PDB Shootout: Qwest

Quick Glance

Splash Pad. Even the model name sounds fun but clearly that’s only the beginning. Qwest loves to use vibrant and fun colors with its layouts, which ultimately helps their boats be, well, more fun.

Highlights

The Luxury Series makes up an estimated 50 percent of Qwest’s production each year and the 822 Splash Pad is a welcome addition for 2020. The deep green-blue accent color is what the manufacturer refers to as Aruba, and the fresh interior includes quilting in its seating to emphasize the splash of color. All the seating is created in-house so each bench, seat or lounger is a custom fit using Linen soft touch vinyl.

The helm console has also been redesigned for the new model year providing extra legroom and plenty of space on the dash for the Humminbird Helix 5. This is also where the Bluetooth Infinity stereo controls are located along with a RAM mount cell phone holder with a USB and 12-volt port nearby. Available as an option, the PTM Edge rear view mirror could be considered a must-have accessory, especially for those families who live for water sports.

With the optional Avanti package you gain a lot. For example, a fiberglass control box mount for the throttle, refrigerated cupholder, USB charging ports throughout the boat and a high-pressure washdown in the stern that we almost consider mandatory on any boat.

There are at least nine cupholders on board – and that’s not even counting the portables – but if we had to be picky we’d like see some recessed cupholders built into the layout to help keep your drink out of the sun between sips. Of course with the refrigerated cupholder for the captain this may not be a big concern.   

On the large swim deck is a 5-step curved ladder and an extra tall ski/tow bar which brings us to arguably the main focus of this floor plan. In the stern the Splash Pad lounger can be used a variety of different ways including as a rear bench seat or a very long rear-facing lounger. In fact, you could convert it into a long forward-facing lounger just as easily.

Other added touches include the Infinity Woven vinyl Driftwood flooring, lighted cupholders and speakers (part of Avanti package), rear Bimini extension and a slide-out cooler located in the back of the bow chaise lounge.  

Closer Look

Below deck the three 24-inch diameter full-length pontoons are made from .90-gauge aluminum with lifting strakes on all three. It’s all part of the optional Gen. II Triple Tube package that also includes a full aluminum skin. Above deck the rail height stands at a safe and consistent 27 inches tall around the majority of the boat.

Performance

Powered with a Honda 150hp four-stroke we just reached the 40 mph mark with a zero-to-20 mph time of just over five seconds. With the U-Flex hydraulic steering the 23-footer handles well and is easy to drive. 

Final Thoughts

With Qwest you never have to worry about the craftsmanship or quality of construction since this manufacturer tends to over-build its pontoons. From the multi-use Splash Pad lounger and redesigned helm to the USB ports throughout and extra tall ski/tow bar, this Luxury Series 822 has a lot going for it, including a budget-friendly price.

St. Louis, Mich.
977-463-0356
www.qwestpontoons.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 12
Price As Tested With Power: $54K
Maximum Speed: 40.3 mph               
Wild Ponies: 150 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 5.12 seconds       
Ladder Measurement: 4’ deep

Why we love this boat…As far as value is concerned, as tested this Qwest has a lot going for it with just the right amount of options with a long list of standard features.  

Just being picky…Recessed cupholders to help get your beverage out of the sun would complete this interior that has just about everything else.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Fiberglass Helm, Humminbird Helix 5, Infinity PRV315 w/Four Speakers, Tilt Steering, All LED Lighting, Surlast Color-Matched Bimini & Boot, Infinity Diamond Seagrass Flooring, Contoured Aluminum 5-Step Ladder, Dura-Lite Seating w/Ultra-Flow Seat Ventilation, Two Mid-Back Reclining Captain’s Chairs, Linen Soft Touch Vinyl, Oval Woodgrain Table and Multi-Positional Rear Sun Lounger w/Adjustable Dual Backrests.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Gen. II Tripe Tube (includes Full Length Center Tube, Lifting Strakes on Tubes, U-Flex Hydraulic Steering, Aluminum Underskin, 45-Gallon Fuel Tank, Ski Tow Bar, and Trim Gauge), Avanti Pkg. (includes High Back Captain’s Seats, Six 8-Inch Speaker Stereo w/ Amp, Interior Blue Lights, High Pressure Washdown, Refrigerated Cupholder, Dual Battery Switch, USB Charge Ports in Laybacks), Infinity Driftwood Flooring, Playpen Cover, Refreshment Center in Layback, Rear Bimini Top Extension, Bimini Top Drop-Down Curtain and Outside Blue Lights.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 23’ 11”
Beam: 8’ 0”
Hull Design: Triple Tube Pontoon
Dry Weight: 2,570 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 45 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Honda BF150
Cylinder Type: 4 Cylinder
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 144ci/150hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.14:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED    
500                  2.6                 
1000                3.4                 
1500                6.3                 
2000                9.8                 
2500                11.7               
3000                15.8               
3500                20.1               
4000                23.7               
4500                28.1               
5000                31.6               
5500                36.2               
6000                40.3                

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $53,995
Base Price (Boat & Engine): $45,495

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