JC TriToon Marine 25 NepToon Sport Night Shade Edition

June 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2016 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.

Three Things

This is a true TriToon, color-matched to perfection, with more high-end features than you’d ever think possible.

Breakdown

While the term “tri-toon” is loosely thrown around the industry at times by those trying to describe any three-pontoon boat, it was actually JC who trademarked the name “TriToon” decades ago when it first created its performance hull. In an attempt to refocus its perfected design, the company officially changed its name to JC TriToon Marine about a year ago, but what hasn’t changed is this Indiana-based manufacturer’s ability to build a quality boat.

Nothing is an afterthought on this JC pontoon as everything ties in and flows well together and it starts with the Night Shade Edition that includes black rails and taupe interior colors. For the actual furniture, different shades of taupe as well as different materials are used for the vinyl and even the JC Seagrass flooring is a taupe color as well as the helm stand base. When you throw in all the stainless steel accent pieces like the gates, corner castings and grab rails, you truly have a high-end pontoon.

At the futuristic-looking helm console the variety of GPS gauges are easy-to-read and this is where the Clarion Bluetooth stereo is located as well as the switch that powers the electric 12-foot Bimini top. On the elevated helm platform is a tall seatback captain’s chair with a flip-up bolster and directly across is an equally comfortable second helm chair for the first mate. Actually, you could argue it’s even more comfortable since you can deploy a foot rest when you recline back.

In the bow are two chaise lounges with a cooler built into the back of the portside one and a pullout trash can in the back of the other. In the stern is a sideways lounger and like the chaises in the front, all have moveable arm rests.

Below the three-quarter long, single-person sundeck is a pop-up changing room that is easy to access and stands nearly 6 feet tall when open. Just outside the stainless stern gate are dual black swim platforms with spring-loaded telescopic ladders built in as well as a massive ski/tow bar. Other key features worth noting include JL Audio 8.8 series speakers with built-in subs, a large in-floor ski locker with an automatic bilge pump inside, and a flip-top for the helm stand that hinges forward to provide easy access to the wiring for your gauges.

Inspection

Three high-volume U-shaped pontoons that are 24 by 24 inches in diameter are the base for this boat, and there are lifting fins on the inside of the outer tubes and on both sides of the center pontoon. The pointed bow has been extended, which helps create a lot of extra room onboard.

There are a total of four gates on this model, which make docking that much easier and from the bow gate to the rear bench seat there is nearly 17 feet of usable floor space.

Handling

Thanks to the powerful Suzuki 250hp four-stroke, we were able to go from zero to 20 mph in under five seconds with an overall top speed near the half-century mark. She banks beautifully in the sharp turns and the steering is effortless. Fast and sporty don’t even begin to describe this ‘toon.

Final Thoughts

While the performance side tends to steal away some of the attention, it’s really the comfort and style that make this a great high-end model that as tested will be attractive to a lot of people.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 16

Maximum Speed 47.7 mph

Wild Ponies 250 hp

No. of Gates 4

0-20 MPH 4.73 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 10” deep

Why we love this boat…With too many features to list, extra-mile effort went into the design and engineering of this JC that is truly unique and looks like nothing else out there.

Just being picky….While the majority of the rails stand 32 inches tall, the bow gate height at 22 inches is a little lower than we’d like to see. However, we still consider it to be an overall safe and family-friendly layout.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

You can’t really appreciate the fine details until you spend a little time onboard. There are some great features we didn’t really notice while just looking online.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Stern pull-out lounges, 10-foot Sunbrella Bimini top, cocktail table, LED docking lights, flip-top helm, SS stern ladder and SS cleats, CMD8 Clarion CD/AM/FM w/ speakers and iPod interface, ski/tow bar, JC Grass (Seagrass) in stern area.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Sundeck w/ changing room, free-standing table w/ cooler, Bluetooth, JL premium speaker upgrade, choice of pre-rig, lounge upgrade, Upholstery Trim Pkg., adjustable height table leg, digital depth gauge, deluxe instrument panel, Sirius satellite radio, movable cup holders, 16.5-foot Bimini.