PDB Shootout: Lexington 320 3 Series

First Impression

For those frustrated by the ever-climbing prices of pontoon boats these days who feel a quality pontoon under $29K is no longer possible, you’re going to want to take a closer look at this Lexington as tested.

Details

You could argue the biggest selling points to this model are actually below deck, but there is plenty to get excited about up top, and we’ll get to the undercarriage later. For starters, the wheelchair-accessible gate provides an extra wide entry point on the port side, which we don’t usually see as a standard feature these days. Hidden under the helm stand is a slide-out cooler, one of two ice chests on board. Behind the captain’s helm chair is a second cooler in a permanent designated spot, proving you can never have too many ways to keep your food and beverage cool.

Speaking of the helm, there are a total of four gauges on the dash with a row of push-button switches to the right of the steering wheel and controls to the stereo on the left. Directly across from the adjustable helm chair that slides and swivels is a rear-facing chaise lounge which is part of the rear L-shaped seating area.

If we’re being overly critical of a price-point boat, we’d like to see another chaise lounge or at the very least an arm rest on the portside bow bench seat to make this area a little more comfortable as well as safer for passengers while the boat is underway.

Outside the stern gate is a small swimdeck that includes a solid ski/tow bar. Another feature we like to see on all boats are cupholders and this one has plenty. In fact, we counted a total of eight so you better keep those coolers stocked.

Closer Look

Below deck the 28.5-inch diameter pontoons give the boat amazing lift and natural bow rise as the boat sits on top of the water with the extra flotation. There are lifting strakes on the insides of both pontoons and the diameter is worth noting since no other manufacturer offers such large pontoons as a standard feature like Lexington does. In fact, what you see is what you get, as this boat didn’t include any options as tested, which really makes narrowing your search a lot easier when shopping.

With a capacity rating of up to 10 passengers on a 20-foot boat, the extra buoyancy really pays off and further demonstrates how important larger diameter pontoons can be. Above deck, the railing stands at an extremely safe height of over 28 inches tall for most of the perimeter and at 26 inches tall in the bow.

Throttle Down

At full throttle we easily reached speeds over 30 mph with a 0-to-20 mph time of just under 6 seconds with the Suzuki 115hp four-stroke. For a price-point model she cruises along nicely, while making comfortable and flat turns in either direction. The way it rides on the water, you might even mistake this for a triple pontoon even though there are only two logs.

Why Buy

After a close inspection we found this Lexington to be well-constructed with a lot of added value. Clearly first-time buyers are going to be drawn to this boat because of the budget-friendly price tag, but there are also enough features to attract a wide range of boat buyers looking for a quality pontoon.

Americus, Ga.
724-708-7923
www.lexingtonpontoons.com

Number of Occupants: 10
Price As Tested With Power: $29K
Maximum Speed: 33.3 mph
Wild Ponies: 115 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 5.82 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 6” deep

Why we love this boat… The price is only part of why this is ideal for most budgets, but the 28.5-inch diameter pontoons are something no one else is offering as a standard.

Just being picky… The portside bow bench seat could use an armrest so passengers could face forward and get comfortable to truly use this seat to its full potential.


NOTABLE STANDARDS

Bimini, Table w/Drink Holders, LED Courtesy Lights, 2 Moveable Cupholders, Swim Step Ladder, Marine Battery, 4 Marine Cleats, Waterproof Stereo, Windshield, Ski/Tow Bar, Speedometer, Tachometer, Voltmeter, 70-Quart Cooler, 28.5-Inch Diameter Pontoons, Navigation and Anchor Lights.




OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

None


VITAL STATS

LOA: 20’ 4”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Bi-Toon
Dry Weight: 2,010 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 17 gallons


TEST DRIVE

Engine: Suzuki 115
Cylinder Type: Inline 4
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 124.7ci/115hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.59:1
Propeller: 14 X 19


RPM     vs.      SPEED    vs.   DB-A

650                  1.7                   72
1000                2.4                   77.5
1500                4.5                   82.5
2000                6.0                   88
2500                7.7                   89.5
3000                9.6                   86.5
3500                13.4                 93
4000                17.8                 96
4500                20.1                 95
5000                24.4                 95
5500                26.4                 97
5900                33.3                 100


PRICE

Price As Tested: $28,990
(Boat and Motor)


This article originally appeared in our 2021 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.