South Bay 925 Sport RS9 DC 3.0 +

This article originally appeared in our 2017 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.  

First Impression

It looks like the Forest River Marine engineers did their homework when they created this floorplan, which has a lot of features consumers are looking for today. It has a very updated and modern feel to it and words like “dream boat” came to mind as we went in for a closer look. 

Breakdown

Clearly this new-for-2017 model is South Bay’s flagship model and for good reason. We love the use of fiberglass in the bow and stern that really complements the Blackout Trim package. As you walk through the stainless lift-and-lock bow gate you enter a world of luxury with very comfortable two-tone colored seating. There are also fold-down armrests with aluminum billet hinges for added strength for the chaise lounges.

Part of the dual-console floor plan are identical high-back helm chairs that slide, swivel and recline and both are on elevated platforms above the upgraded teak-looking vinyl flooring. A full wrap-around tinted windshield connects the two helm stands and the dash console for the captain is one of the cleanest and most functional designs we’ve seen.

The 12.3-inch Murphy touch screen gives you full access to your stereo system, GPS map and this particular model is even equipped with front and rear cameras that you can view through the screen. With a push of a button you can also raise and lower the fully functional arch/wakeboard tower that includes two large canister speakers. Another unique feature is the dimmer controls for all your LED lights including under the deck so at night you can adjust the levels as needed. For the first mate, there is a large locking glove box and a second touch screen that also controls the music and can access the camera’s viewpoints. There is even a hidden built-in sink that truly makes this second helm over-the-top.

We counted a total of eight JL Audio speakers plus a subwoofer and dual amps that help create an amazing sound system. There are two rear-facing chaise lounges in the stern with unique storage built into the backs including a trash can in one and a pop-up changing room in the other. When open, the enclosure stands nearly 6 feet tall, but it is a little hard to access since it’s located close to the back of the helm chair.    

In the stern is a large swim deck with a stereo remote, five-step boarding ladder and a large ski/tow bar.

Inspection

Three 25-inch diameter pontoons are the base of this pontoon complete with the 3.0+ performance package that includes lifting strakes, performance shield, Mercury hydraulic steering, Sport ski/tow bar, “pad” running surface and a power assist steering pump.

Up top there is over 21 feet of deck space between the gates and the rail height ranges between 31 inches tall and 25 inches for a safe, family-friendly design.

Handling

We were pleasantly surprised by just how quickly this nearly 27-foot ‘toon could go from zero-to-20 mph: less than five seconds! A lot of credit goes to the Mercury Verado 350hp four-stroke that took us just shy of the 50 mph mark at wide open throttle. She banks beautifully in the turns and performed like a dream boat should. 

Final Thoughts

As the manufacturer’s highest of its high-end models, the price as tested won’t be for every budget and that’s understandable. However, you do get what you pay for and in this case you get a lot in return on your investment. From the looks and comfort to the electronics and added features, there is a lot of value found in this South Bay.   

Boat Specifications 

Number of Occupants            15                   

Maximum Speed                     48.0 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             350 hp

No. of Gates                           2

0-20 MPH                               4.98 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             3’ 10” deep

Why we love this boat…It’s a very impressive boat with features we thought we’d never see on a pontoon that raise the expectations even higher for all luxury models.

Just being picky…To access the pop-up changing room the door needs to raise up and there’s not as much room as we’d like to see behind the helm chair to easily do it.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Sport fiberglass helm console w/ helm riser/silver dash/touch screen digital color display graph, electric-powered sport arch, full center tube w/ integrated transom, SeaStar hydraulic steering w/ power assist pump, 4 lifting strakes, high back helm chair w/ headrest/hydraulic height adjusted pedestal, stainless steel cupholders, privacy hoop/curtain, mahogany oval table, and 4 stern LED cupholders.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Teak floor, LED underwater lighting, LED underdeck lights, rearview camera, in-floor storage, 2 reinforced splash fins, arch-mounted can speakers, Blackout Trim Pkg., and JL Audio upgrade. 

VITAL STATS

LOA                  27’ 9”             

Beam                 8’ 6” 

Hull Design       Three Pontoons

Dry Weight       3,360 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    52 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Mercury Verado 350  

Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           158 ci/350 hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.75:1

Propeller                                                          14 3/4 X 17 SS Enertia

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

1000                4.8                     83

1500                6.8                     87

2000                9.5                     84

2500                14.9                   93

3000                19.3                   88

3500                22.3                   92

4000                25.3                   93

4500                28.8                   96

5000                35.4                   98

5500                39.2                   101

6000                48.0                   110

Middlebury, Ind.

574-825-8696

www.southbaypontoon.com