If idling down the lake at sunset isn’t your idea of a pontoon cruise, you might be ready for a PlayCraft. For a number of years, this Missouri-based builder has been pushing the pontoon envelope in both performance and luxury — and won several prestigious competitions doing it!
The company was among the first to employ inboard/outboard power in a pontoon, and one of the few that builds production pontoons with 50 to 60 mph capabilities. This year, instead of a beefy big block, it brought an outboard version of the Powertoon 2700 X-Treme.
Pushing pontoons to high speeds means building to higher standards to withstand the stresses of speed. The surface-piercing nose cones and splash guards are double-reinforced; the contoured pontoons are foam-filled and fitted with the company’s proprietary Rac-R-Fins; and the entire aluminum/marine ply composite deck is fitted with an underskin to reduce drag and channel water flow.
These features not only provide strength, but also enhance performance. At speed, the 2700 X-Treme lifts its bow and carves turns with far more agility than a traditional pontoon does. With the 300 hp Mercury Optimax XS on the transom, we hit 50 mph. It helped that we also had an hydraulic lift plate on our test boat.
To match this exciting performance, PlayCraft fabricates attention – getting decks and interiors. Bright enamel and powder-coated surfaces complement four-tone custom upholstery and side graphics. Additions such as the towing tower, recliner furniture and concert-worthy sound system further set the boat apart from the pack. If your need for speed is matched by your desire for style, this just might be the pontoon you’ve been waiting for.
Extra Points
• Reclining lounges forward slide out of the couches like home-theater seating.
• Water entry is particularly good, thanks to the large ladder and the company’s proprietary SternStep design.
• Center pontoon provides large in-deck storage locker that’s long enough to hold boards or skis.
• It comes fully equipped with dock lines, fenders and a color-matched mooring cover.
Test Drive * Test Engine: Mercury 300 Optimax XS * Test Prop: Enertia 19 * Test Load: People (450 LB.) Fuel (60 GAL.) * Top Speed: 50.3 MPH @ 6,100 RPM * Time to 30 MPH: 8.1 sec. * Most Economical Cruise Speed: 17 MPH @ 2,500 RPM, 5 GPH Vital Stats * Length Overall: 26’5″ * Beam: 8’6″ * Dry Weight: 2,750 LB. * Seating/Weight Capacity: 15/3,000 LB. * Fuel Capacity: Up to 100 GAL. * Max HP: 300 (OB), ( 8.1L I/O) * MSRP: $83,600 * NMMA Certified: Yes
