Sanpan 2500 SR

This article originally appeared in our 2017 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.  

First Impression

When your pontoon crosses over into the $100K range you’ve now officially entered the “dream boat” category. When can you justify owning a boat that costs this much? When it looks like this Sanpan and is loaded with this many innovative features, that’s when.

Breakdown

New for 2017, the sport arch is now available as an option for the Sanpan line which takes an already high-end-looking pontoon and raises it to a whole different level. Complete with a Bimini top, the arch adds both function and style to create an impressive layout.

When you first come aboard you notice the two different types of flooring that in our opinion really give the boat a customized feel. The majority is covered with Metro gray vinyl flooring with Nutmeg vinyl flooring just in the stern section.

The SR seating is extremely comfortable but what impressed us most is the dual-tone vinyl color with a quilted inlay pattern as an accent piece on the furniture. Included in this package are three unique reclining seats with multiple cupholders for each and storage below. It’s truly a fresh look for Godfrey Marine’s highest line with the unique-looking first-mate chair along with the other two rear-facing ones in the stern.

The helm truly complements the rest of the boat with its design and use of color and the console includes a built-in Garmin GPS plus two smaller speakers just for the captain. Those little speakers tie into the impressive Polk Audio sound system with other speakers perfectly positioned throughout the boat and angled up to get the most out of each one. There is even a large subwoofer in the back, making this one of the best sound systems we heard all week during our test.    

Outside the stern gate is a solid ski/tow bar, a deep-reaching four-step S-shaped boarding ladder and a remote to the Polk Audio stereo. Other key features include quick-release fender holders, an ottoman foot stool for the first mate, an extra wide captain’s King helm chair and a pop-up changing room built into the back of the portside bow chaise lounge that stands nearly 6 feet tall when open. The only thing really missing with this layout is an in-floor ski locker (available as an option) or some other way to store your wakeboards when you’re not using them.  

Inspection

Upgraded to 27-inch diameter pontoons as part of the Triple Tube package, the three-log base provides great stability. Up top the rail height ranges from 24 inches tall with the majority of the boat measuring over 30 inches, which helps earn this boat a high safety rating.

Handling

She’s quick to jump up on plane and very responsive. With the Yamaha 250hp SHO outboard we rocketed to over 40 mph, which translates to a lot of fun for the water sport enthusiasts in your family. The combination wakeboard arch and ski/tow bar in the stern provide plenty of ways to enjoy the performance of this ‘toon. 

Final Thoughts

Sanpan has established itself in the industry as a high-end brand and has built its reputation by engineering luxurious and innovative features and its 2017 offering didn’t disappoint. Yes, the prices on these top-of-the-line models are on the rise for all manufacturers, but so is the quality and that is especially true with the 2500 SLR. You get a lot in return on your investment. Plus, it’s backed by a warranty from a manufacturer who has been building solid pontoon boats for nearly 60 years.

Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants            16                   

Maximum Speed                     42.6 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             250 hp

No. of Gates                           3

0-20 MPH                               5.30 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             4’ 9” deep

Why we love this boat…The contour, color, and styling of the SLR seating is amazing, which helps give the interior a fresh and updated look. 

Just being picky…Although available as an option, an in-floor ski locker really should come standard with the sport arch so you’ll have a place to store your boards and gear when you’re not wakeboarding.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Bimini, playpen cover, drilled transom, Polk stereo system, corner castings w/ LED lights and pull-up cleats, ski/tow bar, capt. chair w/ bolster, SeaStar steering, Garmin 53DV, changing room, 2 removable cupholders, underseat lights, Mica Mist plaid carpet on bow and midship, beige vinyl on stern, and underseat trays.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Capt. king chair, 27-inch Triple Tube Pkg., 2 additional removable cupholders, custom quilted accents in furniture, Metro gray flooring on bow and midship, Nutmeg flooring on stern, underdeck lighting, underwater lighting, woven acrylic seat covers, Quick Release fender locks and 2 additional rings, black anodized rail frame, rail skin accent, rail stripe graphic, Professional Choice Plus Polk Audio stereo system w/ Sirius satellite upgrade, stern remote, and sport arch.

VITAL STATS

LOA                  26’ 10”           

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       Three Pontoons

Dry Weight       3,573 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    45 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Yamaha VF250LA

Cylinder Type                                                 V6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           254ci/250hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.75:1

Propeller                                                          15 3/4 X 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

500                  2.3                     74

1000                3.8                     85

1500                6.3                     84

2000                7.9                     89

2500                9.6                     87

3000                11.4                   91

3500                16.5                   92

4000                21.6                   96

4500                29.1                   101

5000                34.9                   104

5500                40.9                   104

6000                42.6                   108

Elkhart, Ind.

574-522-8381

www.sanpanboats.com