Island Boats 18-22

March 2015 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2015 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

Seeing an expandable pontoon that can go from seven and a half feet to 10 feet wide with just a press of a button might have you scratching your head and wondering why you didn’t think of it. But after seeing all the thought and innovative thinking that went into the design, it’s obvious it took the right manufacturing company to do it correctly.

The Highlights

The overall design is impressive, there’s no disputing that. In 2014 it earned innovation awards from both PDB magazine and the NMMA. The concept is quite simple: a narrower pontoon boat is easier to trailer and will fit in a standard garage. Island Boats with its expanding design provides comparable square footage of a 22-foot model in its 18-foot version. They also offer a 22-26 Model that provides comparable square footage to a 26-foot pontoon in its 22-foot version. Both models function identically.

Using the revolutionary R & E Slide, the floor retracts or expands in less than two minutes and the control is conveniently located at the helm. Using an electric drive, the patented system will lock into place as it goes, so even if you’re only halfway through the process it’s secure. Even though you could drive with the pontoon only partially expanded, for stability reasons the manufacturer recommends that you only operate it at higher speeds at its intended 10-foot width.

While the system itself is quite innovative, it’s how well everything else moves in harmony that makes it all possible. For example, both the bow and stern aluminum gates are designed to open when the boat is narrow or wide and the standard bimini top adjusts as well. And even though the table in the bow is removable, you can leave it up because it won’t be affected by the moving floor.

Even the helm console has a unique design to accommodate the movement, proving all the details have been covered. Included at the helm is a Sony stereo remote, optional jack plate controls and easy-to-read gauges. There are two chaise lounges—one in the bow and one rear-facing—but the rest of the interior is quite simplistic. A marine-grade vinyl flooring is used throughout and there is a solid three-step boarding ladder in the stern that rounds out the standard features on this boat as-tested.

Inspection Notes

Below deck the two modified pontoons are the base of this performance hull, which doesn’t need lifting strakes or aluminum splash skin. Up top the rail stands at a family-friendly height of 28 inches tall around the perimeter of the boat.

Performance Evaluation

Usually this part of the review focuses on the top-end speed and overall power, but what most people want to know for this specific test is how well does an expanding pontoon hold up in rougher water? We were beyond impressed by the durability of the two-logged pontoon that took on some tough waves and never flinched. She turns flat in the sharp turns and with the optional jack plate we were able to dial it in to reach speeds in the mid-40s, but again it was the solid platform that really got our attention.

Our Take

While the interior may lack options like rear loungers or a full galley unit with a fridge, what this Island Boat pontoon can do is game-changing and it will have you seeing trailerable boats in a whole different way. It’s one thing to figure out how to build a retractable pontoon, but it’s entirely different to be able to make it durable, safe and practical enough that it truly is easy to use. This manufacturer is just getting started and we look forward to seeing it expand in the future.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 13

Maximum Speed 44.1 mph

Wild Ponies 150 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 5.96 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ deep

Why we love this boat…One-of-a-kind doesn’t begin to explain how unique the design is. It’s very innovative and built to last.

Just being picky…The interior is basic with not a lot of added features. However, considering what it can do that other boats can’t, we don’t see this as an issue.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

Innovative expanding width and gate system. Love the folding size and the ‘toon shape.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

R & E Slide, Sony stereo, fiberglass helm, bimini top, hydraulic steering, newly innovative pontoon deign, pull-up cleats, removable table, removable armrest cupholder, three-step ladder, reclining capt. chair, love seat bench, marine-grade vinyl flooring and a single-axle Float-On Trailer.