PDB Shootout Sweetwater

First Impression

Life is full of compromises but the perception is neither side really wins when both sides are forced to give in. However, that’s not the case for divided families where one side wants a fully-loaded fishing boat and the other wants a cruising pontoon. How is that possible? Let’s take a closer look at this Sweetwater. 

Highlights

The 2286 FS is basically a fishing model in disguise. From the top down it’s all about performance, which both sides can appreciate. Up top the majority of the layout could be considered comfort-centered, leaving the stern focused on angling. No compromising needed.

Let’s start with the fishing amenities. Other than a fishfinder, the best angling features come standard including the fiberglass fish prep station in the stern with rod holders, tackle bag storage, Plano box storage and a 16.5-gallon aerated livewell. There is also a sink and faucet plus a transom shower for easy cleanup and to top it all off, two fishing seats with 15-inch removable pedestals.

At the helm the Simrad GO5 XSE touchscreen is the focus of the dash with multi-function gauges on each side and a row of lighted rocker switches below. This is also where you can access the Marine Audio stereo controls with ports for the captain to plug in a cell phone if desired.

There are two chaise lounges in the bow and like all the seating onboard the Luxe Caramel soft touch vinyl welcomes you as you stretch out and get comfortable. Rated for up to 12 passengers there’s really not a bad seat on the boat and the vinyl flooring helps tie it all in together beautifully.

Worth noting, the Midnight package makes a huge difference and helps give the boat a customized look. The optional upgrade includes black skirting, black rails, black rub rails, black Bimini frame, black corner caps and a black ladder to match.

There’s not a lot of space on the rear swim deck and with a 200hp engine we wouldn’t mind seeing a ski/tow bar on the standard features list, even if it is considered a fishing model. The curved-shaped 5-step boarding ladder is a nice added touch that helps make getting back onboard a little easier.

Inspection

The hull has been upgraded to 27-inch diameter pontoons as part of the optional GTP Triple Tube package and includes lifting strakes on all three. Above deck the rail height is a consistent 25 1/2 inches tall around the perimeter for a safe, family-friendly design.  

Performance

With the Suzuki 200 on the back we comfortably reached speeds in the low 40s with a zero-to-20 mph time of just over 5 seconds. The sporty 22-footer handled well  and was capable of making some tight turns while still feeling safe and in control.

Parting Thought

As tested we feel there are a ton of great fishing amenities and we like that those angling features are a little more subtle. However, you can dial it in even further by adding more fishing options if that’s the direction you want to go. Overall this is a great, no compromise family-friendly model that has a little something for everyone. 

For more information:
Elkhart, Ind.
574-522-8381
www.sweetwaterboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 12
Price As Tested With Power: $51.4K
Maximum Speed: 42.0 mph
Wild Ponies: 200 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 5.54 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 4’ deep

Why we love this boat… A great fishing model in disguise and we were pleasantly pleased by all that is packed into the stern fishing station.  

Just being picky…Although the list of standard features is long, we’d like to see a ski/tow bar added to that list when the pontoon is equipped with a 200hp engine. (That’s being considered by manufacturer.)

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Canopy, transom stereo w/4 black speakers, 4 ss fixed cleats, Silver Easy Climb ladder, fish seats w/15-inch removable pedestals, fiberglass fish prep station, rod holders, tackle bag storage, Plano box storage, sink with transom shower faucet, courtesy interior lighting, cable steering and anodized rails.  

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

GTP Triple Tube Pkg. (3 27-inch diameter tubes w/ launch pad and under deck skin), inside skirting, lifting strakes, 45-gal. fuel tank, multi-function GPS gauges, Midnight Pkg. (black skirting, rails, rub rails, Bimini frame, corner caps and ladder), full spectrum RGB pkg., seat covers, LED docking lights, saltwater anode, Simrad GO5 XSE touchscreen, fishfinder/chartplotter, SeaStar hydraulic steering w/tilt wheel, Luxe Caramel soft-touch vinyl and wicker wrapped seat boxes.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 22’ 10”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 2,083 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 45 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Suzuki 200
Cylinder Type: Inline 4
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 175.9ci/200hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.50:1
Propeller: 16 x 21.5 SS Watergrip

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
500                  1.1                     66.5
1000                3.9                     75.5
1500                6.1                     81
2000                7.7                     84
2500                10.4                   89
3000                14.5                   93.5
3500                19.7                   98.5
4000                24.3                   101
4500                28.6                   103
5000                35.4                   103.5
5500                40.5                   112.5
6000                42.0                   114.5

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $51,385
Base Price (Boat Only): $22,380

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.