Hampton

First Glance
Hampton pontoons are built by PlayCraft so you get the same over-built quality that we’ve come to expect from this manufacturer, but in a more conservative look. 

Details
This particular model has a little bling to it, at least that’s how we referred to the RGB speaker, mood, exterior and underwater lighting that is all controlled by a dimmer switch at the helm. It really is a unique feature that adds a little flare to the high-end pontoon. The furniture is as plush and as comfortable as it looks because it’s built by Lexington, who was acquired by Lippert Components last year. The marine furniture manufacturer has earned a solid reputation in this industry by truly creating unique benches and helm chairs while emphasizing comfort. The vinyl colors work well together and flow perfectly with the woven vinyl floor and helm stand.

Speaking of the helm, the woodgrain-looking dash console when combined with the classic gauges with lighted push buttons below has a timeless feel to it that we really like. This is also where the controls are located for the Infinity 450 stereo on the left with the Simrad 5-inch Chartplotter with multi-function display on the other side of the steering wheel.

We did find two movable cupholders that can be relocated to any seat, plus one built-in drink holder at the helm, but if we had to be picky we’d like to see more than just one permanent cupholder on a pontoon that is rated for up to 13 passengers.   

In the stern is a beautiful stainless steel ski/tow bar that is as solid as it is attractive, plus the patented boarding ladder – which includes two actual built-in steps along with three fold-down ladder rungs – makes boarding from the water extremely easy.

One other key feature worth noting is the new stainless Bimini frame and it truly finishes off the high-end luxurious look Hampton was going for. 

Closer Look
A 28- by 24-inch U-shaped center pontoon is combined with two round-shaped, 25-inch diameter pontoons and all have heavy-duty extruded aluminum RAC-R-FINS for a unique performance hull. The cross members are on 16-inch centers for increased durability and another feature we love is the one-piece plywood deck with no seams, which also increases the strength. There is nearly 19 feet of usable deck space from inside the padded gates and the rail height is a consistent 28 1/2 inches tall around the entire perimeter of the boat.  

Throttle Down
Lady Luck has been good to us over the years, but our streak came to an end when we weren’t able to get all the performance numbers we needed. We were still able to record the top speed of over 44 miles per hour as well as the zero-to-20 mph time of 5 seconds with the Honda 200hp four-stroke, but were unable to get the RPM/speed numbers or the decibel readings. She handles well in the tight turns and banks slightly in both directions. 

Why Buy
While many would consider this color scheme to be more on the conservative side, we don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. We love the classic look and feel with the modern touches that balance out the layout. With this Hampton you get the performance and the style in one attractive package that we feel a lot of families are going to love.

Richland, Mo.
573-765-3265
www.hamptonpontoons.com

Specifications
Number of Occupants            13                   
Price As Tested With Power  $63.9 K
Maximum Speed                    44.5 mph                   
Wild Ponies                             200 hp
No. of Gates                            3
0-20 MPH                               5.03 seconds
Ladder Measurement             4’10” deep

Why we love this boat…Plenty of comfortable seats for everyone and we love the RGB lighting that adds a little fun to the luxury pontoon. 

Just being picky…Great interior layout, we’d just like to see a few more permanent cupholders built into the design.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Nose skid guard keels, full-length keels underneath outer pontoons, double-welded front water deflectors, double-plated nose cones, stainless steel fold-down cleats, all-aluminum C channel cross members under deck, heavy-duty extruded aluminum side deck bumpers, aluminum corner castings, color-matched Bimini top w/quick release/overhead straps, stainless steel cupholders, courtesy lights, side mount navigational lights, Infinity 450 stereo/four RGB coaxial speakers w/controller, reclining captain’s chair, L-shaped ensemble w/snack table, custom fiberglass console, universal remote control, rear access w/aluminum swing-down ladder, built-in fuel tank, hinged full rear sun deck w/tanning cushions, LED docking light recessed in front side trim, and Simrad 5-inch Chartplotter w/multi-function display.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Platinum/wine accent strip, engine brand controls, stainless steel ski/tow, taupe mooring cover, Performance Pkg., Elite Pkg., Sea Star steering, in-toon fuel tank, and companionway.

VITAL STATS
LOA                  24’     
Beam                 8’ 6”
Hull Design       Three Pontoons
Dry Weight       2,000 lbs.
Fuel Capacity    30 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                                                             Honda 200     
Cylinder Type                                                 V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           212ci/200hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.86:1
Propeller                                                          14 X 19

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
1000                N/A                  N/A
1500                N/A                   N/A
2000                N/A                   N/A
2500                N/A                   N/A
3000                N/A                   N/A
3500                N/A                   N/A
4000                N/A                   N/A
4500                N/A                   N/A
5000                N/A                   N/A
5500                N/A                   N/A
6000                44.5                   N/A

PRICE
Price As Tested                       $63,900
(Boat and Motor)

Price As Tested                       $44,995
(Boat Only)