Cast the mind back to yesteryear, and it’s difficult to imagine using the words “pontoon” and “sexy” in the same sentence. However, the Princecraft SVX changes that notion in a big way.
From the sculpted bow cones (with styling reminiscent of the Batmobile) to the polished chrome speaker rails, the SVX has head-turning appeal once reserved only for glass cruisers. While this styling will grab everyone’s attention, we suspect its allure might resonate more with ladder-climbing executives versus retired CEOs.
Yet from all the gawkers at our test site, it’s clear that the SVX will please boaters of all ages, especially since Princecraft redesigned so much on this model for 2009. It is unlike anything we’ve seen from the company. Most notably, it boasts a rear-facing “Fun Zone” at the stern with a big swim platform, full stereo controls and kick-back-and-relax lounge chairs. There’s even a brilliant underwater light to make nighttime swimming more interesting, and safer too.
A typical day aboard this vessel might look something like this: The amazing Clarion stereo, complete with a powerful sub-woofer, delivers concert sound as the best cook onboard fires up the barbecue. The captain controls the ship from a totally redesigned and stately helm, as passengers invade the interior storage and built-in fridge for supplies. Within the giant floor storage, water toys await. And as the big 25-inch tubes part the waves, guests relax on impeccable furniture — their drinks chilled in polished, stainless-steel drink holders. Laughter abounds.
Key Note: Flotation from the three 25-inch tubes created less spray than we expected from a heavy pontoon.
Standout Features
• Color-matched carpet, vinyl, fiberglass … everything is painstakingly coordinated, as opposed to mismatched “stock” materials.
• Fun Zone at the transom is an aft-facing lounge where passengers will spend the bulk of on-water time when beached up, or just chilling around the dock.
• Pop-up ski pylon bridges the gap between luxury and wake-boat attitude.
Vital Stats
* Length Overall: 27’10”
* Beam: 8’6″
* Dry Weight: 4,400 lb.
* Seating/Weight Capacity: 13/1,780 lb.
* Fuel Capacity: 33 gal.
* Maximum HP: 300
* MSRP (as tested): $62,435; base model w/ 4.3L: $47,900
* NMMA Certified: Yes
Test Drive
* Test Engine: MerCruiser 350 Mag MPI (300 hp)
* Test Prop: 19 pitch, aluminum
* Test Load: People (330 lb.); Fuel (20 gal.)
* Top Speed: 41.6 mph @ 4,700 rpm
* Time to 30 MPH: 10.2 sec.
