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
Nearly 60 years ago, Palm Beach started building value-driven models and that tradition continues today with its Sport Cruise 220. To be clear, the traditional standard Sport Cruise 220 isn’t necessarily designed to be a go-fast pontoon. But it’s nice that with a few key upgrades including the 30-inch diameter “Bullet” center pontoon and a wider deck (and a little help from a large outboard), this Palm Beach is built with quality construction that easily allows the value-driven pontoon to transform into a nearly 50 mile per hour pontoon.
The Highlights
Designed to be more contemporary to attract a younger demographic, we love the silver metallic helm console, table, as well as the storage compartment doors that help with the fresh look of this Palm Beach. Overall the interior is white, but the silver really gives it a unique feel. Plus that same metallic look is found on the rail design on the exterior that helps tie it all in.
Without the performance options, this pontoon could possibly fall into the entry-level category, at least the base price without an engine of just over $11K would suggest it. But don’t be fooled into thinking there is anything basic about this 22-footer. There is plenty of seating onboard including two bow chaise lounges and we love the under-seat hinges for the seat storage compartments which allow you quick access or you can fully drop down the cushion if you really need to dig deep to find what you’re looking for.
On this particular model, lack of storage is not an issue. The in-floor ski-locker is plenty deep and at 6 feet in length there is a lot of room for your water toys. At the compact helm stand is a fully-functional console that includes all the gauges you need, plus an auxiliary port and 12-volt for your electronics. A lockable storage compartment for the driver as well as a cup holder would improve the design, but we still like the functionality of this helm.
In stern is an impressive four-step aluminum ladder with tall handholds as well as a nice non-skid floor that is just in this rear section of the mostly carpeted boat. Also included in the stern is a large ski/tow bar that will get plenty of use with the 250hp engine on the back.
Inspection Notes
Below deck the 25-inch diameter outside pontoons and the 30-inch diameter center bullet pontoon include a solid keel that adds strength and wear resistance to the hull. Worth noting, Palm Beach uses a multi-chambered vented construction that prevents tubes from filling if punctured. The Z-channel cross members are on 24-inch centers overall and are on 12-inch centers near the transom for added support.
From the bow gate to the rear bench seat there is nearly 17 feet of useable deck space and we like that the rails throughout the boat are at a safe, family-friendly height of 28 inches tall. This boat earned high marks for quality and craftsmanship and we consider this to be a very well-built boat.
Performance Evaluation
Being powered with a 250 HO E-TEC outboard from Evinrude has its advantages, like a zero to 20 mile per hour time of less than four seconds for starters. We nearly reached the half century mark at full throttle and to be honest the bursts of speed really surprised us.
Our Take
Again this is a value-driven model that just happens to be built well enough that it can be converted into a high-performance model. We love the versatility of this pontoon that will attract a wide range of buyers.
Number of Occupants 12
Maximum Speed 47.8 mph
Wild Ponies 250hp
No. of Gates 4
0-20 MPH 3.9 seconds
Ladder Measurement 3’ deep
Why we love this boat…How easily this pontoon can convert from an entry-level model to a Bullet ‘toon with a high output engine speaks volumes on the quality and construction.
Just being picky…It’s a compact helm console on a value driven boat, but a locking glove box for the captain would be nice as well as possibly a cup holder.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Bimini top, Jensen MS30, USB/Aux Port, 2 high output Jensen speakers, stern entry w/permanent stern ladder, color matched round table, aft vinyl floor, seat slide w/ adjustable pedestal, bow corner cup holders, tilt steering and two bow chaise lounges.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Third bullet tube w/ SeaStar hydraulic steering, 20" transom, 47-gal. fuel tank, in-floor storage locker, performance sheeting, ski/tow bar, gray graphics package and docking lights.
VITAL STATS
LOA 23’3”
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design Three Pontoons
Dry Weight 2,440 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 47 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Evinrude 250 HO E-TEC
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 210ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.85:1
Propeller 14 3/4 X 18
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
450 1.4 77
500 2.2 75.5
1000 4.4 80
1500 6.3 80.5
2000 9.1 92
2500 12.1 92.5
3000 17.4 96.5
3500 20.9 97
4000 23.7 101.5
4500 27.9 102.5
5000 33.9 104
5500 38.9 105.5
6000 45.1 106.5
6250 47.8 107
New Ulm, Minn.
507-233-8020
palmbeachpontoons.com
