South Bay 925 Sport TT

What You Need To Know

We're not sure if a challenge was offered to the South Bay engineers to see how much they could pack into a performance pontoon, but based on our first impression, that's the way it looks to us. Nothing is an afterthought on this model and the specific attention to even the simplest detail is amazing. 

The Highlights

Last year we were blown away when the aluminum arch showed up at our test, because it was like nothing we had ever seen before. So how could South Bay possibly build on that success? By improving the design, that's how. The standard arch can manually be folded down for low bridges and for storing. The futuristic-looking top with LED lighting and an optional wakeboard rack was well received by our staff. 

The new sporty helm console with a touch-screen dash was also a hit. As pontoons continue to evolve, so do the electronics and the gadgets that are now available. Creating a simplistic, clean-looking console instead of cluttering the panel with multiple gauges and switches, is the only way to go. We love the look, plus the touch-screen gives the captain complete access to the stereo, lights and every control needed, including an optional backup rear camera so you can keep an eye on your wakeboarder.

We like that this Sport model is loaded with a lot of standard features, including the LED Light Package. From the docking/navigation lights recessed into the bow rails and to the courtesy floor lights, the blue LED lights look great. The more we looked, the more we found these LED lights on the speaker covers, sport arch and even underneath the boat! These really set the tone for those evening cruises.

There are three chaise lounges onboard and we love the sliding cup holder/arm rests that provide a secure fit when you're lying down. Plus all the chaise lounges have unique storage including the portside bow lounge with a built-in pop-up changing room. It has a double flip-up design and stands nearly 6 feet tall when open.

All of the re-designed furniture uses different vinyl patterns and textures to create a unique look and feel that you'd expect to find on a really high-end boat.    

Below the optional snap-in carpet is a beautiful composite flooring that is grey and flows well with the interior of the boat.

There are two fiberglass sections onboard: upfront that complements the stainless bow gate and in the stern with the rear-facing lounges. It's these high-end touches that help tie the theme of the boat together. Below the rear-facing lounges in the stern is a great electric hatch storage compartment. Also in the stern is a solid ski/tow bar and a three-step boarding ladder.

Inspection Notes

The South Bay TRIFECTA performance package includes three pressurized 25-inch diameter pontoons that include full-length exterior riser brackets, along with a full aluminum performance skin. After a closer inspection, the boat received high marks for its quality construction and fit and finish work. 

Performance Evaluation

This is how a performance pontoon should handle. With the Mercury Verado 300 we nearly reached the 50 mile per hour mark at full throttle. She dives into the sharp turns and handles like a V-hull boat. With the power-assist option, steering is a dream. 

Final Thoughts

We always seem to have high expectations for South Bay at our tests, probably because we're never disappointed. We love the power of a 50 mph boat, the style of the aluminum arch and the added comfort that you get with this 925 Sport TT model.

Number of Occupants             17                   

Price As Tested With Power     $97.5K

Maximum Speed                      48.7 mph                     

Wild Ponies                              300hp 

No. of Gates                            2

0-20 MPH                               5.3 seconds     

Ladder Measurement               2' 9" deep

Why we love this boat.The overall flow from the sporty arch to the textured vinyl is very inviting. It truly is a high-end model that performs like a performance pontoon should.

Just being picky.This `toon is already loaded with a lot of features, but if we had to be picky we'd like to see a faucet and sink, as well as a locking glovebox as part of the standard features.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Manually folding Sport Arch, Sport Ski/Tow, S.S swim ladder, Murphy Touchscreen Dash w/GPS/Depth/Digital (NMEA) Instrumentation/touch actuated non critical accessory and stereo controls/Tilt hydraulic steering/AM/FM/USB/MP3/Sirius and iPod Capable Clarion stereo w/rear remote and 6 backlit component style speakers w/separate tweeters, LED Lights-including Nav/Anchor/Docking/Mood, cupholders and Courtesy lights, Fiberglass exterior with stylish integrated aluminum railing, Extra large stern storage area w/power actuated access hatch, Washdown shower in transom area, Dual battery setup with switch and 2 bank shore charger

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Snap-in Carpet, Power-Assist Steering, In-floor Storage, Underwater LED Lighting, Rear View Camera, Swing Away Wakeboard Racks, Full Teak Vinyl Floor, Stern Tropical Weave Flooring

VITAL STATS

LOA                  27' 9"             

Beam                 8' 6"

Hull Design         TRIFECTA

Dry Weight         3360 lbs.

Fuel Capacity     52 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                              Mercury 300 L6 Verado

Cylinder Type                                                   Inline 6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower               158.5ci/300hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                      1.85:1

Propeller                                                          16SS X 14 3/4

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

660                  3.2                     59.5

1000                4.7                     74.5

1500                6.9                     82.5

2000                9.7                     79

2500                14.7                   84

3000                19.1                   86.5

3500                24.3                   88.5

4000                28.1                   91

4500                33.6                   95.5

5000                37.3                   95.5

5500                41.9                   99.5

6000                47.8                   102.5

6240                48.7                   105

Middlebury, Ind.

574-825-8696

http://www.southbaypontoon.com/