What You Need To Know
Designed for entertaining, this boat was hard to give back after our test. We could have relaxed all day on this model. The "DL" stands for dual lounge and we'll get to that in a minute, but it seems like the more we looked, the more we liked as we took a closer look at this Sanpan.
The Highlights
Probably the best place to start is with the dual lounge setup because it had everyone on the dock wanting to take a peek. In the stern is an L-shaped seating area that is separate from the rest of the boat and includes the optional stainless grill and a sink with a faucet. You can even get Mahogany and Ivory flooring on the aft deck that really helps with the separation. We also like the pop-up tower speakers in this section as well as a fiberglass drainable cooler in the corner, which begs the question, why would you ever want to leave?
Outside the stern gate is a unique-shaped ladder, that when it drops in the water, creates an S-like curve for easy boarding. And with the wide design and taller handrails, getting out of the water using this ladder has never been easier on a Sanpan.
One key option onboard is the Fusion/Polk Audio Amphitheater sound system. We counted 13 speakers-that are all angled and positioned to get the best sound quality possible-and below the helm stand we found the 750 watt amp with a 10-inch sub. Simply put: wherever this boat goes, that's where the party is.
Sanpan uses GX50 textured vinyl throughout the boat, which gives the seating a leather-like feel. But it's the overstuffed cushions that draw you in and with plush seating like this, you'll be sure everyone has a comfy seat when they come onboard.
At the raised helm platform the console includes a standard Garmin GPS that is recessed into the dash, which only adds to the high-end feel. We especially like the LED-lit toggle switches and the other LED accents that can be found throughout the boat, including underneath the deck. Other key features include a tall pop-up changing room built into one of the two bow chaise lounges, a 10-foot bimini, a solid ski/two bar and the NextWave electrical system.
Inspection Notes
On the three pontoon hull, the center tube is 27 inches in diameter with lifting strakes on all three. There is also a full-length aluminum underskin that not only helps protect the deck, but also improves the performance.
After a close inspection this boat earned high marks for its fit and finish work as well as quality construction. It's built the way you would expect a high-end luxury boat to be. A lockable ski storage locker would be nice, but really as-is this pontoon is loaded with great features and standard amenities.
Performance Evaluation
Equipped with a Yamaha 150hp four-stroke, this entertaining/cruising type of pontoon surprised us a little with its zero to 20 mile per hour time of just over 5 seconds. As far as top speed, we flirted with 35mph, which for a boat this size is quite impressive. She turns smooth and is consistent with how she corners in either direction. This Sanpan is not designed to be a go-fast thrill ride, yet performs quite well for how posh it really is.
Final Thoughts
If entertaining and cruising is going to be your main focus, this Sanpan as-tested is worthy of a closer look. Our favorite section is the rear seating area that is separated nicely from the rest of the boat. This is where you and your guests will spend a lot of your time.
Number of Occupants 14
Price As Tested With Power $57K
Maximum Speed 34.7 mph
Wild Ponies 150hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 5.4 seconds
Ladder Measurement 3' 0" deep
Why we love this boat.Plush seating, Amphitheater sound system, grill center, the list just goes on and on. From bow to stern this `toon is completely loaded and designed to entertain.
Just being picky.We love the optional Mahogany and Ivory decking in both the bow and stern areas and if we were to be picky we'd like the textured fiberglass flooring on the captain's stand at the helm to match too.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Stainless Steel easy climb stern ladder, colored rail panel Rail Skin, Canopy, Dual Battery switch, Built-in 29 gallon fuel tank, GX50 expanded vinyl, SS Hardware, NextWave Electrical System, NMMA Certified, 25" Tubes, Elevated Platform with Versa-Teak, Sea Star hydraulic w/ tilt wheel steering, Garmin Depth/Fish finder, Changing room, Mood accent lighting under seats, Country Beige Cube Carpet
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Ski/Tow Bar, Aft Mahogany & Ivory Flooring, Bow Mahogany & Ivory Flooring, G-Force III: Underdeck skin (full length); lifting strakes, Power assist hydraulic steering; additional 27" center tube; 46 gallon fuel tank. Grill Center, Fusion/Polk Amphitheater
VITAL STATS
LOA 26' 10"
Beam 8' 6"
Hull Design Pontoon
Dry Weight 2850 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 29 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Yamaha F150 LA
Cylinder Type In-line 4
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 162.8ci/150hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 2.00:1
Propeller SS 15 X 14 1/2
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
850 2.4 75
1000 3.8 76
1500 5.4 81.5
2000 7.6 78.5
2500 9.9 81
3000 13.4 87.5
3500 18.2 92.5
4000 22.1 91.5
4500 24.7 96
5000 28.4 97
5500 32.5 100.5
5800 34.7 102
Elkhart, Ind.
574-522-8381
http://www.sanpanboats.com/
