Sanpan 2500 Wet Bar

November 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

There’s entertaining and then there’s smart entertaining and this Sanpan goes the extra mile with key features and a well-thought-out layout. It’s clear to see it was designed and executed by engineers who love to be out on the water.

The Highlights

The focus of this model is in the stern, so let’s start with the bar area since it will rightfully receive the most attention when you first see this pontoon. Everywhere we looked we found LED lights and in this bar area they really stand out nicely. From the LED lights below to the well-lit cup holders, it would be worth staying out a little later just to have this boat on the water at dusk.

Sanpan was going for a high-end yacht feel with its bar stools and they got it. The stainless stools complete with seatbacks are as comfy as they are functional. Having a portable grill onboard is great for a lot of reasons, but we especially love that there are two designated mounts for it and when you’re not using the grill it cleanly stores below. From the stainless drawers and ample storage areas to the great counter space, this stern area has a lot going for it. Also in the stern is a vinyl deck, massive ski/tow bar and an S-shaped boarding ladder that is extremely easy to use because of its deep design.

The majority of the boat is covered with a Sea Grass decking that is soft on your feet and looks great. We counted 13 speakers onboard and that includes a 10-inch subwoofer and a 750-watt amp that’s all part of the Sony amphitheater sound system. It’s nice the way the speakers are positioned so you get the most out of them; it’s something Sanpan has been doing for years that we really like.

At the elevated helm you’ll find even more LED lighting with the toggle switches and trim on the dash, which helps tie it all in. The Garmin EchoMap 50s colored depth finder is nicely placed between the gauges for easy access and overall we feel the console flows well with the rest of the boat. Worth noting is the new solid table across from the helm that is extremely solid and it doesn’t wobble like other tables we’ve seen. If we had to be picky, the access between the table and the helm chair is a little tight, but there’s still enough room to get by.

Inspection Notes

On the three-pontoon hull, the tubes are 27 inches in diameter with lifting strakes on both sides of the center one and on the inside of the other pontoons. There is also a full-length aluminum underskin that not only helps protect the deck, but improves the performance too.

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.

Performance Evaluation

Powered with an Evinrude 250hp E-TEC, if the high-end luxurious galley doesn’t make you smile, the performance surely will. She banks beautifully in the turns and is extremely responsive. At full throttle we reached speeds over 40 miles per hour, but it was how quick she was out of the hole that we enjoyed the most.

Our Take

For cruising, entertaining or just because you deserve a great day out on the water, this Sanpan is loaded with a lot of great amenities and it doesn’t hurt that it’s a lot of fun to drive either.

Number of Occupants 15

Maximum Speed 42.5 mph

Wild Ponies 250hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.8 seconds

Ladder Measurement 4’ 4” deep

Why we love this boat…You could make a strong case for the performance, but the bar area—complete with stools and a portable grill—is what we love most about this ‘toon.

Just being picky…This Sanpan is loaded with more great features than we have room to list, but we wish there was a little more room to walk between the helm chair and table.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Stainless steel easy climb stern ladder, 12’ bimini canopy, dual battery switch, 27” tubes, extended stern platform, stern vinyl deck, Country Beige Cube carpet, Sea Star hydraulic w/ tilt wheel steering, Garmin EchoMap 50s depth/fish finder, changing room, mood accent lighting under seats, elevated helm platform, with Versa-Teak, corner castings with polished SS w/ LED lights, 29-gal. fuel tank, amphitheater Sony BT3100 stereo w/ Bluetooth & CD, subwoofer, amplifier, entertainment center w/ gas grill & sink, bar stool seating and drawer unit.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Seat covers, movable cup holders, Triple Tube pkg. (45 gal. fuel tank, aluminum underskin, lifting strakes & power assist hydraulic steering), Sea Grass flooring, underdeck LED lighting, underwater LED lighting, stemware glasses, Sony stereo remote and ski/tow bar.

VITAL STATS

LOA 26’ 10”

Beam 8’ 6”

Hull Design Three Pontoons

Dry Weight 2850 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 45 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine Evinrude 250hp E-TEC

Cylinder Type V6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 200ci/250hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.85:1

Propeller 15 3/4 X 15