PDB Shootout: Premier

Quick Glance

A lot of new and innovative features for 2020 can be found on this 25-foot pontoon that is extremely comfortable, while performing like a vee hull boat.

Highlights

Premier builds its new helm console in-house and it includes features we’re used to seeing in the auto industry, but not on pontoon boats. For starters you can fully control the 12-inch Simrad touchscreen from the steering wheel. And while the spoke wheel turns, those buttons to access the menus do not. The captain can also control the JL Audio system from the wheel, while the actual unit is mounted on the side of the vinyl-wrapped helm console so passengers have access to the music too. There is even a refrigerated cupholder for the captain, plus a specific place to store your phone on the dash. This holder goes a step further and doubles as a wireless charging station for your cell. Every helm needs glove box-like storage compartments and there are plenty including two on the side of the helm and a more traditional one down by the driver’s feet. Behind the captain’s chair – that is on a raised platform by the way – is an entertainment center worthy of a party. Built into the Corian top is a cutout for specific bottles of your favorite beverages along with a Dometic wine cooler below. There is even an ice bucket with a small sink and faucet next to it to complete the setup. And of course every boat should have a trash receptacle, and on this Premier it’s under the back cushion of the rear-facing chaise lounge with an easy-access side door.

Across from the entertainment center is a pop-up changing room under the rear sunpad that stands over 6 feet tall when open, and as you make your way towards the stern swimdeck you’ll find a tall ski/tow bar along with the Ricochet ladder. A unique feature for this ladder is that if you forget and leave it down, it automatically raises up after the boat gets underway.

Other key features include recessed cupholders in the couches with USB ports for charging, UltraSoft vinyl with a quilted pattern accent, an in-floor ski locker measuring 15 inches deep and 7 feet long inside and Syntec vinyl flooring throughout.   

Closer Look

Below deck is the PTX performance hull, arguably one of Premier’s biggest claims to fame in this industry. The optional PTX 36 package—with a flat planing surface and lifting strakes placed on the inside of the two outer tubes—dramatically increases performance, stability and maneuverability, allowing for a quicker response, tighter turning radius, and better fuel economy.

Performance

When you combine the PTX hull with the dual prop Suzuki 350hp powerplant, the results are quite clear: a true performance pontoon. She turns extremely tight and banks beautifully in sharp turns as we topped out at nearly 50 mph at full throttle. The zero-to-20 mph time of just over four seconds is equally as impressive as the turning capabilities.

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to put your finger on the one element that makes this pontoon great, good luck. It’s the combination of an auto industry-type helm with an amazing entertainment center, combined with unbelievable performance and a comfortable ride. While the price tag might not be for every budget, the boat as tested is something every boater can appreciate. 

Wyoming, Minn.
651-462-2880
www.pontoons.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 18                 
Price As Tested With Power: $113.9K
Maximum Speed: 47.2 mph               
Wild Ponies: 350 hp   
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.10 seconds       
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 9” deep

Why we love this boat…Of course we’re a fan of the PTX hull, but if anything could overshadow the impressive performance, it would be the fully-loaded helm console.  

Just being picky…Even though the space inside the gates is very well used, we wish there was a little more space outside the stern gate on the back deck since it’s a little tight. 

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Tilt Steering, Telescoping Ladder, Evolution Bimini, 125-Inch Thickness Nose Cones, 16-Inch OC Framing, Legacy Tables, Bimini Quick Release Brackets, Bimini Trailering Kit, Playpen Cover, PTX 30 Pkg., 12-Volt Outlet, Toe Kick Lights, Speaker Lights, Helm Seat Slider, Stainless Cupholder, Changing Room, Ski Locker, Performance Sheeting, SeaStar Hydraulic Steering, PTX SL/24 Graphic, Rubber Gunnel, Full Skirt w/ Caps, SS Casting Docking & Navigation Lights, Mid-Ship Eyes and Duro Rails.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Granite Rails, PTX 36 Pkg., Metallic Charcoal Vantage, Large Ski/Tow Bar and Ricochet Ladder.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 26’5”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: PTX Pontoon
Dry Weight: 2,800 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 47 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Suzuki 350
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 267.9ci/350hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.29:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED    
500                  2.1                   
1000                3.8                 
1500                5.3                 
2000                3.5                 
2500                9.3                 
3000                11.8               
3500                16.9               
4000                23.6               
4500                27.4               
5000                33.1               
5500                38.2                 
6000                47.2                 

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $113,938
Base Price (Boat Only): $74,190

This article originally appeared in our 2020 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.