Boat Test Monday: JC TriToon SportAngler

First Impression
You don't need to be a serious, die-hard angler to appreciate all of the fishing-specific amenities on the latest creation from JC TriToon...but it wouldn't hurt. If you're into fishing you will absolutely love this over-the-top SportAngler where the manufacturer has genuinely thought of everything.

Highlights
Starting with the center console helm, the custom raised platform looks and feels like a helm on a traditional 50-foot fishing boat. It includes a prominent powder-coated fishing tower with rocket launcher rod holders, and an upper cabinet and Bimini. The instrumentation includes dual 9-inch Garmin touchscreens that are linked to the Fusion Apollo stereo system with six RGB speakers and an amp, as well as the Shadow Caster RGB lighting.

As the captain commands from the double-wide, flip-back leaning post, Positron Industries controls for the thruster system from QMI Multi Flex with 360-degree joystick are easily within reach. The new thruster system makes docking and tight maneuvering a breeze. As an added touch, the Mist-er Comfort floor misting system and interior courtesy lighting are included as standard features, along with the slide-out 54-quart cooler located below the captain's bench seat. In the stern is a unique swing-back seat with a filtered washdown station and the battery control center.

The bow has a raised deck with compartments for a bait bucket, anchor locker, and additional storage. Also in this area are two deluxe fishing seats mounted on heavy-duty adjustable pedestals, along with an in-floor insulated fish box with a bilge pump and light. Boat Outfitter products are found literally everywhere you look, including its lockable cabinets, the Plano tackle box section, flip-up table, a 7-foot locking rod holder compartment, bait/fillet board and a flip-out trash receptacle just to name a few. Boat Outfitters, a division of Teak Isle Mfg., specializes in unique storage options and played a heavy role in the development of this model.





There are four custom fishing stations that utilize the Traxstech XS system, with a mixture of standard features as well as the optional Traxstech track mounts and additional cupholders. Other key elements include the new 100-gallon fuel tank, massive ski/tow bar, Marinco spotlight, auxiliary USB, wireless charger cubby and custom-made Sunbrella Seat covers.

Worth mentioning, there is a handy 15-minute timer that automatically shuts down your lights with a switch near the side gate that also powers everything back on when re-entering. Amenities like these show the engineers at JC are boaters who spend time on the pontoons they design. 

Closer Look
Standard on this model is JC TriToon’s signature High Tide hull. The three high-volume U-shaped pontoons include lifting fins and a full-length aluminum skin. The thrusters are installed inside the port and starboard pontoons for a flush fit, with no extension below the pontoon surface to drag or hit underwater obstacles. The textured powder coated rails stand 35 inches tall for the majority of the boat, with the 16-inch tall bow gate on the raised platform being the lowest.

Throttle Down
Thanks to the QMI Multiflex steering system, we were able to dive into tight turns with ease. Paired with the Suzuki dual prop 350hp outboard, even in a boat of this size we still recorded a zero-to-20 mph time of just over four seconds on our way to a top speed of 41 mph at full throttle.

Why Buy
Anglers are going to be delighted by this masterpiece that is loaded with every imaginable fishing feature possible, but it's the other comfort and thoughtful amenities that all boaters will appreciate.

North Webster, Indiana
574-834-2881
www.jcpontoon.com

Number Of Occupants            10
Price As Tested With Power   $177.6K
Maximum Speed         41.9 mph
Wild Ponies    350hp
No. Of Gates   5
0-20 MPH  4.8 seconds
Ladder Measurement 48” deep

Why we love this boat...The versatility of a pontoon loaded with ultimate fishing features combine for an offshore center console beauty that is ready for anything.

Just being picky...Tackle tray storage, bait bucket, lockable rod storage, the JC truly has it all. We just think the in-floor insulated fish box could be a little bigger but otherwise it's fully-loaded.   

NOTABLE STANDARDS
High Tide Hull, Lifting Fins, QMI Multiflex Steering System, New 100-Gallon Fuel Tank, In-Tube Storage, SS Ski/Tow, Center Console Base w/Drawers, Fishing Tower w/Upper Cabinet & Bimini, Dual 9” Garmin Touchscreen, Fusion Apollo MS-RA770 Stereo w/6 8.8” RGB Speakers, Amp, Auxiliary USB, Leaning Post, 54 qt Cooler, Quart, Swing Back Stern Seat, Washdown Station, Floor Misting System, Raised Deck w/Bait Bucket, Anchor Locker & Storage Compartment, 2 Deluxe Fishing Seats, In-Floor Insulated Fish Box w/Bilge Pump & Light. 4 Custom Fishing Stations, Traxstech XS System, Flip-Out Trash, Flip-Up Table, Bait/Fillet Board, Plano Tackle Box Storage, Lockable Cabinet, and a 7’ Locking Rod Holder Compartment.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
New 6 Thruster System w/360-Degree Joystick Control, Whiteout Pkg., RGB Interior/Exterior Lighting Pkg., Sirius Satellite Antenna & Wireless Stereo Remote, Additional Traxstech Features, Marinco Spotlight, SS Fender Holder w/ Fenders and Custom Sunbrella Seat Covers.

VITAL STATS
LOA  26’ 7”
Beam  8’ 6”
Hull Design TriToon High Tide Hull
Dry Weight  5,700 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 100 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                         Suzuki 350hp
Cylinder Type V6
Displacement/Horsepower     4.3L/350hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio           2.29:1
Propeller 15.5 X 18

RPM vs. SPEED  vs. DB-A
1000    4.5       77
1500    6.2       84
2000    7.3       85
2500    8.4       91.5
3000    12.1     92
3500    16.1     95
4000    22.7     95
4500    29.2     96
5000    33.4     102.5
5500    36.6     101.5
6000    41.9     103.5

PRICE
Price As Tested           $177,658    
(Boat & Engine)

Base Price                   $113,721
(Boat & Std Engine)