Crest

First Glance
Crest has brought the sparkle back to boating and we’re not just referring to the fiberglass found throughout this boat that shines like a vintage ski boat. From the tall windshield and dual helm consoles to the 800hp on the back, pontoon boats are reaching a whole new level of amazing.  

Details
The use of fiberglass up top gives this manufacturer the freedom to be creative with the layout and it starts with the dual helm consoles that are connected with a full wraparound windshield. There is even a folding door below to block out even more of the elements, which will help extend your boating season. Both the first mate and captain have identical helm chairs that slide, swivel and recline and include flip-up bolsters.

For the captain the dash is anchored with a Simrad GPS map with gauges located on each side for a symmetrical look. Below is a refrigerated cupholder for the driver that is activated by a switch and will keep your beverage of choice chilled despite outside temps. Through the Simrad the driver can control everything including the stereo, but the actual Fusion unit is nicely hidden in the first mate glove box. Billet aluminum accents help not only tie the two helm consoles together, but the look flows well with the rest of the boat.

Everywhere we looked we seemed to find more and more 12-volt outlets for the passengers, and we all know how people feel about keeping their phones charged. In the stern is a multi-use seating arrangement that starts as a traditional L-shaped bench, but with a press of a button is converted to a rear-facing lounger. Or you continue to lower the seat back until it’s flat, then hand ratchet the other cushion up to create a forward-facing lounger. What a great way to get the most out of this bench seat.

Between the twin engines on the swim deck is a four-step boarding ladder and the tall ski/tow bar doubles as handrails to make getting back in the boat that much easier.    

Closer Look
Below deck the three 26-inch diameter pontoons are chambered into four pressurized sections with .125-gauge aluminum end caps for added durability. Up top there is nearly 19 feet of usable deck space between the gates and the overall rail height varies from 24 inches tall in the bow to 28 inches tall in the stern. 

Throttle Down
The first thing that impressed us is just how quiet 800 horsepower really sounds. The twin Mercury 400 Verados fired up quietly then went out and ran in the mid 60s for a top speed. She banks well in the turns, and not surprising (yet still very impressive) was the zero-to-20 mph time of just over three seconds! For a boat this size to be able to fire off that well not only says a lot about Mercury, but about the CP3 pontoon hull as well. 

Why Buy
While the price tag as-tested won’t work for every budget, it’s hard not to see the value you get in return with this amazing boat. The twin engines do add to that final price, but they also contribute to the overall fun factor too so it would be hard to go with fewer horses. But the boat itself is impressive with a lot of great features and high-end amenities and that’s why we like the complete package.  

Owosso, Mich.
989-725-5188
www.crestpontoonboats.com

Specifications
Number of Occupants                                                    17                   
Price As Tested With Power                                          $185.8K
Maximum Speed                                                            64.8 mph                   
Wild Ponies                                                                    800 hp
No. of Gates                                                                    3
0-20 MPH                                                                       3.39 seconds 
Ladder Measurement                                                      4’ 2” deep

Why we love this boat…It’s a lot of fun to have this much power behind you and the sporty interior backs up the high-end performance look.

Just being picky… We love all the 12-volt outlets onboard, but it might be nice to switch those out to USB ports to truly keep your passengers satisfied.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS
SeaStar Optimus electronic power steering, 150 gal. fuel tank, dual battery switch, boxes and battery charger, in-floor ski storage, powder-coated rails, full cockpit enclosure w/Eisenglass, 2 piece mooring cover, 4-step ss telescoping ladder, Captain’s cooled drink holder, Taylor Made full height wrap around windshield and SIMRAD GPS/Sonar.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Powder-coated deluxe “junior beast” ski/tow bar, Ultra-Premium Fusion Audio, twin 400R Racing Verado outboards, custom aluminum billet dash and switch panel and underdeck LED lighting.

VITAL STATS
LOA                                 28’ 9”             
Beam                                8’ 6”
Hull Design                      Triple CP3 Pontoons
Weight (w/out engine)      4,107 lbs.
Fuel Capacity                    150 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                                                             Mercury 400 Verado (2)
Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           158.6ci/400hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.75:1
Propeller                                                          14 1/2 X 17 Mercury Enertia

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
600                  3.8                     74
1000                5.3                     85
1500                8.0                     87
2000                12.8                   90
2500                20.3                   90
3000                24.1                   91
3500                30.3                   98
4000                35.6                   98
4500                41.9                   100
5000                48.0                   100
5500                52.0                   101
6000                56.3                   104
6900                64.8                   106

PRICE
Price As Tested                       $185,849
(Boat and Motor)