Hampton 2680 DRL

September 2014 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2014 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

Hampton took its popular pontoon model that includes rear-facing stern lounges and created this unique deck boat for the new model year. With the proven fiberglass hull and the plush pontoon seating, you truly get the best of both worlds with this hybrid.

The Highlights

From the deck up you’d never guess you weren’t on a pontoon boat. All of the great features we’ve come to love with Hampton interiors can be found on this deck boat with a few other new perks. For starters, there are two large in-floor lockers that utilize the extra space from the hull below. Both are nearly 2 feet deep and each extends to over 4 feet in length.

The area that’s going to get the most attention (which should surprise no one) is the plush rear-facing loungers in the stern. We’re not used to seeing such a great layout where three people can comfortably lounge on the back of a deck boat. This seating area is outside of the rear gate, so we especially love the tall stainless railing for this section. Also in the stern is an extended swim platform that is color-matched to the exterior rails, a large ski/tow pylon as well as telescoping boarding ladder. Also worth noting is the vinyl teak-looking decking in the stern that helps separate this area from the rest of the boat.

Inside the room interior there is nearly 13 feet of usable deck space from the bow gate to the rear bench seat and the majority of the boat is carpeted with the bow having matching faux teak vinyl flooring.

With a total of three chaise lounges there’s plenty of room to get comfortable, but it’s the different colors and textures used in the vinyl that we can appreciate most. There is a very high-end feel to this interior and that includes the beautiful helm console that is complete with large easy-to-read multi-function gauges, depth sounder and well-labeled rocker switches. From bow to stern Hampton was going for a luxurious high-end feel and they clearly achieved it.

Inspection Notes

On the semi-V fiberglass hull, the Glide Ride chine design helps give the boat amazing control at all speeds. The composite hull stringers are encapsulated with flotation foam and we found everything below deck to be well-finished. Inside there are three gates and the majority of the boat is well-protected with a 28-inch tall perimeter railing.

After a closer inspection this deck boat earned high marks for quality construction, layout design, as well as for its fit and finish work. We also consider this Hampton to be safe and family-friendly boat.

Performance Evaluation

When you combine a proven hull with the power of the Honda 250hp outboard, you have a recipe for a great time on the water. At full throttle we reached speeds in the mid 40mph range and of course with the V-hull bottom she banks beautifully in the tight turns. Manufactured by the same company that builds PlayCraft pontoons, it’s nice to see this Hampton performing like we’ve come to expect from years of testing its other boats.

Our Take

This Hampton is where luxury and performance come together to create a spacious and amenity-packed layout that is extremely fun to drive. We’ve seen some good rear-facing lounges in the pontoon segment, but nothing like this on a deck boat. This Missouri-based manufacturer comes through in style with its new 2680 DRL creation.

Number of Occupants 12

Maximum Speed 45.6 mph

Wild Ponies 250hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 6.0 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 10” deep

Why we love this boat…You just won’t find plush rear-facing stern lounges like this on a deck boat and they’re actually better than some pontoon layouts as well.

Just being picky…The four-step boarding ladder in the stern extends nearly 4 feet into the water, but we’d like to see some type of a hand hold for easier boarding.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Heavy-duty extruded aluminum side deck bumpers, aluminum corner castings, .032” baked enamel colored aluminum side panels, corrosion-resistant fasteners, circuit breaker protected wiring, AM/FM stereo with MP3 adapter, four marine dual cone speakers, reclining helm seat, full instrumentation, rear access with aluminum ladder, hinged full rear sun deck with tanning cushions, ski and anchor locker and a 44 gal fuel tank.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Swim platform, ss ski/tow bar, mooring cover, Sea Star hydraulic steering, ss prop and Elite pkg. that includes LED mod and speaker lighting, exterior LED logo lights, depth sounder, trim gauge, 2 extras aft speakers, 36-qt. inconsole cooler, 2 movable cup holders, teak/holly flooring in rear entry and swim platform and LED under deck lighting.

VITAL STATS

LOA 26’

Beam 8’

Hull Design Semi-V Hull

Dry Weight 2800 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 44 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine Honda 250

Cylinder Type V6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 219ci/250hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio 2.00:1

Propeller 15 1/4 X 19