PDB Shootout PlayCraft

First Impression

PlayCraft prides itself on building a boat “your way” and makes it very easy to customize a pontoon if desired to your specific needs. However, after seeing what the manufacturer came up with for this specific model it might be best to leave some of those decisions to the experts. As tested it has a long list of options, but we feel it’s very dialed in to what a lot of boaters are going to want.

Highlights

The Infinity 2900 lives up to the PlayCraft name and we love how all the powder coat, graphics and seating complement each other. Even the Bimini top is two-toned to perfectly match. Speaking of the wakeboard tower, the two mounted speakers – along with the four other Infinity speakers – provide a great sound system that is controlled by the captain or the first mate as part of the dual console layout. The helm stands mirror each other, complete with windshields and lockable glove box storage on the sides and if having two identical flip-up bolster bucket helm chairs wasn’t enough, there are actually a total of four onboard so everyone has a comfortable seat.

Rated for up to 18 passengers, there are multiple plush seating options as well, including two chaise lounges in the bow and two more rear-facing ones in the stern. We especially like the hidden storage compartments built into the backs of the loungers that are ideal for storing small items.

For the captain, the Gen II helm console includes a centered 5-inch Simrad touchscreen with a full display of gauges around it with rocker switches on the outside. Just below is a dial that controls the RGB colors for the underwater, underdeck and mood lighting. Next to the white Loredan steering wheel is the paddle trim controls, but we’ll get to that in a minute.

Finishing touches include an in-floor ski locker, dual built-in steps with fold-down ladders for easy boarding and a massive ski/tow bar that will see plenty of great use with this setup.

Inspection

Below deck the 24-inch wide and 26-inch tall U-shaped outside pontoons are paired with a 28-inch wide and 36-inch tall U-shaped pontoon for a solid design, which helps explain why it performs so well. The tubes are all well-braced to the one-piece seamless deck using C-shaped cross-members that are on 16-inch centers for added strength. Worth noting, from the powder coated logs to the tower and rails, no aluminum is exposed on this model and above deck the rail height stands at a very family-friendly height of 29 inches tall around the perimeter.

Performance

Living up to its full performance reputation, the Mercury 400 Racing engine and this performance hull deliver the fun. She banked beautifully in the tight turns and even at this size and weight still easily went from zero-to-20 mph in just over 4 seconds. With Bob’s hydraulic jack plate and U-Flex paddle trim, speeds over 50 mph were easily reached for an exhilarating ride like no other.

Parting Thought

A lot of people already recognize the over-built construction and high-quality fit and finish work, but it might be PlayCraft’s ability to go the extra mile to provide a comfortable and well-thought out layout that some miss. The attention to details to match up colors and provide added touches sets this manufacturer apart.

For more information:
Richland, Mo.
573-765-3265
www.playcraftboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 18
Price As Tested With Power: $139K
Maximum Speed: 50.5 mph
Wild Ponies: 400 hp
No. of Gates: 4
0-20 MPH: 4.25 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 6” deep

Why we love this boat…A great performing pontoon with features such as dual consoles and racing graphics inside and out help tie in the sporty look that PlayCraft is best known for.    

Just being picky…We love the four chaise lounges, but it might be nice to add a fold down armrest with a permanent cupholder to really add to the comfort with these seats.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Full one-piece floor, heavy-duty Rac-R-Fins, Complete Padded pkg., built-in 50-gal. fuel tank, docking lights and 4 lounge back sofas.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

X-Treme pkg. (surface piercing nosecones, “X” graphics and interior, reclining capt. seat, padded pkg., chrome logo and LED lights), wakeboard tower, extended deck over tips of toons, dual consoler with 5” Simrad, dual batteries & switch, 4 captain’s chairs, Infinity 4500 stereo with tower speakers, ski/tow bar, powder coated rails and pontoons, performance shield, two-tone gauges, Infinity Seagrass flooring, 2 glove boxes, RGB underwater, underdeck and mood lighting, 73-gal. fuel tank, rock shoes, extra step on the ladder, 6 quick release bumper holders, wakeboard canvas, 2 extra bumpers, ss hardware, Loredan steering wheel, mooring cover, in-floor ski locker, trumpet horns, 2 trash compartments, 2nd rear entry in port toon, Bob’s hydraulic jack plate and U-Flex paddle trim.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 29’
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 3,800 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 73 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 400R
Cylinder Type: Inline 6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 158.6ci/400hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Propeller: 16 X 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
680                  1.8                     69
1000                4.4                     78
1500                6.3                     78
2000                8.8                     80
2500                12.3                   86.5
3000                17.0                   90
3500                21.1                   88
4000                24.6                   91
4500                27.6                   94
5000                31.2                   93
5500                38.0                   96.5
6000                41.4                   99.5
7000                50.5                   108

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $139,000
Base Price (Boat Only): $99,000

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.