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
Being a great entertaining pontoon is just one of the many advantages to this Premier. For starters it has an extra-wide design that allowed the engineers more room to pack key features into it, plus the combination of the PTX hull with twin 300hp outboards help redefine what we consider a “total package” pontoon.
The Highlights
For all that this ‘toon has going for it, it was the joystick docking controls that seemed to earn the most attention. With just a simple movement, anyone can dock like a pro in any condition with this very easy-to-use system. Space won’t allow us to elaborate at this time, but trust us when we say this is an industry-changing feature that we absolutely love.
It’s called the Grand Entertainer for a reason. While we’ve seen wet bar layouts become more and more popular, this fully-loaded bar is like nothing else. Located in the stern, the optional Sea Grass flooring separates this section from the rest of the boat. You can control the height on the four bar stools that include a foot rest, a “purse hook” and LED blue accent lights. And above the bar is a cabana top that includes eight glass holders with plastic glasses.
Behind the bar counter is stainless electric fridge, bottle holders on the counter as well as a locking drawer, a large electric sink with a soap dispenser, ice bucket, paper towel holder, bottle opener, stereo controls, etc. The list goes on and on. With the 10-foot wide design we wish there was a little bit more room behind the bar, but other than that we love all the features included with this full bar design.
In the stern is a large swim deck with an integrated three stair, plus the twin transom model include three telescopic ladder steps that are built into the PTX tube for easy boarding. For the captain, the elevated fiberglass platform is a nice touch as well as the FlexSteel helm chair that is identical to the first mate chair. At the helm is a Beacon Electronics System that includes a GPS and allows you to control everything from the touch screen console. The dash also includes BRP’s I-command multi-function gauges that are easy to read.
FlexSteel furniture is used throughout, so the U-shaped seating with the removable bow filler seat is as comfortable and as inviting as it looks. Hidden nicely in the port bow chaise is the new Mirage changing room that can be easily accessed in one movement and stands over 6 feet tall when open. It’s built into the seating and we love that it includes a little cutout so your step to get inside is minimal.
Inspection Notes
There are two 27-inch diameter pontoons with a 36-inch diameter U-shaped center tube that is part of the PTX package. After a close inspection this boat earned high marks for its overall quality construction, unique layout, as well as its fit and finish work. And with the 28-inch tall rails throughout, this is a safe family-friendly boat too that is truly a one-of-a-kind.
Performance Evaluation
With the proven PTX hull we were able to handle this pontoon like it was a 20-foot V-hull boat as we dived into the sharp corners. At full throttle we easily hit the 50 mph mark with the twin Evinrude E-TEC 300hp outboards. Now that’s a lot of power! This Premier is fun to drive and it will surprise you by how well it performs.
Our Take
If you love to entertain and you’re looking for a fully loaded bar that includes everything you need besides the drinks, this Grand Entertainer has it all. Plus she handles great, easy to dock with the Optimus 360 controls and more power than you’re used to.
Number of Occupants 18
Maximum Speed 51.3 mph
Wild Ponies 600 hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 3.8 seconds
Ladder Measurement 6’ deep
Why we love this boat…You could make a case for the power, performance or even the joystick controls, but it’s the amenity-packed bar that we absolutely love.
Just being picky…A ski/tow bar or pylon should be included as a standard feature when you’re dealing with a 600 horsepower pontoon with the PTX performance package.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
PTX 30” package, FlexSteel furniture, Command View raised helm platform, Polk Audio stereo system w/ amp and subwoofer, island bar w/ cabana top, 4 bar stools, changing room, Beacon electronic system, patented J-Clip playpen cover, refrigerator, sink, stemware, LED lights, 5-step ladder, EZ access seat hinges, dual battery switch & battery charger, hydraulic steering, Liberty I helm, bow filler couch and GPS.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Twin Engine package, 36” PTX upgrade, 10’ wide layout, 260 rail and furniture package on 290 Deck (allowing for a foot longer bow deck and 2 foot longer aft deck) and Optimus 360 joy stick engine controls.
VITAL STATS
LOA 31’ 1”
Beam 10’ 2”
Hull Design 27” Round Outside & 36” PTX Center
Dry Weight 3500 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 80 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Twin DE 300 Evinrudes
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 210ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.85:1
Propeller Rebel 15 3/8 X 18
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
500 3.1 79
1000 5.0 82.5
1500 9.2 88
2000 13.4 96
2500 19.2 104.5
3000 25.0 102
3500 28.6 106
4000 33.1 106.5
4500 36.2 111
5000 41.3 107
5500 46.8 110
5800 51.3 112.5
Wyoming, Minn.
651-462-2880
pontoons.com
