A wolf in sheep’s clothing is the LC25, Sedona’s first triple-tube I/O. The interest in stern-drive-powered pontoon boats has multiplied dramatically in the past three years, but while some come to the water with more obvious slants to performance (exhaust pipes and funny-car graphics), the Sedona we tested was a bit more understated. Experienced pontoon buyers might appreciate that, and besides, the eye candy only pushes the price upward. What mattered in this test was in the engine bay, a MerCruiser 5.0-liter MPI that jumped the boat to 20 mph in barely five seconds and eventually took us to a top speed of 43.3 mph.
We played with the trim settings at every speed above 2,500 rpm to see how the hull configuration would react in partnership with the Bravo I outdrive. The LC25’s tubes rose off the water just enough under the bow to give the boat less of a displacement attitude and more of a free ride. The more we trimmed it, the farther back the water broke off the tubes. In turns, we trimmed the outdrive back down and noticed how the boat bit and cornered. The weight and forward position of the stern-drive motor allowed it some pivoting characteristics in those turns. All in all, we thought it was a fun and safe drive and wished the younger kids had been along for the afternoon ride.
From a physical standpoint, Sedona nicely reskinned the interior of its L-series pontoons a year ago, so changes for the 2008 model year are limited to new chaise longues in the bow and a new changing room in the stern that when folded down creates a big sun pad. Fit and finish are about as good as you’ll find in an entry-level pontoon, and all structural elements on the boat are backed by a lifetime warranty for the original owner.
Notable Features
Curved instrument panel is positioned to reduce glare.
Rockford stereo upgrade provides up to two additional speakers for more complete sound quality.
Quick-release Bimini top fastens to a rail and can be set in various positions.
Lifetime structural warranty covers the deck and hardware.
At A Glance…
Sedona’s first stern-drive offering brings aggressiveness to a budget- minded pontoon.
Vital Stats
Length Overall: 24’6″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 3,099 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 14/3,425 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 26 gal.
Maximum HP: 320
MSRP (test boat w/ MerCruiser 5.0 MPI): $40,000
Test Drive
Test Engine: MerCruiser 5.0 MPI
Test Props: 17″ Mirage
Test Load: People (180 lb.); Fuel (12 gal.)
Top Speed: 43.3 mph @ 5,000 rpm
Time to 20 mph: 5.3 sec.
Time to 30 mph: 8.8 sec.
