 15 1/8
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
800 1.7 77
1000 2.3 86
1500 4.1 85
2000 6.3 82.5
2500 10.1 83.5
3000 13.7 91.5
3500 18.7 90.5
4000 22.1 95
4500 25.5 97.5
5000 29.5 97.5
5500 33.3 100
5800 35.6 103.5
Richland, Mo.
573-765-3265
hamptonpontoons.com
