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
We’re used to seeing a wide range of color from this manufacturer who is known in this industry for building sporty, well-built, go fast pontoons. So to see the black panels with just the right amount of yellow on the exterior took us by surprise, but we instantly loved what we were seeing.
The Highlights
If the massive wakeboard tower doesn’t put a smile on your face, the Power package sound system with Quad Blaster tower speakers surely will. This sound system goes above and beyond what you’d expect to find on a traditional pontoon, but of course any one familiar with PlayCraft already knows these exceptional boats are far from basic. The tower provides even more room to add speakers and with the subwoofers, you can get a real nice bass thump as you push for 50 miles per hour.
The all-white interior takes advantage of an aggressive color scheme that includes a dominant yellow, along with a black checkered pattern. And because the furniture is all done in-house, there are over 50 different color combinations available so you can truly make your boat your own. The colors may change, but what remains is the 35-ounce vinyl, with a Pre-Fixx protective finish that ensures your seats will not only look good, but will be durable as well.
Throughout the boat you’ll find plenty of yellow to tie in the look like on the canopy top, ski/tow bar, as well as the side trim. However, our favorite use of the accent color is the yellow bezels around the gauges at the helm console that only add to the sporty and complete look.
There are two chaise lounges in the bow with great storage below, including the flip-out trash receptacle located in the back of the portside lounge. In the stern the tall sundeck provides great storage options and of course one of our favorite features is the boarding system because it’s one of the easiest ways to get back on the boat from the water. Actual steps are built into the pontoon and when you add the four-step ladder below you’re nearly 2 feet deeper in the water when compared to other ladders. Other key features include a locking glove box, in-floor storage and we really like the padded vinyl sides around the interior of the boat that creates a nice and clean look.
Inspection Notes
Designed with performance in mind, the 36-inch diameter center pontoon and the two 24-inch diameter side tubes are braced well to the one-piece floor using C-shaped cross-members. Included in this package is a full-length performance shield along with heavy-duty extruded aluminum RAC-R-FINS.
After a close inspection, this Xtreme model from PlayCraft earned high marks for its overall quality of construction, for the layout and design, and for its fit and finish work.
Performance Evaluation
Zero surprise here. The Xtreme 2700 as tested with a Mercury 300 Verado Pro is exhilarating to drive. She dives beautifully into the sharp turns and at full throttle we just missed the 50 mile per hour mark. This is a thrill ride, but because of its “over-built” and solid construction, you feel extremely safe and perfectly in control at all times.
Our Take
We love that not only is this performance pontoon sporty and aggressive-looking, but that it also has the performance and style to back it up. As expected from this manufacturer who knows a thing or two about creating and perfecting go fast pontoons, this Xtreme doesn’t disappoint.
Number of Occupants 15
Maximum Speed 48.5 mph
Wild Ponies 300hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 5.3 seconds
Ladder Measurement 4’5” deep
Why we love this boat…It’s easy to list performance here because it is fun to drive, but the exterior color with great yellow accents inside give the boat a great overall look.
Just being picky…The center pontoon is 36 inches wide, so it would be nice to see the 3-foot by 1-foot opening for the in-floor ski locker a little wider (but inside at nearly 7 feet long it’s plenty big).
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Color matched bimini, 28” tall anodized aluminum rails, fuse protected wiring system, 12-volt outlet, Triple Toon pkg. (includes third pontoon & performance shield), heavy-duty extruded aluminum RAC-R-FINS, LED running lights, Sony stereo w/ 4 speakers, designer graphics on side panels, plush marine carpet, fiberglass console w/ full instrumentation, LED courtesy lights, docking lights, built-in 30-gallon gas tank, padded RSD tanning cushions, mooring package and hydraulic steering.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Wakeboard tower, ski/tow bar, in-floor storage, chrome gauges w/yellow bezels, Complete Pad Pkg. w/ graphics, 2 glove boxes, trash/storage in port bow sofa, depth finder, reclining captain seat, powder coat side trim, rails and ski/tow, 50 gal. fuel tank, mood lighting, Power pkg. stereo, power pedestal helm seat, trumpet horns, bumper storage box, performance shield and wakeboard Quad Blaster w/ 4 FOCAL speakers.
VITAL STATS
LOA 27’
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design Triple Toon
Dry Weight 2750 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 50 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Mercury 300 Verado Pro
Cylinder Type Inline 6-Cylinder
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 158ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.75:1
Propeller Enertia 14 X 18
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
570 1.4 68
1000 4.1 80.5
1500 6.6 74.5
2000 8.4 83.5
2500 12.9 86.5
3000 18.2 93.5
3500 23.3 89.5
4000 27.8 94
4500 32.5 97.5
5000 37.4 98.5
5500 42.7 100.5
6000 48.3 108
Richland, Mo.
573-765-3265
playcraftboats.com
