Crest 250 Continental

December 2015 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2015 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 25 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.

What You Need To Know

For those who think pontoon boats have to be boxy and aren’t allowed to be stylish, you’re going to want to take a closer look at this Continental. With the full windshield design combined with a sporty fiberglass interior, you might just think for a moment you’re on a day cruiser runabout.

The Highlights

This is not only a new model for 2015, but it also has options that make it part of the new Salt Water series of pontoons for Crest as well. Starting at the helm, the Humminbird 385 color fish finder with GPS is the center of the console that includes easy-to-read gauges and the Infinity stereo unit that is built in. One of the few options onboard is the Roswell audio system that includes a high-end surround sound system with LED-lit speakers. Speaking of lighting, the LED accent lights are found throughout the boat and really add to the luxurious feel.

For the captain there is a fully adjustable helm chair that is identical to the first-mate seat directly across, both of which slide, swivel and recline. Attached to the powder coated frame rails is the full windshield that truly looks like it belongs. There is even an integrated folding door between the two consoles that allows you to close off the aft cockpit area to help extend your boating season.

Behind the helm chair is an entertainment center that includes a sink and hand pump faucet with just the right amount of counter space. Then just outside the stern gate is a nice swim deck that includes a large stainless steel ski/tow bar along with a four-step stainless boarding ladder.

All the fiberglass work is done in-house so Crest is able to be creative with its layouts and floor plans and can sculpt and shape the boat exactly how the engineers want it, while adding unique features along the way. Besides the dual helm consoles, the rear bench has a molded fiberglass base that again, when seen with the Infinity synthetic teak flooring, makes you feel you’re on a larger cruiser boat.

Also worth noting, built into the back of the first-mate helm console is an integrated pop-up changing room that stands nearly 6 feet tall when open with just enough space inside.

Inspection Notes

Crest calls its performance package the CP3+ edition, which besides the third pontoon gives you nearly a seven-foot long in-floor ski locker that is over two feet deep. Two 25-inch diameter HPT (V-shaped) pontoons along with a 26-inch diameter center tube with lifting strakes make up the hull. Plus there is a full aluminum performance shield on the bottom. Overall the construction and fit and finish work received high praise from our test crew who also noted the outstanding attention to detail throughout.

Performance Evaluation

Not only does the 250 Continental have a lot of cruiser-like qualities, but with the CP3+ performance hull we were able to really dive into some tight corners and at times felt like we weren’t even in a pontoon boat. Powered with a Mercury 250 Pro Verado, we went from zero to 20 mph in just over five seconds. This is an extremely fun boat to drive based on the power and how she handles.

Our Take

This is one of the boats that received a lot of positive attention at our PDB Days event following our boat test. With this Crest you get the complete package of performance, style and innovative design work in a unique-looking pontoon that will continue to draw attention wherever it goes.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 17

Maximum Speed 43.9 mph

Wild Ponies 250 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 5.05 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 9” deep

Why we love this boat…It almost has a yacht-like feel to it with all the fiberglass work and high-end amenities that include a sporty exterior.

Just being picky…The electronics under the helm console should be off the floor because this is where most people will want to store their cooler.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

The combination of pontoon and cruiser is excellent and the boat seems larger than it is with outstanding fit and finish work.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

CP3+ Performance edition, two 25” diameter HPT (“V”) pontoons w/ inboard lifting strakes, third 26” center tube w/ two lifting strakes, in-floor ski storage, integrated 45-gal. fuel tank, aluminum underskin, power assist SeaStar hydraulic steering, deluxe ski/tow bar, teak and holly vinyl flooring, entertainment center w/ 8-gal. freshwater tank, power coated rails and walkthrough windshield.