PDB Shootout Cypress Cay

First Impression

As media we tend to toss around words such as “elegant” and “classy” a little too much at times, but even with an extended vocabulary there might not be two better words to describe the interior of this Cabana. This is especially true considering the soft-touch vinyl used for all of the furniture. Another way to put it a little more simply, it’s a high-end model at a mid-range price.

Highlights

To kick it off we’ll start at the helm. A GPS speedometer is part of the dual multi-function gauges that are located on each side of the centered Lowrance Hook2-4x map. Directly below is a row of lighted rocker switches and the driver also has access to the Kicker stereo controls, 12-volt outlet as well as an RGB switch that controls the seat base LED lighting and lighted cupholders. One other key feature we feel every helm console should include is a locking glove box, which on this model is located just below the throttle.

There are four chaise lounges onboard, two in the bow and two rear-facing loungers in the stern, and each has a moveable armrest with a cupholder below. It’s these added touches that we appreciate and have come to expect from this manufacturer. Located in the back of the portside bow lounger is a pop-up changing room that stands 5-foot tall when open.

In the stern is a large swimdeck with a five-step stainless steel boarding ladder with solid handholds at the top as well as a ski/tow bar. The vinyl flooring extends from this back deck all the way to the bow and it helps tie in the high-end look Cypress is going for.

Inspection

Below deck all three 25-inch diameter round-shaped pontoons have lifting strakes—on both sides of the center tube and strakes on the inside of the outer tubes. Included with the Watersports package you gain the already mentioned ski/tow bar as well as a deep in-floor ski locker built into the center pontoon. If we had to be picky our test crew noted some exposed wiring inside the center log while inspecting the ski locker. Other than that this boat earned high marks for its overall fit and finish work. Worth noting, the rail height stands at an impressive 30 inches tall around the perimeter of the boat with the lowest rail being nearly 26 inches tall in the bow. This design earned it a high safety rating for the family-friendly layout.

Performance

At full throttle we just missed the 40 mph mark, which is quite impressive with the Mercury 175 FourStroke outboard on the back. It’s one of the new V6 outboards released last year that seem to be the ideal fit for great pontoon models such as this Cypress Cay. She’s quick to plane with a zero-to-20 mph time under 5 seconds and we were impressed by how well it handled tight turns.

Parting Thought

Fun and affordable, the Cabana 220 has a lot to offer. We love all the added touches with just the right mix of standard features and key options.

For more information:
Fort Wayne, Ind.
260-432-4555
www.cypresscaypontoons.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 12       
Price As Tested With Power: $65.2 K
Maximum Speed: 38.8 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 175 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.69 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 6” deep

Why we love this boat…Dropdown armrests with cupholders built in below are located throughout the boat on all four chaise lounges, which we feel is a great added touch.   

Just being picky…Inside the in-floor ski locker we noted some exposed wiring but nothing to be too concerned with since the rest of the boat tested high for fit and finish work.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Full instrumentation, lockable glove box, 4-step telescoping ss ladder and a Kicker stereo w/4 speakers.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Watersports pkg. w/3, 25-inch diameter tubes, lifting strakes, aluminum skin kit, ski/tow bar, in-floor ski locker, battery disconnect switch, changing room, deluxe docking lights, RGB seat base lighting and lighted cupholders.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 23’ 11”           
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 2,979 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 37 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 175 FourStroke       
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 209ci/175hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Propeller: 15 X 15 Enertia

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
500                  2.0                     67
1000                3.1                     75
1500                4.9                     77.5
2000                7.5                     78.5
2500                10.3                   83
3000                15.4                   89
3500                19.5                   86.5
4000                26.2                   94
4500                29.9                   97
5000                34.3                   100
5300                38.8                   101

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $65,243
Price As Tested (Boat Only): $29,421

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.