Berkshire 25 Sport RFX9 3.0+

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

You can’t help but be drawn to this boat. From the use of fiberglass and sport arch to the inviting plush interior and added key features, this Berkshire has a lot going for it. Of course when you also factor in the performance capabilities you truly have a great combination.

Breakdown

Incorporating fiberglass with the layout opens up a lot of styling possibilities and it all starts with the aerodynamic bow. We love this look, plus with fiberglass seat bases the interior has a nice contour feel to it. Below the oversized vinyl seats, which include diamond pattern stitching and recessed lighted cupholders, are slip-in storage compartments that drain. In the bow are two loungers with moveable armrests as well as a 17-inch deep in-floor ski locker that stretches over 6 feet long, which is perfect for storing your water toys. And the teak-looking vinyl flooring helps tie in the overall look the manufacturer is going for with this high-end luxury model.

At the fiberglass helm stand, the dash console is centered on a Murphy digital color touch screen that provides you access to a lot of information and functions. On each side of the screen are gauges for your speedometer and trim and on the side of the console are lighted push-button switches. The stainless steel steering wheel includes a turn knob and below is a great designated media holder with a 12-volt outlet and a USB/Auxiliary port. There is also a locking glove box, which is something we always like to see.

Not only does the high-back captain’s chair slide, swivel and recline but you can also adjust the overall height. Directly across is an identical helm chair for the first mate and we love the added touch of having a blue LED light around the pedestal seat base that ties in with the lighted cupholders and speakers throughout the boat. 

The sport arch includes a fold-out Bimini top and two rear-facing Kicker speakers that are part of an eight speaker sounds system. The arch sits back a little further than we’ve seen on other models which limits the amount of shade for the driver, but from a safety standpoint we love that it doesn’t block your visibility.

Behind the helm are two rear-facing chaise lounges, complete with moveable arm rests and as you exit the stainless stern gate you’re led to a great swim deck area. The stern deck includes two speakers with a Kicker stereo remote, a high-pressure wash down and a stainless steel boarding ladder. There is also a massive ski/tow bar providing you with a second tow point besides the tower.   

Other great amenities include a pop-up changing room built into the back of the portside bow lounger that stands well over 6 feet tall when open, a master power switch and stainless steel rails throughout.

Inspection

With the performance hull you have three 25-inch diameter pontoons with a sealed integrated transom built into the center tube with lifting strakes on the outside logs. Our test crew did note some minor fit and finish issues specific to just this model, but overall rated the boat high for quality construction.

Handling

Mercury hydraulic steering with electric power assist combined with the performance hull and Mercury Pro 300hp four-stroke proved to be a sporty combination. We nearly reached the 50 mph mark at full throttle but what impressed us the most was how easily she banks in the tight turns. 

Final Thoughts

You get the total package with this Berkshire and while the price as tested won’t fit with every budget, the quality and amenities ensure you’ll get a lot in return for your investment.

Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants            14                   

Maximum Speed                     47.7 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             300 hp

No. of Gates                           3

0-20 MPH                               5.86 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             3’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…The added touches make the difference on this model. The thoughtful layout is loaded with a lot of great standard features.  

Just being picky… Love the wakeboard rack that is mounted on top of the ski/tow bar but it could possibly interfere when pulling someone using the wakeboard tower tow point.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Sport fiberglass console w/ helm riser, electric powered sport arch with Bimini frame, full center tube w/ integrated transom, full aluminum underdeck perf. shield, woodgrain tilt wheel, SeaStar hydraulic steering w/ electric power assist, 4 lifting strakes, aluminum sport color-matched ski/tow, 28 oz. Soft Touch vinyl, triple-density foam pkg., high back aluminum framed helm/companion chair, Murphy digital color touch screen w/ GPS/depth sounder/integrated ratio, 4 LED backlit speakers w/ protective inside covers, 2 exterior stern lighted speakers, amp, subwoofer, stern remote stereo control, LED courtesy floor lights, LED exterior rail lights, LED rail-mounted docking lights, privacy hoop/curtain, SS LED lighted cupholders, faux mahogany table w/ lighted base, new integrated armrests on chaise lounges, Surlast color-matched playpen cover w/ J clips, and extended stern vinyl platform w/ transom wash down.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Teak floor, LED underwater lighting, LED underdeck lights, rearview camera, in-floor storage, 2 reinforced splash fins, arch-mounted can speakers, and wakeboard rack.

VITAL STATS

LOA                  25’ 7”             

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       Three Pontoons

Dry Weight       3,300 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    52 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Mercury 300 Pro

Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           158ci/300hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.75:1

Propeller                                                          14.7 X 16 P SS Enertia

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

1000                4.1                     80

1500                5.9                     84

2000                8.2                     82

2500                10.4                   84

3000                16.5                   92

3500                20.8                   89

4000                25.1                   90

4500                29.4                   93

5000                33.5                  96

5500                38.5                  96

6400                47.7                  103

 Middlebury, Ind. 

574-825-8696

www.berkshirepontoon.com