Crest 250 Savannah NX SLR2

August 2014 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2014 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 25 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.

What You Need To Know

A few years back Crest encountered a major facelift across the board in an attempt to break away from the boxy mold that past pontoon boats were known for. It’s safe to say this Savannah is like nothing else and it really impressed us with its looks as well as its performance.

The Highlights

NX refers to “Next Generation” and most would agree this is a sport pontoon with an attitude. From the French-inspired styling and colors to the overall design, there is a very nautical feel to this boat that we truly love.

With the fiberglass interior, Crest is able to sculpt and shape the boat exactly how they want it, while adding unique features along the way. The aluminum billet dash includes full instrumentation, plus a Hummingbird 385 color fish finder with GPS. The push button switches and master power cut off really add to the sporty feel of this console, not to mention the Gussi steering wheel. We love the storage compartment for the captain that includes a 12-volt outlet as well as auxiliary ports inside to keep all of your electronics protected. If we had to be picky, we wish this glove box—that is located forward of the windscreen on the side of the helm stand—was a little closer and not such a reach for the driver. But as is it’s not a big deal.

Across from the helm is a comfy chair for your first mate that looks like it was taken from a home theatre. Forget the four loungers onboard; this might just become the most popular seat onboard. Plus worth noting is all the additional storage compartments for the seating throughout the boat that include 12 volts inside and the LED cup holders and stereo speaker covers really finish off the high-end look.

In the stern is Crest’s Club Seating, which includes two rear-facing loungers with a pop-up changing room stored nicely below. There is also additional storage everywhere you look including behind-seat backs as well built into the fiberglass design. And when you factor in the large in-floor ski locker, it really is amazing how much storage space you have on this boat.

Other key amenities include the power bimini top, stainless ski/tow bar, easy-to-use boarding ladder, teak-looking vinyl flooring as well as the dual trash cans located in the back of the bow chaise lounge on the portside.

Inspection Notes

Crest calls its performance package the CP3; besides the third pontoon you gain an in-floor ski locker that is nearly 7 feet wide. Two 25-inch diameter pontoons along with a 26-inch diameter center tube with lifting strakes make up the hull. From a construction and fit and finish perspective, this Crest earns high marks for its overall quality and design.

Performance Evaluation

If you’re going to build a sporty pontoon like this Savannah, you better be able to back it up with performance, and with the Mercury Verado 300hp outboard on the back it certainly does. This thrill ride had us nearly hitting the 50 mph mark at full throttle, but it’s the way the hull allows us to dive into the sharp turns that impressed us the most.

Our Take

For those looking for a high-end pontoon that was designed by engineers who thrive on out of the box thinking, this Crest Savannah is worthy of a closer look. This is a well-built ‘toon with luxurious amenities and you can clearly see the extra attention that went into the details to make sure this boat not only looked stylish, but also focuses on being comfortable and use-friendly too.

Number of Occupants 17

Maximum Speed 48.4 mph

Wild Ponies 300hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 5.2 seconds

Ladder Measurement 4’ deep

Why we love this boat…The sporty, out of the (pontoon) box thinking that went into the design is truly inspiring. We love the creature comforts as well as the performance capabilities.

Just being picky…We wish the glove box that is located forward of the helm was easier to access for the driver, but the functionality of this compartment is great.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Seacure deck construction, .250” cross members, extended aft deck radius w/ 4-step ladder and EasyCare polyvinyl teak and holly aft deck, Savannah rail design w/ metallic powder coating, exterior fiberglass components w/ transom locker, SS cleats and rear corner castings, SS fasteners, Hummingbird 385 Color Fish Finder w/ GPS,

Teleflex 4.2 sport steering wheel w/ tilt steering, premium audio system w/ 6 speakers, power arm electric retractable bimini frame, Comfort Plus expanded back vinyl w/ soft touch Napa Khaki fiberglass seat bases, hide-away changing room w/ curtain, fore and aft companion seat w/ cooler and storage bin and adjustable helm recliner seat w/arms.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

UnderDeck LED blue lighting and stainless rubrail.

VITAL STATS

LOA 25’ 10”

Beam 8’ 6”

Hull Design Triple HPT Pontoons

Dry Weight 3800 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 45 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine Mercury Verado 300

Cylinder Type In-line 6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 158ci/300hp