PDB Shootout South Bay

First Impression

Value-driven models are extremely popular right now, but based on all the features as tested, we’re not exactly sure how South Bay packs it all in and is still able to come in at a budget-friendly price point.

Highlights

Starting with the exterior, the Black Out trim package might be considered a must-have because it really helps dial in the customized look. From the anodized rails and Bimini frame to all the little details like the rail spacers, pinch guards, door stops and others, we love the black look—especially with the Caribou brown exterior panels.

Inside, the boat is just as attractive with the Camel-Mocha wicker flooring upgrade and Mocha with black onyx accent vinyl that helps provide a high-end look.

Aimed at hitting a specific price point, we give high praise to the engineers who designed the Roto molded helm console that includes a sun brow over the gauges for an overall attractive look. The dash is centered around a Simrad touchscreen with standard NMEA 2k driven gauges on each side and the layout also includes a master power switch and other rocker switches, plus access to the upgraded Kicker KMC 10 stereo controls. There is even a tall high-back helm chair for the captain.

Behind the helm is a multi-use seating arrangement that attracts a lot of attention. The double swingback option allows passengers to face either way and with a secondary pop-up backrest, up to six passengers could comfortably do both.

In the stern, a stainless steel railing—along with the stainless ski/tow bar—perfectly frames the large swimdeck so passengers can safety lounge while the boat is underway. There is also a four-step rear ladder that reaches deep into the water for easy boarding.    

Also worth noting, there are three chaise lounges including two in the bow with a pop-up changing room built into the back of the portside one.

Inspection

Below deck, the one-piece V-Lite performance deck is a lighter and more durable alternative to traditional wood flooring. Besides SeaStar hydraulic steering and a larger fuel tank, with the 3.0 Performance package you also gain three 25-inch diameter tubes, an underdeck skin, plus large lifting strakes on the center tube and on the inside of the outer tubes. Up top the rail height varies from 24 to 27 inches tall for a safe, family-friendly design.

Performance

Powered by a Mercury 150 FourStroke and paired with the upgraded performance hull, we just missed the 40 mph mark at full throttle, but it’s how quickly this `toon jumped up on plane (zero-to-20 mph time of less than 4 seconds) that surprised us the most. There might not be a better economical way to get a three-pontoon setup that performs this well. 

Parting Thought

It’s part of South Bay’s 200 Series so it’s priced right and we see a lot of added value as tested. In fact, the only thing “entry” about this model is the price. With just the right options, this is quite an impressive package that a lot of families are going to want to take a closer look at this year.

For more information:
Middlebury, Ind.
574-825-8696
www.southbaypontoon.com 

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 14
Price As Tested With Power: $59.9 K
Maximum Speed: 39.4 mph
Wild Ponies: 150 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 3.95 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 4’ 4” deep

Why we love this boat…We’re sure South Bay had to leave out some comfort features and amenities to reach this price point, but in taking a closer look we couldn’t tell.    

Just being picky…A locking glove box would be a nice addition along with a couple more permanent cupholders, but as is this boat has a lot going for it.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

One-piece V-Lite performance deck, exterior “D” rail design, radius deck w/integrated deck trim & vinyl rub rail, low back helm chair w/arms & seat slider pedestal, vinyl wrapped furniture bases, Kicker KMC1 stereo w/4 speakers, stern platform w/alum. ladder, 10-foot Surlast Bimini, Surlast playpen cover, ss cleats, 27-gal. fuel tank, LED nav lights, ss ski/tow bar and vinyl flooring.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

3.0 Performance pkg. (25-inch tubes, upgraded transom w/full center tube, alum. underdeck skin, large lifting strakes on center tube and on the inside of the outer tubes, SeaStar hydraulic steering and 37 gal. fuel tank), DLX pkg. (furniture vinyl upgrade, Kicker KMC 10 stereo upgrade w/ lighted speakers, tilt steering, raised logos, alum. corner pads and Simrad color GPS), Black Out trim pkg. (anodized rails, Bimini frame, rail spacers, pinch guards, door stops, rail plugs and black snap screws), high-back captain’s chair, woodgrain steering wheel, LED docking lights, (2) portable cupholders and Mercury pre-rigged. 

VITAL STATS
LOA: 24’ 5”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 2,215 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 37 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 150
Cylinder Type: Inline 4
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 183 ci/150hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.92:1
Propeller: 15.6 X 13 Enertia 

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
700                  1.3                     65
1000                3.2                     77.5
1500                5.2                     81.5
2000                7.8                     84
2500                10.6                   84.5
3000                15.7                   88
3500                17.6                   96
4000                21.2                   93.5
4500                25.0                   95
5000                28.1                   97.5
5500                32.1                   100
6000                37.9                   102
6100                39.4                   102.5 

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $59,968

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