PDB Shootout: JC TriToon

Quick Glance

Based on amenities alone, there might not be another pontoon out there that has more unique features per square foot than this JC TriToon. Clearly engineered and designed by people who actually boat, both the standard features and options are well-thought-out to make life on the water that much more enjoyable. 

Highlights

With the High Tide Hull (HTH) you gain a shallow anchor locker in the bow, which is something you won’t find in a lot of pontoons not built by JC, and the in-floor ski locker at 15 inches deep and over 6 feet long is ideal for storing your water toys. In the past we’ve suggested this manufacturer include a locking glove box to its layouts and for 2020 JC Marine has stepped it up and then some by partnering with Teak Isle on some great space-saving units. Examples include a compartment on the side of one of the bow chaise lounges that has a slide out drawer with a locking glove box above with a USB port inside. Built into the back of port chaise is a foldout garbage can with, again, another locking compartment and USB.

There is also a locking glove box at the helm, so clearly this is no longer an issue for this manufacturer. Also at the helm is a 7-inch Simrad touchscreen with analog gauges on each side with blue back-lit rocker switches below – each with their own circuit breaker. Also located on this dash is the Shadow Caster RGB light controller for up to four zones, JL Audio controls, as well as the switch that powers the Mister-Comfort boat misters. Yes, you read that correctly: this boat even has a misting system with a 6-gallon tank that will cool your deck floor in seconds.

Plus there is a wireless charging station at the helm where you just place your phone to charge it, and another feature we like that has been adopted from the auto industry is the 15-minute delay for your lights. Simply put, the lights stay on long enough for you to get off the boat before automatically turning off.

In the stern is a split-back, swingback lounge so one person can be forward-facing while the other is rear-facing, along with dual extended swim platforms with ladders on both sides. Plus the PTM Edge Toon Track billet pieces are on the back of each pontoon log that protects the otherwise loose wires from rodents and damage.       

Closer Look

The three high-volume U-shaped pontoons include lifting fins on the inside of the outer tubes and on both sides of the center pontoon and the bottom is fully covered with an aluminum bottom skin. Above deck the rail height varies from over 22 inches tall in the bow to nearly 30 inches on the sides.

Performance

The way she banks in sharp turns helps make this TriToon a lot of fun to drive. Paired with a Suzuki 250hp four-stroke on the back, we easily reached the 40 mph mark with a zero-to-20 mph time of just under five seconds.

Final Thoughts

The more we looked around the more we found that we liked. JC TriToon Marine packs a lot into this 25-footer with the right mix of standard features and optional upgrades. If it’s not on this boat as tested, you might not need it.

North Webster, Ind.
574-834-7307
www.jcpontoon.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 16                 
Price As Tested With Power: $96 K
Maximum Speed: 43.3 mph               
Wild Ponies: 250 hp   
No. of Gates: 4
0-20 MPH: 4.52 seconds       
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 2” deep

Why we love this boat…Power Bimini, misting system, RGB light controller, etc. The list of fun features goes on and on for this amenity-rich pontoon.  

Just being picky…The dual swim platforms are a signature look we like, but we’d prefer not to kneel down to access the boarding ladders underneath.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Hydraulic Steering w/Power Assist, Lifting Fins, Full Instrumentation, Upholstery Trim Pkg., Companion Seat, JL Media Master, Electric Power Bimini Top, Battery Control Center, Textured Powder Coated Rails and Dual Swim Platforms w/Ladder.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

High Tide Hull (HTH), Raised Helm Platform w/Marine Mat, Pontoon Stern Wire Track Set w/RGB Underwater Lights, 7-Inch Simrad GO7, JL Media Master, Floor Misting System, RGB Interior/Exterior Lighting Pkg. w/Shadow Caster Control Center, Lounger Arm w/Trash & Flip Down Locking Compartment and Lounger Arm w/Locking Storage & Drawer.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 25’ 7”     
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: TriToon
Dry Weight: 3,605 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 49 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Suzuki 250
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 245.6ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.08:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED    
500                  3.1                 
1000                5.8                 
1500                6.5                 
2000                9.4                   
2500                14.5               
3000                19.5               
3500                23.9               
4000                27.1               
4500                31.6               
5000                35.1                 
5500                38.7                 
6000                40.5               
6500                43.3                 

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $95,950
Base Price (Boat Only): $53,840

This article originally appeared in our 2020 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.