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
Not only does JC successfully break away from the traditional-looking square pontoon boat, but it’s clear the engineers who design these boats actually spend a lot of time on the water too. Each year JC finds a way to improve its boats and the proof can be found when you come aboard the SportToon 26TT.
The Highlights
We’ll start in the stern and work our way forward. We love the look of the dual extended swim platforms and below each is a telescopic boarding ladder. Outside the rear gate there is plenty of extra room to move around and we absolutely love the two 12-volt outlets that allow you to air up your tubes. There is also a heavy-duty ski/tow bar that is included with the standard features.
Inside the stainless rear swinging gates are two rear-facing lounges with plenty of storage space below. But what make these loungers unique are the power backrests. With a simple push of a button you can easily adjust the angle of your lounger.
At the elevated helm platform is a deluxe JC captain’s chair that slides, swivels and reclines and the console itself is very sporty-looking.
The Humminbird Matrix 788ci HD GPS is centered between large, easy-to-read, multi-function gauges as well as stereo and spotlight controls. The Clarion stereo includes six large JL Audio speakers, which you can’t truly appreciate until you’ve heard it yourself. Our favorite helm stand feature is the deluxe flip-top that provides easy access to the wiring for your gauges that is truly like nothing else in the industry.
Across from the helm is a reclining first mate chair, complete with a flip-out leg rest. Rated for up to 16 people, it’s easy to find a comfy seat on this boat and if the first mate chair is taken, one of the two bow chaise lounges with movable arm and head rests will certainly work. There are close to 30 permanent cup holders on this JC, which is amazing when you think about it. The entire boat uses Sea Grass flooring, which the Indiana-based manufacturer refers to as “JC Grass.” It’s good-looking, padded and allows you to clean up the boat quickly, so it’s easy to see why this flooring is so popular.
Other key amenities worth noting include the optional wakeboard tower that includes two JL Audio speakers, an in-floor ski locker with auto bilge, plus all the stainless steel hardware that is used throughout.
Inspection Notes
Three high-volume U-shaped pontoons are the base for this 26-foot boat, and the lifting fins on the inside of the outer tubes and on both sides of the center pontoon are nicely welded. The Z-shaped cross members are on 16-inch centers and are bolted to the plywood deck and the splash skin fully covers the bottom. The pointed bow has been extended, which helps create a lot of room onboard.
Overall, the boat earned high marks for craftsmanship, fit and finish work as well as for its safe, family-friendly design. If we had to be picky, a changing room and a trash receptacle seem to be the only things missing from this great day-use boat.
Performance Evaluation
JC is offering two different Teleflex steering options, one for comfortable leisure driving and the other for more aggressive and quick-turning applications. The hydraulic steering makes a huge difference as we were able to dive into the sharp turns and with the Evinrude 250 E-TEC on the back, she handled like a dream.
Our Take
This safe and family-friendly layout is extremely inviting and because it’s constructed by JC, you know it’s built to last.
Number of Occupants 16
Maximum Speed 46.7 mph
Wild Ponies 250hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 5.3 seconds
Ladder Measurement 2’ 10” deep
Why we love this boat…It’s very innovative with a lot of great features that are designed to make your boating experience that much better.
Just being picky…As tested we didn’t see a changing room or a trash receptacle, but other than that we feel this boat is ready for a great day on the water.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Three .091” 5052 H32 aluminum pontoons w/ .125” nosecones, 7’ bimini w/SS fittings, SS bow rails, SS bow & stern gates, SS cleats, FG bow corner cabinets, dual horns, white powder coated rail pack, anodized trim, reclining captain’s chair w/ headrest, helm & capt. chair covers, deluxe flip-top helm, tilt steering, full instrumentation, Humminbird Matrix 788ci HD, polished aluminum castings, 36-oz. Designer Series carpet, 45 gal. fuel tank, Clarion CD player (CMD 8), Ipod interface, 4 premium JL speakers, Sirius Satellite radio, heavy-duty ski/tow, SS boarding ladder, SS LED docking lights, upholstery trim pkg., courtesy/mood rope lighting, aluminum bottom skin, hydraulic steering, power assist for hydraulic and lifting fins.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Raised helm, dual batt., SS fender holders, SS rubrail, polished aluminum wakeboard tower, glove box, in-tube storage, ski mirror, dual swim platform, JL Tower speaker system, remote spotlight, JC Grass flooring and fuel and water filter.
VITAL STATS
LOA 26’ 7”
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design TriToon w/ Lifting Fins
Dry Weight 2450 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 45 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Evinrude 250 E-TEC
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 200ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.85:1
Propeller 15 3/8 X 18
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
650 2.6 77
1000 4.3 82
1500 6.1 85.5
2000 9.0 92
2500 14.2 95
3000 18.7 98.5
3500 22.5 102.5
4000 29.7 109.5
4500 36.1 113.5
5000 40.6 114
5500 45.3 115.5
5800 46.7 116
North Webster, Ind.
574-834-2881
jcpontoon.com
