Qwest LS 820 RLS

September 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

With new styling for the new model year, we instantly loved the look of this 20-footer when we first saw it tied up at the dock. It’s well-built and with Qwest you can always count on their boats being loaded with a ton of great amenities.

The Highlights

When you step onboard, the “retro” two-tone upholstery really catches your eye, but it’s the tall furniture seatbacks that we like the most. The look is great, but being comfortable makes the new seating that much better. Overall there is a clean look and feel to the interior that includes padded Sea Grass flooring and a very open walkway. Qwest pontoons are manufactured by Apex Marine, who we consider to be an industry leader when it comes to compact boats. So if the walkway would have been a little tight on this 8-foot wide model, it would have been understandable. But that’s just one of the reasons why this layout works so well: there is plenty of room to move around.

The elevated helm stand with a tall bucket captain’s chair is part of the SE package and we really like the attention this area commands. Complete with a standard Humminbird 386ci color GPS and full instrumentation, the captain has what he needs within reach including an MP3 port and a media tray for all electronics.

Behind the captain’s chair is a nice bench seat, but directly across from it in the stern is what tends to get a lot of attention. New this year is a rear bar entertainment group that includes four bar stools with storage drawers below the bar top. In the bottom drawer is a removable cooler, which is the perfect spot for it. The stools are good for when you’re cruising along, but when the boat is anchored or at a sandbar, this area is going to become must-have territory as everyone will want to grab a seat at the bar. If we had to be picky, it would be nice to have a sink and faucet to go along with the stern bar setup, but as is we still feel it’s a great option to have.

Other key features include a solid ski/tow bar as well as pop-up speakers in the stern that only increase the versatility of this great all-around pontoon.

Inspection Notes

Three 23-inch diameter baffled pontoons are the base of this boat and integrated into the design are splash guards on the nosecones and a full-length keel. Stainless steel fasteners are used and the aluminum riser trim includes a cutout of the Qwest logo—what a great touch.

The Generation II Q3 Triple Tube package includes performance lifting strakes as well as SeaStar hydraulic steering, but we’ll get to how well this ‘toon performed next. We consider this pontoon to be safe and family-friendly, especially considering the tall 25-inch rail height throughout the interior.

Performance Evaluation

Powered with a Suzuki 140hp engine, we were pleasantly surprised with how quick this Qwest moves. At full throttle we came extremely close to the 40 mile per hour mark, but it’s the way this pontoon handles that impressed us the most.

Our Take

Qwest seems to really know how to pack a lot into its boats and the LS 820 RLS is proof of that. From the comfy furniture and high-end helm stand to the performance and versatility, we feel this pontoon has a lot going for it, plus it comes in at a budget-friendly price as well.

Number of Occupants 10

Maximum Speed 39.1 mph

Wild Ponies 140hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 5.5 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 7” deep

Why we love this boat…There is just the right mix of standard features and options to make this boat as tested a great value and a good fit for a lot of families.

Just being picky…The new rear bar entertainment center with four stools is ideal for everyone, but to make it even more versatile a sink and faucet would be nice.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

LED nav. lights, Humminbird 386ci color GPS, tilt steering, Infinity stereo system w/ Bluetooth, MP3 port & Media Tray, ultra flow seat base ventilations, premium seating, table and premium graphics.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Generation II Q3 triple tube pkg. w/ SeaStar hydraulic steering, performance lifting strakes and a 25 gal. built-in fuel tank, SE package that includes elevated captain’s seat and “retro” style upholstery, rear bar entertainment group, full Sea Grass flooring, 6 speaker stereo system, mooring cover, Blue Ice light package and docking lights.

VITAL STATS

LOA 21’ 4”

Beam 8’

Hull Design Three Q3 Pontoons

Dry Weight 2245 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 25 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine Suzuki DF-140 TL

Cylinder Type In-line 4 Cylinder

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 124.7ci/140hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio 2.59:1

Propeller 14 X 21