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
For all that this SportToon has going for it on the inside, it’s of course the exterior features that will grab your attention first. It all starts with the large Sport arch, black rail package and the fiberglass bow pods, plus the ability to choose the exterior stripe colors on the graphics that allows you to customize the look.
Breakdown
JC calls its sea grass flooring J “C” grass flooring which welcomes you as you come onboard. There are two chaise lounges in the bow with a folding armrest as well as a headrest to help dial in the comfort.
At the helm is a sporty-looking console that is centered on a Garmin echoMAP with multi-function gauges on each side. However, the helm’s most unique feature is how it’s able to open up and pivot forward so you can gain access to the wiring for your gauges. For the captain there’s a comfy helm chair that slides, swivels and reclines. Directly across is a companion helm chair with flip-out foot rest.
Included with the aluminum Sport arch/wakeboard tower are two 8.8-inch J.L. Audio speakers that truly provide crystal clear sound and instantly make this the boat everyone will want to be on. There are six more J.L. Audio speakers onboard which easily made this sound system one of our favorites and it’s all powered by a Clarion Marine CMD8 stereo. Another feature worth noting is the Mister-Comfort single-zone misting system near the floor. This is as close as you get to air conditioning on your boat and it runs off a 5-gallon freshwater tank.
A lot of pontoons have rear-facing loungers, but JC’s power loungers allow you to raise and lower the back with a simple push of a button. Plus, when you factor in the 12-volt outlet and dual USB ports your passengers can really get comfortable. Speaking of over-the-top comfort, would you believe we counted over 30 cupholders on this 26-footer?! The optional entertainment rack that mounts to the rail is a nice added touch as well.
Outside the stainless gates is a large ski/tow bar with dual black swim platforms with built-in telescopic stainless boarding ladders on each side.
Inspection
Three high-volume U-shaped pontoons that are 24 by 24 inches in diameter are the base for this boat, and there are lifting fins on the inside of the outer tubes and on both sides of the center pontoon. The pointed bow has been extended, which helps create a lot of extra room onboard.
Overall we found the fit and finish work to be up to JC’s very high standards with all the hidden areas well finished and the construction work solid. The majority of the boat’s rails stand 34 inches tall with the bow rail coming in at 24 inches.
Handling
When you add a 300hp power plant to the already proven hull design you can’t help but get great results. With the Evinrude 300 G2 outboard we nearly reached the 50 mph mark but it’s the way she banks beautifully in the turns that impressed us the most. She’s fun to drive and extremely responsive.
Final Thoughts
With so many added touches and unique features it was hard (if not impossible) to include everything available on this SportToon. It’s well-designed as well as versatile to appeal to a wide variety of users. As tested it comes in at a price point that’s not for everyone but you don’t have to worry about the quality. You really do get what you pay for and in this case it’s an impressive and fully-loaded pontoon.
Boat Specifications
Number of Occupants 16
Maximum Speed 45.7 mph
Wild Ponies 300 hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 5.08 seconds
Ladder Measurement 3’ 1” deep
Why we love this boat…Impressive from bow to stern, the amount of unique and user-friendly features is truly amazing, including the misting system and sound system.
Just being picky…A lockable glove box for the captain to stow smaller items would be nice, but really that’s the only thing this helm is missing and it is available as an option.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Fins, hydraulic steering w/ power assist, black rails/helm cap, steel graphics, black Bimini, gray J“C” Grass flooring, lounger w/ trash container, lounger w/ storage, and 31-inch reclining capt. chair.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Premium accent panel color upgrade, 2 fold-down arms, left lift for high back recliner (companion seat), raised helm platform w/ JC Grass Mat, 2 blue underwater LED stern lights, RGB under trim lights, deluxe oval solid surface table, adjustable height table leg, ottoman cooler table w/ SS cups/cutting board, rail mount entertainment center, SS flip-up bow cleat, SS fender holder w/ fenders, sport arch, dual swim platform w/ starboard and portside ladders, in-tube storage, JL 8.8 speaker upgrade (6 w/ JL amp) w/ amber lights, JL 8.8 tower speakers (2 w/ JL amp/remt volume) w/ amber lights, Mister-Comfort single zone misting system, and 26’ Triton-gray seat covers.
VITAL STATS
LOA 26’ 7”
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design TriToon
Dry Weight 2,450 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 45 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Evinrude 300 G2
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 210ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.85:1
Propeller 15 3/4 X 17
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
500 2.5 82
1000 3.5 83
1500 5.9 89
2000 8.3 91
2500 10.8 93
3000 14.9 97
3500 19.0 99
4000 23.8 98
4500 30.6 102
5000 36.7 103
5500 40.4 106
5900 45.7 110
North Webster, Ind.
574-834-7307
www.jcpontoon.com