What You Need To Know
For years PlayCraft has been known in the industry for its solid, well-built, go-fast pontoons and that's something that is never going to change. But what we like about this 2013 model is the new 36-inch diameter center pontoon, which proves this manufacturer is always looking for ways to improve on its performance pontoons.
The Highlights
We love the aggressive look in the vinyl that really sets the tone for this pontoon the moment you see it. Available in 57 different color combinations, you can truly have the boat designed to your specific preferences. The 35-ounce vinyl, with a Pre-Fixx protective finish, ensures your seats will not only look good, but will be durable as well. With the furniture being white, we also like the darker grey carpet. Again you have a lot of options available, but as-tested we love the balance the darker carpet brings to the layout.
Another nice added touch is the red accent color used throughout the boat.
From the trim on the seats to the trim around the in-floor ski locker door, everything flows well with this red accent. Plus even the bezels around the gauges at the helm console are red and perfectly match the all-red ski/tow
bar.
There are two chaise lounges in the bow, with great storage below. Built into the back of the portside lounge is a flip-out trash can, which is something we always like to see onboard. At the helm the captain can get comfortable on the plush FlexSteel seat. As for the console, the dash flows well with the layout and includes a Sony sound system with kicker speakers.
In the stern the tall sundeck provides great storage options, especially in the back corner. On this specific boat the 50-gallon center pontoon fuel tank opened up space in the stern where the standard 30-gallon tank normally is located. Of course one of our favorite features is the boarding system, which is one of the easiest ways to get back on the boat from the water. Actual steps are built into the pontoon and when you add the four-step ladder below you're nearly 2 feet deeper in the water than with competitor's basic ladder designs.
Other key features include a locking glove box, Mercury digital throttle and we really like the padded vinyl sides around the boat that create a nice and clean look.
Inspection Notes
Designed with performance in mind, the 36-inch diameter center pontoon and the two 24-inch diameter side tubes are braced well to the one-piece floor using C-shaped cross-members. Included in this package is a full-length performance shield along with heavy-duty extruded aluminum RAC-R-FINS.
After a close inspection, this PowerToon earned high marks for its overall quality of construction, for the layout and design, and for its fit and finish work. With PlayCraft you never have to worry about durability; these boats are built to last.
Performance Evaluation
With a top speed well over 50 miles per hour and a blistering zero to 20 mph time of just 4.7 seconds, PlayCraft backs up the aggressive performance look with a great thrill ride. With the Mercury Verado 300 we jumped up on plane instantly and at all speeds we were easily able to dive into those tight turns. She rides very smooth and the sporty `toon is extremely fun to drive.
Final Thoughts
If your pontoon is going to be based around NASCAR-type graphics with an aggressive race theme, it better be able to back it up. As expected from this manufacturer who knows a thing or two about performance pontoons, this PowerToon doesn't disappoint.
Number of Occupants 15
Price As Tested With Power $62.6K
Maximum Speed 54.4 mph
Wild Ponies 300hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 4.7 seconds
Ladder Measurement 4'5" deep
Why we love this boat.It's centered on performance so based on how well it performs, this is what we enjoy the most about it. Plus it's more than just a go-fast `toon, she banks nicely in those sharp corners.
Just being picky.Rated for up to15 people, this is where everyone will want to be so we'd like to see more than just a couple of permanent cup holders onboard (2 moveable cup holders are standard).
NOTABLE STANDARDS
28" Tall anodized aluminum rails, Color matched Bimini Top, Fuse protected wiring system, 12v outlet, Triple Toon pkg (includes third pontoon & performance shield) Heavy duty extruded aluminum RAC-R-FINS, LED Running Lights, SONY upgrade AM/FM digital stereo w/CD & 4 coaxial speakers, Designer graphics on side panels, Plus marine carpet, Fiberglass Console with full instrumentation, LED Courtesy lights, Docking Lights, Built in 30 gallon gas tank, Padded RSD tanning cushions w/power assisted lids, Mooring package, Hydraulic steering
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Ski/Tow, Room for Igloo Cooler, Black Kick Panels, Red Rear Sun Deck Roll, In Toon Ski Storage, Chrome Gauges w/Red Bezels, Complete Pad Package w/ Graphics-2 Glove Boxes, Vinyl Rear Entry Boards, Trash/Storage in Port Front Sofa, Depth Finder, Reclining Captain Seat, Stainless Steel Latches, X-Treme Style Interior, 1/2 Moon Hand Rails, Stainless Steel Cup Holders, Stainless Steel Prop
VITAL STATS
LOA 25'
Beam 8' 6"
Hull Design Triple Toon
Dry Weight 2750 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 50 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Mercury 300 Verado Pro
Cylinder Type Inline 6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 158ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.75:1
Propeller 18 Enertia X 14 1/4
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
650 1.6 69
1000 4 77.5
1500 6 85.5
2000 8.5 86.5
2500 13.6 88
3000 18.9 92
3500 23.7 95
4000 29.8 97.5
4500 33.9 98.5
5000 38.3 100
5500 44.3 103
6000 50.3 105
6440 54.4 110
Richland, Mo.
573-765-3265
playcraftboats.com
