PlayCraft

First Glance
It’s easy to promote a slogan like “Leave It All Behind” when you’re PlayCraft and you’re able to include so much into your boats. While this particular model has the performance and the other key signature features this manufacturer is best known for, it’s the sound system that earned this model so much positive attention at our test.  

Details
We might as well jump right into it. PlayCraft has teamed up with Waves & Wheels to create a sound system like nothing we’ve ever experienced on a pontoon before. Using a Kicker stereo system for better zone control, if your world revolves around music (or you just like to show off at the sandbar) this is a system worth looking into. There are speakers everywhere you look, including the quad boxes on the wakeboard tower, which again puts this sound system in a category by itself.

The Missouri-based manufacturer prides itself on being able to customize its boats and with this particular layout the bench seating appears to go on for miles. There is plenty of room for everyone to get comfortable and the checkered vinyl pattern reminds you you’re in a racing pontoon. PlayCraft also understands the importance of being user-friendly by including quick-release fender clips as well as one of the easiest boarding ladder systems out there. Built into the center tube is a stair system between the two outboards that also includes three fold-down ladder steps. It truly makes getting back on the boat a lot easier.   

At the helm the colored bezels around all the gauges tie in perfectly with the layout and you almost feel like you’re piloting an airplane with all the controls. The captain can also dial in the performance with jack plate controls on each side of the symmetrical console. Two other features worth noting include the Infinity Seagrass flooring and the built-in trash receptacle in the back of the portside chaise lounge. 

Closer Look
With this much horsepower you have to have a solid foundation below, which explains the over-built hull design. The U-shaped outside pontoons include a 36-inch-wide center tube that is well-braced to the one-piece seamless deck using C-shaped cross-members that are on 16-inch centers for added strength. The heavy-duty extruded aluminum RAC-R-FINS are part of the performance package and from the powder-coated logs to the tower and rails, no aluminum is exposed on this model.

Up top the rail height stands at a very family-friendly height of 28 inches tall around the perimeter and overall this boat earned high marks for its safe and well-built design.

Throttle Down
When you look this sporty you better deliver, and this 30-footer clearly does with the twin Mercury 400 Verados. What can you do with 800 horses on the back? Pretty much anything you want, since you won’t find a lot of pontoons capable of speeds in the mid 70s like this one. She’s extremely quick when you put the throttle down and she banks beautifully in sharp turns to the point where you may think there is a V-hull below you.  

Why Buy
From the color scheme to the overall performance you’re going to turn a lot of heads with this boat. You’ll basically own the water when you factor in the stereo system that helps drive up the unique factor because unless it’s another PlayCraft you won’t see anything quite like it.   

Richland, Mo.
573-765-3265
www.playcraftboats.com

Specifications 
Number of Occupants            15                   
Price As Tested With Power  $169.9 K
Maximum Speed                    74.2 mph                   
Wild Ponies                             800 hp
No. of Gates                            3
0-20 MPH                               3.78 seconds 
Ladder Measurement             4’5” deep

Why we love this boat…If anything could draw your attention away from how well this pontoon performs it would be the amazing sound system. 

Just being picky…There are two lockable glove compartments on the side of the helm with a USB/Aux port and we’d like to see a 12-volt outlet inside the compartment too.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Color-matched Bimini top w/quick release/straps/braces, color-coordinated extended mooring cover, Triple Toon Pkg. (includes 24-inch by 24-inch third pontoon and performance shield), heavy-duty extruded aluminum RAC-R-FINS, LED running lights, Infinity 450 stereo/four RGB coaxial speakers w/controller, Simrad 5-inch Chartplotter/multi-function display, reclining captain’s seat w/adjustable arms, LED courtesy lights (console, rear entry, and front deck), ultra style rear entry (patented) w/swing-down ladder, ice chest w/padded lid, padded RSD tanning cushions w/power assisted lids, drop-in liner for selected Rotocast seat frames (to use as cooler or dry storage), mooring pkg. w/four fenders/four mooring lines, hydraulic steering, two portable stainless steel cupholders, extended center toon/rear deck, and LED under rail logo lights.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Platinum paneling, gray Seagrass flooring, white/lime/black interior w/no black/white checkers on kick panel, dual outboard engine option, white powder-coated toons, black powder-coated rails, lime powder coated side trim/table/seat bases/ladder, white w/black canvas powder-coated wakeboard tower, depth finder, Complete Padded pkg. w/graphics, trash compartment/storage compartment, glove box, raised fiberglass console/captain’s seat platform, extra step on rear entry ladder, mood lighting, underwater LED lights, trumpet horns, extra cleats, dual battery switches, and quick-release fender clips.

VITAL STATS
LOA                  30’
Beam                 8’ 6”
Hull Design       Three Pontoons
Dry Weight       4,000 lbs.
Fuel Capacity    100 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                                                             Twin Mercury 400 Verado
Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           158.6ci/400hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.75:1
Propeller                                                          Bravo 22 FS

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
800                  1.6                     69
1000                4.6                     79
1500                7.6                     82
2000                10.6                   90
2500                15.3                   94
3000                22.1                   95
3500                30.8                   92
4000                36.5                   102
4500                43.5                   103
5000                49.8                   105
5500                55.3                   108
6000                62.7                   109
7000                74.2                   110

PRICE
Price As Tested                       $169,900
(Boat and Motor)

Price As Tested                       $99,900
(Boat Only)