Hampton 2585 HSP

January 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2015 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

New for the 2015 model year, Hampton targets the higher end of the market with this luxurious-looking 2585 pontoon. From the upholstery and colors to the contour of the layout, there is a very inviting feel to this boat that is worthy of a closer look.

The Highlights

Starting in the bow, the dual chaise lounges with two accent colors provide an elegant feel to the off-white seats that are very comfortable. For the captain there is a flip-up bolster on the bucket helm chair with a second bucket chair directly across for the first mate. Also worth noting is the Seagrass flooring from Infinity that is part of the optional features, but in our opinion truly completes the high-end look. Plus the vinyl padding on the inside of the rails helps dampen the noise while providing a cleaner interior look.

At the helm console the two-tier row of easy-to-read multi-function gauges flows well with the Sony stereo unit that is centrally located for the driver. Everything is within reach for the driver, including a well-placed throttle position located to the side of the console. And because the helm chair slides and swivels, all drivers can get comfortable behind the wheel.

Behind the dual bucket seats are two extremely comfortable rear-facing loungers. While this has become a popular trend in the industry, Hampton continues to find ways to make the layout even better. Extra-mile effort went into the artistic design that creates a sculpted sporty look and feel, especially on the sides. You can really stretch out in these loungers and even at higher speeds, you feel safe and well-protected. It’s worth noting that below each one there is additional storage too.

Just outside the center rear gate the three-step telescopic boarding ladder stores on the deck and extends nearly three feet into the water when deployed. There’s just enough room to use the ladder, but it could use some type of a handhold for easier boarding. The motor pod has been extended for performance reasons so the actual stern deck is triangle-shaped, and if we had to be picky we’d like see the deck extended so it could double as a full swim platform.

Inspection Notes

A U-shaped center pontoon is combined with two round-shaped, 25-inch diameter pontoons for a unique performance hull. We also like the double-plated nose cones with an extra layer of aluminum that have been added for durability. Hampton uses a one-piece plywood design with no seams, which also increases the strength.

Up top there are three gate openings and the rail height varies from 19 inches tall in the bow to 29 inches in the stern. As far as overall craftsmanship and fit and finish work, this Hampton earned top marks for the quality design.

Performance Evaluation

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. Speeds over 60 miles per hour are possible when you combine this performance hull with the Mercury 250 Verado. She turns well and is very responsive. It’s one of those go-fast pontoons that because of the control, disguises the kinds of speeds it’s capable of until you check your speedometer.

Our Take

From bow to stern Hampton was going for a luxurious feel and they clearly achieved it. Everything feels high-end and the conservative earth tone vinyl colors only add to that upscale ambiance. It’s well-constructed with a lot of great standard features.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 15

Maximum Speed 62.1 mph

Wild Ponies 250 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 6.14 seconds

Ladder Measurement 2’ 9” deep

Why we love this boat…Even with the large outboard on the back, because of the high-end look the great performing pontoon pleasantly surprised us.

Just being picky…The triangle-shaped stern deck is fully functional, yet if the platform was squarer it would only improve this area as an extended swim platform.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

I guess it is possible to have a high-end look, yet still perform extremely well.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Double-welded front water deflectors, double-plated nose cones, stainless steel fold-down cleats on each corner, aluminum castings on all corners, anodized aluminum rails, .032 baked enamel colored aluminum side panels, limited lifetime CCA one-piece 7-ply plywood deck, corrosion-resistant fasteners, color-matched bimini top w/ quick release fasteners, circuit breaker protected wiring system, selected Rotocast seat frames, courtesy lights, side mount nav. lights, AM/FM stereo w/ MP3 adapter and 4 marine dual cone speakers, plush marine patterned carpet (boca raton), reclining Capt. chair w/ bolster seat, stern sofas w/ storage, L-shaped ensemble w/ snack table, port and starboard front sofas w/ storage, custom fiberglass console w/ tach, speedo, fuel gauge, voltmeter, horn, 12-volt outlet and windshield, universal remote control, hinged full rear sun deck w/ tanning cushions, LED docking light and stainless steel cupholders.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

LED lighting (including mood and LED speakers), Seagrass flooring, mooring cover, S.S. prop, exterior panels platinum gloss metallic, and Performance pkg. (third pontoon, lifting strakes, and aluminum underliner).