Qwest LS SE 822 Linai

June 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

Innovation and quality are the foundation of the Qwest line of pontoons, yet we were still pleasantly surprised at what we discovered with the new for 2015 822 Linai. Clearly this pontoon was designed by engineers who actually enjoy getting out on the water and have a feel for what boaters really want.

The Highlights

Starting at the fiberglass helm stand the dash panel is loaded with easy-to-read gauges, a built-in Humminbird 386ci color GPS/fish finder, rocker switches, Infinity stereo, a glove box, and a tilt steering wheel. There is even an X-Grip adjustable media holder, plus you don’t have to plug it in to the USB port to listen to music because the stereo is Bluetooth compatible. Speaking of tunes, there are a total of six speakers onboard—two in the bow, two in the stern and two in the rear swim platform area—so wherever you’re at you’ll be sure to hear the sound system.

For the captain is a tall seatback helm chair that slides, swivels and reclines, but this isn’t the only comfortable seat on this Qwest. In the bow are two bench seats that expand out to form a full couch bed, which is ideal for the sunbathers in your family or for a night under the stars. All the seats have a retro look to them, similar to what you might find on an old Chris Craft boat. The vinyl design is clean and simple and with the Caribbean blue accent, there is just the right splash of color to help tie everything in.

This 822 is considered a 22-foot model, but really that’s just the interior dimensions. Just outside the rear gate is a deck extension that provides a great area to jump off the boat and play in the water without interfering with those inside. Complete with a three-step boarding ladder and a solid ski/tow bar, there is also a rear-facing bench seat in this stern area. The snap-in pillow can easily be removed and used on the bow couch bed and below the bench is an additional storage box that is perfect for wet lifejackets and tubes. Looking for more storage? Besides ventilated areas below the raised seat bases that are built in-house, there is also a large in-floor ski locker that is over six feet long and nearly two feet deep. Also worth noting, the entire boat has diamond patterned Seagrass flooring, which is not only soft on your feet but it’s a lot easier to clean and maintain than traditional carpet.

Inspection Notes

The three 23-inch diameter high polished pontoons really shine on the water. Having the logs polished is a popular option that the manufacturer offers. The hull is part of the Generation II triple tube package and there are lifting strakes on all three. Up top there are four gates and all have pinch protection for the hinges and the perimeter is a family-friendly height of 27 inches tall throughout.

Performance Evaluation

Being able to reach the 40 mile per hour mark at full throttle with the Yamaha 150 was quite impressive. This Qwest has a nice zip to it that helps make it both fun to drive and easy to maneuver. She turns well in the corners and overall is just a great-handling pontoon.

Our Take

From the fold-out bow seating area to the designated swim platform in the stern, there are a lot of great features on this new 822 Linai from the Qwest luxury series that are going to appeal to a lot of people.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 13

Maximum Speed 40.2 mph

Wild Ponies 150 hp

No. of Gates 4

0-20 MPH 4.97 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 4” deep

Why we love this boat…The layout and overall design is well-thought-out and perfectly executed with the results being a quality family pontoon.

Just being picky…There are three chaise lounges onboard and even though they’re still comfortable, they might be a little too vertical. It would be nice if there was a little more angle to them.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

It’s unbelievable how much they’re able to pack into this boat.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Deluxe fiberglass helm stand w/ molded kick panel, Humminbird 386ci color and GPS/Fish Finder, Italian design steering wheel, tilt steering system, Infinity stereo system w/ Bluetooth, Infinity speakers and MP3 port, ultra-flow seat ventilation, adjustable capt. chair with foldable arms, contoured anodized rub rail and polished aluminum corners, LED courtesy light and nav. lights, 8’ X 9’ bimini top w/ storage boot, wood grain table, and deluxe 3-D graphics.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Generation II triple tube package, Diamond Seagrass floor, front sleeper seats, special edition seating, high back reclining capt. seat, 6 speaker stereo, Blue Ice lighting, dock lights, rear storage pod, in-floor ski locker, privacy unit, polished tubes, mooring cover.