PDB Shootout Premier

First Impression

If we gave “wow factor” ratings, this Premier would rank extremely high. When the guys from Marty’s Marine launched this dual-engine beauty, everyone on the docks seemed to pause and take notice. It just has an attention-grabbing quality about it and we couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel.

Highlights

At 31 feet long and 10 feet wide, this layout is beyond roomy. Starting at the raised helm platform the Beacon II touchscreen gives the captain access to all the important engine data, stereo controls, navigation and even the backup camera. We like the no-switch look of the dash as well as the secure feeling you get when you’re in the comfy captain’s chair.

Directly across from the helm is an identical chair for the first mate with a galley located just behind that includes a sink, faucet, 2.5-gallon freshwater tank, stereo remote and even a paper towel holder. With the filler cushion the seating area in the stern converts into a nice U-shaped conversation area and there is even a moveable ottoman that, based on its round shape and color, looks like a giant basketball but doubles as a footrest on one side and cupholders on the other. Speaking of color, the soft touch vinyl seats not only feel like genuine leather but the tan color really makes you do a double take and question if it really is vinyl.

In the bow is another great seating area and hidden in the portside bench seat is a pop-up changing room that stands over 5 feet, 6 inches tall when open. Other added touches include two trash receptacles with easy access side doors, in-floor ski locker, interior and exterior RGB lights, removable ski pylon and an extremely easy-to-use step/fold down ladder combination for easy boarding from the water. Oh yeah, this fully-loaded pontoon also has an electric Bimini top, proving Premier thought of everything with this high-end model.

Inspection

With the standard PTX package you gain a 36-inch diameter U-shaped center pontoon between two 27-inch diameter tubes. The center tube is 2 feet longer, which provides extra deck space as well as an aerodynamic profile that improves the performance. Top to bottom, the pontoon received high marks for the fit and finish work as well as quality craftsmanship and the nearly 30-inch tall rails around the perimeter help earn it a high family safety rating as well.

Performance

Zero-to-20 mph in 3 seconds! Seriously?! Even with twin Mercury 350hp Verados on the back we were pleasantly surprised by how quickly she jumps up on plane. We just missed the 60 mph mark at wide-open throttle but the way the PTX hull allows the boat to dive into sharp turns is what impressed us the most. She is extremely fun to drive and we dare you not to smile when you put the throttle down.

Parting Thought

While the price as tested won’t be for every budget, you really do get a lot in return for your investment and that includes 700 horses on the back and the square footage of a small studio apartment. We’ve come to expect a lot from Premier as far as quality and overall performance and this Intrigue delivered and then some.

For more information:
Wyoming, Minn.
651-462-2880
www.pontoons.com

SPECIFICATIONS 
Number of Occupants: 16
Price As Tested With Power: $168.8K
Maximum Speed: 59.1 mph
Wild Ponies: 700 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 3.33 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 7”

Why we love this boat…Dual engines are great, but when you put this setup on a 10-foot wide chassis that banks like a V-hull, the fun factor rating jumps to a whole new level.   

Just being picky…Love the look of the helm with the dual touchscreens and the only thing missing is some type of a lockable glove box for keys and other small items.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Evolution electric Bimini, 6 JL speakers and 10-inch JL subwoofer, .125 gauge nosecones, 25-inch diameter .090 gauge tubes, 36-inch PTX pkg., 47-gal. fuel tank, Beacon II, Fast charging USB plug, changing room, Executive galley (250 & 270), filler couch, Heritage fabric, refrigerated cupholder, Ricochet ladder, SafeTMate, slim table, spotter chair, ss gunnel and teakwood table.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Twin engine rigging, 10-foot wide upgrade, VANTAGE film, underwater lights, exterior LED lighting strip, swim platform, Enertia stainless steel props and SeaStar EPS power steering.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 31’5”
Beam: 10’ 2”
Hull Design: PTX Pontoons
Dry Weight: 7,000 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 80 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 350 Twin Verados
Cylinder Type: Inline 6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 158.6ci/350hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Propeller: 19 X 16

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
600                  1.7                     69
1000                5.7                     80.5
1500                7.8                     77
2000                11.9                   80
2500                16.5                   87
3000                21.8                   92.5
3500                25.7                   96.5
4000                31.0                   99
4500                37.4                   104.5
5000                41.6                   108
5500                51.3                   109
6000                56.2                   110
6200                59.1                   112.5

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $168,887
Base Price (Boat Only-8.5’ Wide): $67,433

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