First Glance
The word trifecta is defined as a “run of three wins or grand events,” but when describing this particular Trifecta, it’s where luxury, performance and quality all come together in one pontoon. In an industry where first impressions are crucial, this Forest River Marine product truly delivers.
Details
There are many factors to the growing popularity of pontoons and while performance continues to be one of the biggest, comfort has always played a significant role. For years Lexington, who was acquired by Lippert Components last year, has been going the extra mile with its design and attention to detail in its furniture. This 25-footer from Trifecta’s highest T Series offers Pillow Top seating with soft vinyl and a very complementary color scheme. From the detailed stitching and multiple textures used, to the overall look and comfort, the seating onboard is truly inviting.
Speaking of Lexington comfort, the dual helm chairs not only slide, swivel and recline, but you can also adjust the seat height so the captain and first mate can really get comfortable. At the helm the Murphy touchscreen with GPS mapping is centered between analog gauges on each side with toggle switches below for a beautiful as well as functional dash. It’s from here where you can also lower and raise the sport arch with a simple push of a button. The all-aluminum arch has no seams and includes recessed LED lights to complete the look.
Moving towards the back there are two rear-facing chaise lounges with a trash receptacle built into the back of the portside one that includes a side door for easy access. A pop-up changing room is hidden below one of the other two chaise lounges located in the bow and when open the enclosure stands nearly 6 feet tall. Another hidden feature we like is the hand-pump faucet and sink that is neatly located forward of the helm as part of the stand.
Worth noting, the custom ski/tow bar has a series of braces that can be adjusted to work in place of a rear gate depending on how you want to use it. The opening is one of three onboard with the portside and bow both having lift and lock gates. If we had to be picky we’d like to see an actual stern gate in place, but engineers at Forest River are already working on an improved design.
Closer Look
With the optional 3.0 package you gain a lot, including a center pontoon and 4-inch lifting strakes along with a full performance skin below. While a lot of manufacturers use marine plywood for their decks, Forest River now offers a one-piece V-Lite performance decking that is lighter and more durable.
Up top there is over 21 feet of usable deck space from inside the bow gate to the back, not counting the swim deck. The rail height varies throughout, but the majority stands 27 inches tall as part of the safe, family-friendly design.
Throttle Down
With the Yamaha 225 four-stroke on the back, in just four seconds we were off and running. She’s quick as well as responsive and slightly banks in the tight turns like a performance pontoon should.
Why Buy
The attention to detail – especially with the interior layout – helps make this boat very attractive to a lot of buyers. It’s those little added touches that sometimes make the biggest impressions and Trifecta clearly knows how to get your attention.
Middlebury, Ind.
574-825-8696
www.trifectapontoon.com
Specifications
Number of Occupants 14
Price As Tested With Power $87.3 K
Maximum Speed 45.4 mph
Wild Ponies 225 hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 4.03 seconds
Ladder Measurement 4’ 2” deep
Why we love this boat…The only thing that could possibly overshadow the look of the furniture is the actual comfort, which it does. There is a great look and feel with the seating on this pontoon.
Just being picky…The support adjustable braces in the stern are plenty safe, but we’d like to see an actual rear which is something the engineers are already working on.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
One-piece V-Lite performance deck/bow reinforcement bumper, Radius deck w/integrated deck trim/rub rail/aluminum corner pads, exterior "D" rail design on full rail panels, stern fiberglass corners, high back helm chair (w/headrest and manual adjust height pedestal), deluxe fiberglass helm console w/sink, raised mahogany-look dash, radio/toggle switch panels, Murphy graph w/GPS mapping/speed/water temp/integrated radio, multi-function analog gauges, aluminum framed helm chair w/seat slider pedestal, Pillow Top furniture, woodgrain steering wheel w/tilt cable steering, JL Audio subwoofer/amp/speakers, four lighted speakers w/protective inside covers, LED docking lights in front panels, mahogany oval table w/stainless steel base, extended stern platform w/transom wash down/ four-step telescoping stainless steel ladder, stainless steel ski/tow bar, stainless steel cleats/rail braces/cupholders, Surlast 10-foot color-matched Bimini top w/stainless steel quick-release/riser bracket, Surlast playpen cover, transducer brackets on port/stbd. tubes, privacy hoop/curtain, fire extinguisher, Deutsch waterproof electrical trunk wiring harness, portside cupholder, LED courtesy floor lights, table base/helm seat base, waste receptacle, and stainless steel fuel fill.
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OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
3.0 Performance Pkg., 19-inch by 79-inch in-floor storage, reinforced splash fins, Sport ski/tow IPO 20-inch stainless steel saltwater edition pkg., dual battery switch/charger, and power assist steering pump.
VITAL STATS
LOA 25’ 10”
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design Three Pontoons
Dry Weight 2,690 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 37 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Yamaha VF225 LA
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 254.4ci/225hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.75:1
Propeller 15 1/2 X 15
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
620 3.1 72
1000 5.0 79
1500 7.0 87
2000 7.7 88
2500 9.2 89
3000 12.4 85
3500 20.6 93
4000 27.5 95
4500 32.2 100
5000 36.3 104
5500 40.6 104
6000 45.2 104
6040 45.4 110
PRICE
Price As Tested $87,258
(Boat and Motor)
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