Cypress Cay Cozumel 220

November 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2016 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.

Three Things

Handles great, incorporates a high-end elegant interior and we love the well-designed helm console.

Breakdown

At first glance the interior may feel too conservative for those looking for a little more color in their vinyl seats, but on this specific model it definitely works. If you look closely you’ll be able to appreciate the several different types of patterns and textures used for the seats. We can’t say enough good things about this look.

There are a total of four chaise lounges, two in the bow and two in the stern, with a pop-up changing room built into the back of the portside bow seat. When open, the curtain stands at nearly 6 feet tall and is average in size. Worth noting: we really like how all four chaises have drop-down arm rests with built-in cupholders.

With the CW or Center Walkthru layout, the interior really opens up and feels spacious. One of the options is a bow filler bench or jump seat that can be positioned at either end in place of a gate opening. We prefer it in the bow because it creates a great U-shape seating area, while keeping access to the swim deck clear.

Speaking of the swim deck, it appears to be at least a foot longer than other models we’ve tested in the past and the extended area is put to good use with a four-step boarding ladder with extra wide handholds at the top. Also in this stern area outside the gate is a nice non-skid floor, with the majority of the boat perfectly transitioning to a teak-looking vinyl.

At the helm is a great-looking console that is centered around a Raymarine A68 chart plotter with sonar. On each side of the digital unit are large bezel gauges with lighted rocker switches below. This is also where the controls are to the Polk Audio Bluetooth stereo with a 12-volt outlet and USB/Auxiliary port close by to give you plenty of options. The upgraded JL Audio sound system includes six speakers and an amp, as well as a large 10-inch subwoofer; we like how the speakers are angled up so you get the most out of them.

One other option worth noting includes a large in-floor ski locker that is 16 inches deep, six feet long inside with a 45- by 11-inch door opening.

Inspection

The T3 Performance package includes three 25-inch diameter pontoons with lifting strakes on both sides of the center tube and on the insides of the outside tubes. The two-piece Dolphin nose cones with integrated splash fins are exclusive to the manufacturer and each have a safe and attractive rolled edge.

Up top there is 17 feet of deck space from the bow gate to the rear jump seat and from a safety standpoint, we love that the rail height varies from nearly 28 inches tall in the bow and stern to over 30 inches on the sides for a very family-friendly layout.

Handling

To say we were able to dive into the tight corners is an understatement. Even at lower speeds this pontoon really cuts nicely in those sharp turns and we absolutely love how well she handles. Plus thanks to the Mercury 250 Verado, our zero-to-20-mile-per-hour time came in under five seconds! Don’t let the conservative color scheme inside fool you; this pontoon is built to perform.

Final Thoughts

Smart might be the best way to describe this Cypress Cay because the layout and design flows well with the standard features with the right mix of key options.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 13

Maximum Speed 46.4 mph

Wild Ponies 250 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.81 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 7” deep

Why we love this boat…You get the complete package with this ‘toon: a well-performing pontoon with a high-end feel and luxurious features.

Just being picky…Based on how well this ‘toon performs, it’s a shame it doesn’t come standard with a ski/tow bar. It is available as an option, but we feel it needs to be included.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Digital depth sounder, underdeck LED lights, docking lights, telescopic SST folding ladder, Polk stereo w/ Bluetooth and 4 speakers, Total Torsion Reduction Sys. (continuous riser brackets).

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Changing room curtain, ski locker, sound system (JL audio, 6 speakers, amp, subwoofer), Raymarine A68 chart plotter w/ sonar, seat covers and a jump seat.