It's Boat Test Monday! Every year, we meet up with some of the top manufactures in the pontoon and deck boat world to test their newest models. All of these reviews are compiled in a special Boat Test issue that comes out during the first part of the year.
Hampton 2485 XLT
Our First Impression
The Hampton line from PlayCraft is the manufacturer's answer to those who like the solid construction and quality of a PlayCraft pontoon, but are looking for a more conservative package. You won't find NASCAR-like graphics on this specific model, but instead it has more of an elegant and high-end look to it.
Consumer Test
When it comes to setting the tone for a luxury boat, it really starts with a nice color scheme. We counted six different colors used in the vinyl, plus multiple colors are used for the vinyl-wrapped helm console as well as the captain's chair. The 33-ounce vinyl used on the seats not only looks great and is comfortable, but with the Prefixx protective finish it prevents stains as well as fading.
There are three chaise lounges, two in the bow and a rear-facing one in the stern and we like the contour shape of the rear bench seat that makes it a little easier to get past the helm chair on your way to the rear entry. Below the sundeck is a good storage place where normally you might find a changing room. But with the pop-up enclosure built into the rear-facing chaise lounge, you truly can use this area as a storage box for tubes and other toys.
Just outside the rear gate is a nice swim deck with synthetic teak flooring, a nice ski/tow pylon, speakers that face out for the sandbar, as well as a unique boarding system. Built into the starboard-side pontoon are actual steps for easy boarding, plus a flip-down ladder that really makes getting out of the water a breeze. From the swim deck you can get a good look at the Suzuki 175 HO engine that is so quiet that we actually forgot it was running while we were doing our walkthrough inspection. The lack of sound surprised us enough that we had to double check the idle decibel reading from our tech test when we got back to the dock. Very impressive.
Inspection Test
Hampton uses a foam-filled U-shaped center pontoon with the motor pod attached as well as two 25-inch diameter pontoons for the base. There are lifting strakes on the insides of the outside pontoons as well as on both sides of the center tube. We especially like the double splash fins on the nosecones that add durability and longevity to this boat. The heavy-duty C-channel cross-members run the full width of the boat to support the rubrail and are bolted to the one-piece plywood deck
Above deck there is over 15 feet of usable space from inside the bow gate to the rear bench. Overall the craftsmanship earned high marks as well as the overall layout design that is safe and family-friendly, especially with the nice tall side rails.
Performance Test
We had no problems getting up on plane with the Suzuki 175 HO on the back and at full throttle we reached speeds over 40 miles per hour. She banks beautifully in the turns and with that ski/tow pylon this would be a great water toy boat with plenty of room for the entire family. This Hampton is a fun boat to drive and it belongs in the PlayCraft family.
Who Should Buy It
Priced very well, this Hampton is a great all-around boat with plenty of key features and amenities, as well as a nice performance kick. The versatility of the design help make it appealing to a lot of people including families with smaller kids to older couples that are looking for a great cruising model.
Why We Love This Boat
This boat has a lot going for it with its layout and amenities, plus performance, but we really like the different vinyl colors used throughout the boat that really help bring this `toon to life.
Just Being Picky
There is a small netting area on the helm chair, but we'd like to see a glove box or a designated storage area built into the helm console to put your lose items.
Notable Standards
Heavy-duty extruded aluminum side deck bumpers, 28-inch aluminum rails, bimini with quick-release fasteners, circuit breaker, LED docking, courtesy and navigational lights, stereo with MP3 adapter, Cone speakers, plush marine carpet, fiberglass console, universal remote, deluxe steering wheel, rear access with swing down ladder, built-in 30-gallon fuel tank and hinged rear sundeck.
Options On Test Boat
Stainless ski/tow bar, mooring cover, changing room, performance package (third toon, lifting strakes and aluminum underskin), XLT package, SeaStar hydraulic steering, rear-entry system and Elite package that includes LED mood lighting, exterior LED logo lights, depth sounder, trim gauge, 2 aft speakers, 36-qt cooler, 2 moveable cupholders, non-skid flooring in rear entry and swim platform area.
Vital Stats & Specs
Number of Occupants - 15
Price As Tested With Power - $ 42.4K
Maximum Speed - 40.5 mph
Wild Ponies - 175hp
No. of Gates - 3
0-20 MPH - 4.8 seconds
Ladder Steps - 5
Ladder Measurement - 4' 9"
LOA - 24'
Beam - 8' 6"
Hull Design - Three Pontoons
Dry Weight -1775 lbs.
Fuel Capacity - 30 Gallons
Tallest Rail Onboard - Stern 29"
Lowest Rail Onboard - Bow 28"
Changing Room Height - 5' 1"
Test Drive
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
800 3.0 mph 64.5
1000 4.4 mph 74
1500 5.9 mph 87
2000 7.9 mph 84.5
2500 12.5 mph 85.5
3000 16.7 mph 91.5
3500 21.1 mph 93
4000 24.3 mph 96.5
4500 28.5 mph 99.5
5000 32.4 mph 105
5500 35.2 mph 103
5600 38.5 mph 104
6100 40.5 mph 105
Price As Tested $42,415
(Boat and Motor)
Richland, Mo.
573-765-3265
www.hamptonpontoons.com
Don't forget to check out the video of the test:
http://www.pontoon.net/boat-news/video.cfm?id=2949&flag=1&StartRow=2
