Crest Classic 230 Chateau

April 2016 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2016 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.

Three Things

Over-the-top comfort, the CP3+ Performance edition and the amazing bar-style layout behind the helm chair highlight this pontoon.

Breakdown

Built to entertain, this 23-footer focuses on the large seating area in the stern that includes three swiveling helm-like chairs that are positioned around a table, and includes a stainless grab rail, cup holders and multiple 12-volt receptacles. Probably our favorite design feature is the center drainable cooler that is built into the table that can easily hold a 12-pack of cans, yet is still shallow enough that you can easily reach in and get what you need.

Also in this stern area across from the table area are two stainless steel drawers with a slide-out cooler below that includes plenty of counter space on top, a built-in bottle opener and there is even a faucet and sink near the stern gate as well as an easy-access trash can.

Just outside the stern gate is a wide swim deck with a four-step stainless boarding ladder, a massive ski/tow bar as well as the Suzuki 250, but we’ll get to that in a minute. Note that this boat does have an optional wakeboard tower, but it’s for cosmetic purposes only and not to be used for towing.

At the helm is a very attractive console that comes standard with everything you see (the hour meter is an option, but that’s it) including the Humminbird 386 CiDi GPS/Fish Finder. The Faria gauges are easy to read and we like the vents built into the console that improve the airflow so those gauges won’t fog up. This particular model has the optional Premium Sound System with the Infinity stereo, 10-inch subwoofer and six Infinity speakers. It’s the added touches like this that has helped Crest earn its reputation for building high-end boats.

For the captain there is a drainable glove box on the side with a 12-volt plug inside and because the helm chair slides and swivels it can be positioned to be the fourth seat around that stern table we like so much.

Other key features worth noting include the teak-looking vinyl floor, LED-lit cupholders, in-floor storage, chaise lounges in the bow and a pop-up changing room that stands over 6 feet tall.

Inspection

Below deck, the .90-gauge aluminum pontoons are 25 and 26 inches in diameter with a 5/8-inch solid extruded full keel with beefed up nosecones. Custom aluminum M brackets secure the deck to the four-sided box channel cross members.

From a safety standpoint, we like that the tallest rail height is nearly 32 inches tall and in the bow the lowest rail still stands nearly 28 inches. The rails are all powder-coated and the fit and finish work through the boat is outstanding.

Handling

In just a mere three seconds you can go from a dead stop to 20 miles per hour with the Suzuki 250 four-stroke. She handles like a dream and credit needs to go to both Suzuki for building a power engine as well as to Crest and its CP3+ Performance hull with power assist steering. We were able to dive into some very sharp turns, while staying in complete control of the boat.

Final Thoughts

This is what a high-end luxury pontoon should feel like. The layout is loaded with a lot of unique features, yet is still practical and very user-friendly. New for 2016 and part of the Classic line for Crest, this is one pontoon you’ll want to take a closer look at.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 13

Maximum Speed 46.6 mph

Wild Ponies 250 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 3.0 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…The entertainment center, sink and large aft deck table with a built-in cooler and swiveling helm chairs around it only add to the attractiveness of this Crest.

Just being picky…We absolutely love the look and function of the helm console, but we wish the helm stand was just a little bit taller.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

“A very comfortable, good-riding boat with solid construction. The quality is high-end/luxurious with a smooth and quiet ride.”

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Expanded back vinyl, Rotocast vented seat bases, Comfort Plus upholstery, Hide Away privacy/changing room w/ curtain, fender and line locker, L-group seating w/ recliner and storage, 2 floating cup holders, high back reclining helm seat, insulated fence panel w/ stainless steel accents, Humminbird 386 CiDi GPS/Fishfinder, Teleflex Extreme Tilt steering kit w/ Gussi #15, Infinity stereo w/ Bluetooth and 4 LED speakers, woodgrain instrument panel, docking and nav. lights.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Dual battery switch and battery boxes w/ tie downs, 13.25 cubic foot in-floor storage, Faria 2-inch depth finder, LED cup holders, Premium Audio (6 LED speakers, 10-inch subwoofer, wireless remote and amplifier), deluxe aluminum ski/tow bar, sport Bimini tower, CP3+ Performance Edition hull and power assist steering.