PDB Shootout: JC TriToon Marine SportToon 26TT HTH SB

First Impression

If you’re in search of a pontoon with a true “wow factor,” pay close attention to the latest SportToon. This manufacturer has earned a reputation for adding a lot of cool features to its boats to create a more comfortable experience, and this 26TT Swingback did not disappoint.

Details

There is loaded and then there is JC loaded, as in loaded with over-the-top features such as the Mister Comfort misting system for the floor as well as air conditioning at the helm. You can dial in your preferred air and water flow at the helm, while cooling the interior in seconds. The other unique feature we really like is the standard Boarding Assistance switch by Positron that enhances JC’s existing 15-minute delay shut-off system. Simply put, you can safely leave all your lights on when you dock at night and after 15 minutes the boat automatically powers itself off. When you return, with a simple push of a button near the portside gate, the lights power on just like you left them. Since our test, JC has taken it a step further to increase the wow factor by adding a bright blue courtesy light at the base of the helm. This lights the entire walkway and really helps in the boarding and de-boarding process.

Also, JC has upgraded its power Bimini. The heavy-duty stainless-steel electric Bimini frame was manufactured by Colbin Tool and is now rated for up to 50 mph, making it possible to safely run at full throttle with the Bimini open.

The interior seating is mostly white with 10 different color accents available to create your own custom look. The multi-purpose split swingback directly behind the dual helm chairs is new to the SportToon line and allows one person to be forward-facing while the other is rear-facing.

Highlights at the helm include a locking glove box, a 7-inch Simrad touchscreen, a Shadow Caster RGB light controller for up to four zones and a wireless charging station, plus an automatic sensing navigation light module that turns on 20 minutes before dusk. Worth noting, there are USB ports at the helm as well as all throughout the boat, including in the hidden compartments from Teak Isle that we really like.

Closer Look

Below deck the High Tide Hull (HTH) creates a lot of advantages including the 90-gallon Tri-Fuel tank option with three separate tanks, and it’s all controlled at the dash by a system also designed by Positron. The three high-volume U-shaped pontoons include lifting fins and there is a full aluminum skin below. Above deck, the rail height varies from over 24 inches tall in the stern to nearly 35 inches tall on the sides for an extremely safe design.

Throttle Down

There is just something about those dual propped Suzuki 350hp outboards that we’ve always loved. It’s Suzuki’s flagship model for a reason and we love the pairing on this beefy SportToon. We recorded a 0-to-20 mph time of less than 5 seconds and it topped out near the 50 mph mark at full throttle. This sporty pontoon banks in the sharp turns and handles extremely well for a thrilling ride.

Why Buy

From the salon-style gates in the bow to the dual swim platforms in the stern, there is more packed into this JC than we can fully cover in this review. While the price as tested won’t be for every budget, it’s clear to see this is a truly loaded pontoon with an amazing wow factor.

North Webster, Ind.
574-834-7307
www.jcpontoon.com


Number of Occupants: 16
Price As Tested With Power: $120.1K
Maximum Speed: 48.1 mph
Wild Ponies: 350 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.97 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 8” deep


Why we love this boat… Air conditioning, automatic delayed lighting, beefed-up power Bimini—this list of unique features goes on and on.

Just being picky… Love the look of the dual extended swim platforms in the stern but feel both sides should come standard with a boarding ladder below.


NOTABLE STANDARDS

Hydraulic Steering w/Power Assist, Lifting Fins, Full Instrumentation w/7-Inch Simrad, Upholstery Trim Pkg., JL MM50 Stereo, Electric Power Bimini Top, Battery Control Center, In-Tube Storage w/Marine Mat, SS Stern Ladder w/LED Lights, Heavy-Duty SS Ski/Tow, Textured Powder Coated Rails, 15-Minute Delay Dash Timer Switch, Port Gate Rail Mounted Boarding Assistance Lighting System Switch and Automatic Navigation Light Module.


OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

High Tide Hull (HTH), Swing Back Stern Pkg., Dual Swim Platforms w/Stbd. Ladder, 31-Inch-Wide Captain’s & Companion Seats, Raised Helm Platform w/Marine Mat, JL Media Master 100 Stereo, 8 JL 8.8 Speakers, Heavy-Duty Electric Bimini, Floor & Helm Misting Systems, Lounger Arm w/Trash & Flip Down Locking Compartment, Storage w/Drawer & USB, Glove Box and Port & Stbd. Fuel Tanks w/Dash-Mounted Electronic Tank Recognition System.




VITAL STATS

LOA: 26’ 7”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: TriToon
Dry Weight: 3,680 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 49 gallons


TEST DRIVE

Engine: Suzuki DF350ATX2
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 267.9ci/350hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.29:1
Propeller: Dual 15.5 X 22.5


RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.  DB-A

600                  2.5                   66.5
1000                4.2                   70.5
1500                5.7                   77.5
2000                8.2                   81.5
2500                10.4                 88
3000                12.6                 87.5
3500                20.5                 93
4000                27.7                 96
4500                34.2                 102
5000                39.9                 104
5500                43.5                 108
6000                48.1                 113.5


PRICE

Price As Tested: $120,126
(Boat and Motor)

Base Price: $98,480
(Boat and Motor)


This article originally appeared in our 2021 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.