Montego Bay 8522 Deluxe Saltwater Series

This article originally appeared in our 2017 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.  

First Impression

This is one of those manufacturers who builds a wide variety of pontoons at a wide variety of price points. We found a lot of value in this specific pontoon as tested, proving you can still find a solid boat for the family for under $35K.

Breakdown

New for 2017, the helm console has been redesigned with the bow chaise lounge incorporated into the design which provides even more storage room below the helm. The actual dash is bigger too, making it possible to add flush-mounted GPS units like the Humminbird Helix 5 which is centered on the console with other gauges all around it. Along with the Jensen Bluetooth-capable stereo there is a 12-volt outlet and a USB/Auxiliary port to increase the different ways you can play your favorite music onboard through the two standard speakers.

The seat vinyl used throughout the boat is new for 2017 and comes with a five-year warranty and is as durable as it is comfortable. There are two chaise lounges in the bow and one rear-facing lounge directly across from the helm that has a pop-up changing room built into the back. It stands over 5 feet tall when open and nicely tucks away when not needed. It’s these little space-saving amenities that help keep the floor plan wide open with plenty of room to move around.

Below the sunpad is another great area for storage and outside the stern gate there is plenty of extra room to towel off after using the wide four-step boarding ladder. It’s also back here where you’ll find the optional ski/tow bar, which is something we always like to see on boats regardless of the horsepower (although in this case the Honda is plenty big to give tubers a fun ride).

Other key amenities worth noting include the double-pedestal table in front of the L-shaped rear seating area that is extremely sturdy and won’t twist on you. We also like the optional Seagrass flooring and the hidden aerated livewell that is built into the rear bench seat. Plus, the LED navigation lights and 27-gallon fuel tank pod are just two more features that are included in the list of standards that come with the boat.

Inspection

The two 25-inch diameter pontoons that are the base of this boat and the 3-inch C-channel chassis are all bolted for added strength. Up top the anodized rails come in at a very family-friendly height of 28 inches tall around the perimeter, which is always a positive thing since you never know who will end up on your boat. There are three gates onboard with the portside one being the widest at 31 inches, which is plenty wide for wheelchair access. 

Handling

We nearly reached the 30 mph mark at full throttle with the Honda 100hp four-stroke, which is quite impressive for a two-logged 23-foot pontoon. She leans a little in the turns, but overall handles well.

If we had to be picky we’d like to see an aluminum underskin come standard on this model because it does create some resistance when the boat is underway and the water hits the cross members below. However, it’s not a big deal. Clearly it performed well as is.

Final Thoughts

Again, we like the value and the versatility this Montego Bay provides. It has plenty of great standard features with the right mix of options and upgrades to make it appealing to a lot of buyers, especially those who are new to boating and are in search of a durable and well-built pontoon.

Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants            12                   

Maximum Speed                     28.0 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             100 hp

No. of Gates                           3

0-20 MPH                               6.45 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             3’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…There is a lot of value in this price-friendly model that has a good balance of standards and optional features.

Just being picky…Without an aluminum underdeck skin (available as an option) we felt a little resistance when the boat was underway as water would hit the cross members.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Changing room, 25-inch pontoons, Jensen Bluetooth stereo, sculptured carpet, windscreen, table, and 9-foot Bimini.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Seagrass flooring, livewell/cooler, built-in fuel tank, ski/tow bar, flip-up cleats, table upgrade, and playpen cover.

VITAL STATS

LOA                  23’ 4”             

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       Two Pontoons

Dry Weight       2,100 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    27 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Honda BF100ALRTA           

Cylinder Type                                                 4 cylinder

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           91.4ci/100hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   2.33:1

Propeller                                                          13 1/2 x 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

1000                2.3                     72

1500                4.3                     82

2000                6.0                     88

2500                7.8                     84

3000                10.2                   85

3500                13.0                   88

4000                15.2                   92

4500                19.2                   95

5000                22.0                  98

5500                24.7                  101

6200                28.0                  101

Gillett, Wis.

920-855-2168

www.montegobaypontoons.com