PDB Shootout Trifecta

First Impression

This is a brand-new model for 2019 and a lot has been packed into it. The two-tone exterior panels are a nice conservative touch that ties in perfectly with the ski/tow bar and beautiful wakeboard tower arch.

Highlights

One of the new features is the double swingback rear bench that takes a typical L-shaped seating area and opens up a lot of different possibilities. For starters it can be used as it was designed for and that’s a forward-facing seat for passengers while a separate back rest ratchets up to create a rear-facing lounge directly behind. Or you can easily convert this into a long rear-facing lounger by pivoting the back rest forward. We truly love this multi-function design and because of the stainless steel rail in the stern, the rear-facing lounge can safely be enjoyed while the boat is underway.

Included with the swim deck is a stainless steel four-step boarding ladder and a massive stainless ski/tow bar. When you also factor in the wakeboard tower with a two- person/700-pound rating, it’s easy to see why it’s paired with the 200hp outboard.

For the captain, the helmstand includes a storage compartment built into the front and the dash itself is centered around a Simrad touchscreen with NMEA 2k driven gauges on each side. Just below the USB port on the left is access to the upgraded JL Audio sound system and on the right are lighted toggle switches plus controls to easily power the arch up or down.

Infinity Woven vinyl flooring ties in and completes the high-end look and the good news is the furniture is as comfortable and as inviting as it appears. Other added touches include the optional in-floor storage locker and three chaise lounges including the two in the bow with great storage below all of them. Speaking of under-the-seat storage, the backs of the speakers are all protected inside the compartment so you don’t have to worry about catching a lifejacket on your speakers when accessing the storage. Sometimes it’s the little added touches that make the biggest difference to long-term enjoyment.

Inspection

With the optional 3.0 Performance package you gain a lot, including a center pontoon and 4-inch lifting strakes along with a full performance aluminum skin below. While a lot of manufacturers use marine plywood for their decks, Forest River now offers as standard, a one-piece V-Lite performance composite decking that is lighter and more durable.

Above deck the rail height varies throughout, but the majority stands 27 inches tall as part of the safe, family-friendly design.

Performance

Paired with the Yamaha 200 VMAX outboard we easily reached the 40 mph mark and our zero-to-20 mph time of just over 4 seconds was equally impressive. She’s sporty and responsive and overall a lot of fun to drive.

Parting Thought

All pontoons are roomy, but there is just something extra inviting about this layout. The colors are conservative, which only adds to the high-end feel, and the sporty features are backed by a well-performing pontoon that as tested is ready to host your next gathering on the water.

For more information:
Middlebury, Ind.
574-825-8696
www.trifectapontoon.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 13
Price As Tested With Power: $91.7 K
Maximum Speed: 41.0 mph
Wild Ponies: 200 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.66 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ deep

Why we love this boat…A lot of added touches are found on this Trifecta as well as thoughtful and innovative amenities to make your day on the water last longer.  

Just being picky…While there is a small storage compartment forward of the helm, it would be nice to have a lockable glove box for the captain to place small items in.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

One-piece V-Lite performance deck, exterior “D” rail design, radius deck w/integrated deck trim & vinyl rub rail, low back helm chair w/arms & seat slider pedestal, vinyl wrapped furniture bases, Kicker KMC1 stereo w/4 speakers, stern platform w/ss ladder, 10-foot Surlast Bimini, Surlast playpen cover, ss cleats, 27-gal. fuel tank, LED nav lights, ss ski/tow bar and vinyl flooring.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

3.0 Performance pkg. (25-inch tubes, upgraded transom w/full center tube, alum. underdeck skin, large lifting strakes on center tube and on the inside of the outer tubes, SeaStar hydraulic steering and 37-gal. fuel tank), DLX pkg. (furniture vinyl upgrade, JL Audio stereo upgrade, tilt steering, raised logos, alum. corner pads and Simrad color GPS), reclining captain’s chair, woodgrain steering wheel, LED docking lights and (2) portable cupholders.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 24’ 5”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 2,450 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 37 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Yamaha 200 VMAX
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 256.3ci/200hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Propeller: 15.5 X 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
900                  2.2                     72.5
1000                4.2                     76
1500                6.0                     83.5
2000                7.8                     84
2500                9.3                     89
3000                10.7                   91
3500                15.1                   90.5
4000                22.8                   92
4500                27.6                   96
5000                32.5                   99.5
5500                37.8                   106
5800                41.0                   107

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $91,742

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