Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 22 XP3

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

Sun Tracker sells a lot of Fishin’ Barge ‘toons each year and it’s not hard to see why the Fishin’ Barge 22 DLX is its best-selling model. And for 2015, it’s now available as an XP3 high-performance version. While it’s completely geared towards fishing and gives the angler everything needed to succeed, it’s also a great performing family model as well.

The Highlights

It may look like carpet, but the flooring throughout is definitely vinyl and we feel the non-skid floor is perfect for a fishing boat. One thing that we also love to see, yet rarely do on fishing pontoons, is designated rod storage. Besides the vertical spot in the stern, there is also a nice aerodynamic lockable box behind the helm seat that can hold up to 7 1/2-foot rods. It’s perfect because it doesn’t take up a lot of room, yet gets your poles out of the way when you’re not using them.

Also in the stern are two of the four fishing seats that might just be more comfortable than the actual bench seats, which says a lot about the focus on this 22-footer. We love the aerated16-gallon livewell with a bait bucket in the stern, helping make this area one of the most popular onboard.

In the bow are two more fishing stations that include an eight-gallon livewell on one side and a battery storage box on the other. Our test boat was equipped with the upgraded fishing package that includes a trolling motor and fish finder, which explains the cutout on the bow gate that perfectly fits around the stowed MotorGuide W55.

At the helm is an attractive-looking symmetrical dash console with gauges on one side and rocker switches on the other with the flush-mounted Lowrance perfectly centered for easier visibility. Also included is a Bluetooth-capable Jensen stereo, USB/ Aux ports, a 12-volt receptacle and even a designated cell phone storage area. The combination of the tilt wheel with hydraulic steering and the comfy helm chair that slides, swivels and reclines ensures the captain has everything needed for a great day on the water.

Worth noting: below the bench seat across from the helm is a lockable dry storage box, which is never a bad idea. There is a pop-up changing room behind the L-shaped rear lounge. It includes a door, is easy to access and even comes with a built-in bench inside.

Inspection Notes

The three XP3 multi-chambered pontoons are 26 inches in diameter and have welded lifting strakes with wave deflectors and internal bracing for additional strength. Up top, the three gates all have a positive latch and are lift and lock as well, which make it really safe for younger kids.

Performance Evaluation

Our test boat was powered by the optional Mercury 150 FourStroke and we feel it’s the perfect fit for this high-performance fishing model. At full throttle we nearly reached the 40-mile-per-hour mark and even the zero to 20 mile per hour time of just over five and a half seconds impressed us. She handles well, especially when turning, and with the XP3 hull you’ll have no problems beating your fishing buddies to your favorite honey hole.

Our Take

We love the value this Sun Tracker offers. It’s well-built and well-designed for the serious angler who wants a great fishing ‘toon, but doesn’t want to spend too much to get it. Rated for up to 10 people, there’s not a bad seat onboard so your passengers can get comfortable and focus on landing that next big trophy fish.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 10

Maximum Speed 37.8 mph

Wild Ponies 150 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 5.40 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…It really is impressive just how many great specific fishing amenities are packed into this pontoon that is also budget-friendly.

Just being picky…While we love the fuse box located below the steering wheel, the cover that is held on with Velcro could have been secured a little better.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

New fence graphics for 2015, color-keyed 9’ polyester Bimini top w/ LED courtesy lights, protective boot, easy-adjusting straps and trailering-position arms, storage pockets in Bimini top, pull-down loops on Bimini top straps, nav. lights w/ LED bow lights, interior courtesy lighting throughout, new console style w/ wraparound sport shroud and tinted removable windscreen, built-in footrest w/ non-skid pad, deluxe soft-touch sport steering wheel, hydraulic steering, all-welded all-aluminum extended motor pod w/ built-in EPA-compliant fuel system, 1.25” anodized aluminum fence rails w/ decorative styling, elevated fence panels for drainage and ventilation, high-sheen fence finish, sound-and-vibration-deadening fence insulation, box-beam all-aluminum transom for strength and longevity, fore and aft vertical rod holders, port and starboard bow rotomolded boxes w/ livewell, battery storage, ruler, rod holders and drink holders, molded starboard aft lockable rod box for rods to 7’6”, bow port rotomolded 8-gal. aerated livewell w/ shutoff valve and composite lid w/ fish ruler, port 16-gal. aerated livewell w/ removable bait bucket and shutoff valve, fishing-friendly easy-clean vinyl flooring throughout, marine-grade UV resistant top-coated upholstery w/ 26 oz. base vinyl and multiple densities of foam, movable drink holder/bolster, and removable table w/ molded-in drink holders w/ 2 pedestal base locations.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Fishing package that includes a flush-mounted Mark-5x Pro fishfinder, a MotorGuide W55 wireless 12V, 55-lb. thrust foot-control trolling motor and a Mercury 150 ELPT FourStroke outboard.