JC Mfg

First Glance
All pontoons are roomy, but some are just more inviting than others and that’s the case with this SportToon. The color contrast on the furniture with the coco accents along with the mostly white vinyl seats is very attractive and we especially love all the added touches that we’ve come to expect from this manufacturer.

Details
The fiberglass pods in the bow with stainless railings are a signature look for JC and now those pods have been integrated into the stern as well. Another unique feature is the stainless “saloon” style gates on each end of the boat and the JC Grass flooring helps tie it all in together.

In the bow the long benches with chaise lounges include fold-down arms so you can really spread out and get comfortable. At the elevated helm console is a massive 9-inch Simrad GPS map touchscreen with analog gauges on each side to complete the symmetrical look with rocker switches below. The captain also has access to the JL media master head unit and also located on the dash is a switch to control the RGB interior and exterior lights as well as the misting system. Yep, you read that right. One of the many options is the Mister Comfort single-zone floor misting system that runs off its own 5-gallon fresh water tank to help cool off the boat. Worth noting, we love the easy access to the console wiring through the patented flip-up helm cap and the locking glove box for the captain is something we wish we’d find on all boats.

Directly across from the helm is a reclining companion seat with a leg lift similar to your favorite recliner at home. Speaking of getting comfortable, JC takes its rear-facing loungers to a whole new level by including power backrests, plus 12-volt and USB ports. Oh, and did we mention cupholders? There are four just for one of these rear loungers and we stopped counting the total number after we got to 20. Let that sink in for a minute. 

To complete the sporty look of this model, the Sport Arch (with power fold down option) with two JL Audio 8.8 tower speakers ensures you’ll get the most out of the sound system while looking good doing it. 

Closer Look
Three high-volume U-shaped pontoons that are 24 by 24 inches in diameter are the base for this boat; there are lifting fins on the inside of the outer tubes and on both sides of the center pontoon and the bottom is fully covered with an aluminum bottom skin. Up top there is 21 feet of usable deck space inside the gates and the rail height varies from over 24 inches tall in the stern to nearly 35 inches on the sides. 

Throttle Down
With the SeaStar Optimus hydraulic steering she’s very responsive and handles like a dream. This was seriously one of the best handling boats at our test this year. Of course it helps having the Suzuki 250 four-stroke on the back so you can go from zero-to-20 mph in about four seconds! We reached a top speed of 45 mph, but it’s the way she dives into those really tight turns that impressed us the most. 

Why Buy
Nothing appears to be an afterthought on this model. It’s loaded with key features and options with a lot of added value to help make sure your time on the water is well spent.

North Webster, Ind.
574-834-7307
www.jcpontoon.com

Specifications
Number of Occupants            16                   
Price As Tested With Power  $89.9 K
Maximum Speed                    45.0 mph                   
Wild Ponies                             250 hp
No. of Gates                            3
0-20 MPH                               4.10 seconds 
Ladder Measurement             3’ 6” deep

Why we love this boat…While we could easily list one of the many upgraded features, what we truly loved about this boat is how well it performed. 

Just being picky…We’re a fan of in-floor ski lockers and even though this one is 6 feet long inside, at just 12 inches deep it seems a little too shallow.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Aluminum bottom skin, powder coated rails, bow lounges w/lounger arms, l-group seating w/lounger arm, sundeck w/stainless steel rails/changing room, JC grass in stern area, designer carpet, high back reclining captain’s chair, Garelick HD seat pedestal w/adjustable slider, stainless steel bow rails/rub rail insert/gates/cupholders/ladder w/LED lights, hydraulic steering 1.7 w/power assist, lifting fins, upholstery trim pkg., bow pods w/corner cabinet, LED docking lights, heavy-duty stainless steel ski tow, fiberglass console, windshield, tilt steering wheel, deluxe spoked steering wheel, 5-Simrad touchscreen GO5, fuel/trim/water pressure gauge, Clarion CMD8 w/four JL 7.7 speakers, iPod interface/Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, air horn, dual battery power management system, interior courtesy lighting, helm/captain’s chair cover, and 10-foot Bimini w/quick release.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
High back reclining captain’s chair w/bolster, sport arch, companion seat high back recliner leg lift, raised helm platform w/Marine Mat, in-tube storage w/Marine Mat, stainless steel flip-up bow cleats/fender holder w/fenders, 9-inch Simrad touchscreen GO9, RGB interior/exterior lighting pkg., JL 8.8 speaker upgrade (w/six speakers, JL amp, and amber lights), two JL 8.8 tower speakers (w/JL amp, remote volume, and amber lights), JL Media Master Stereo, dual swim platform w/stbd. ladder, and single-zone floor misting system.

VITAL STATS
LOA                  26’7” 
Beam                 8’ 6”
Hull Design       TriToon
Dry Weight       4,400 lbs.
Fuel Capacity    49 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                                                             Suzuki 350
Cylinder Type                                                 V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           245.6ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   2.08:1
Propeller                                                          16 X 18.5 SS

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
700                  1.8                     67
1000                4.5                     80
1500                5.8                     84
2000                8.3                     9
2500                11.3                   92
3000                16.4                   93
3500                21.8                   102
4000                26.7                   103
4500                34.5                   107
5000                38.2                   110
5500                41.4                   112
5800                45.0                   114

PRICE
Price As Tested                       $89,900
(Boat and Motor)

Base Price                               $65,700
(Boat Only)