There’s a new wave coming from Crownline’s latest surf boat powered by Volvo Penta’s revolutionary dual-prop Forward Drive propulsion system. The boat has an edge in luxury cruising and boasts the handling benefits of trimmable sterndrive power, but it uses wave-building forward-facing propellers.
With a crew of five and full ballast tanks, the E 255 put up a wake you would have expected to see behind a V-drive. Riders liked the push and length of it. The Forward Drive doesn’t just excel at making waves though. In high-speed turns, the hull and drive system work together to provide race-ready tracking and steady handling.
The E 255 has a glass cockpit instrument touchscreen that reports all engine functions, temps and diagnostic codes, and it gives complete control of the ballast system and wake-shaping Wakesetter surf tabs. The system also remembers rider profiles for easy speed management.
As a luxury runabout, the E 255 proves Crownline hasn’t forgotten its runabout roots just to make a superior wave machine. Seating abounds, and it’s a comfortable blend of firm and resilient, meaning riders in the bow won’t punch through the seat cushions in rough water. Throughout the boat passengers get comfortable relaxing accommodations. Aft seating includes an L-shaped lounge that runs from behind the passenger seat around the transom to the walkway that accesses the spacious platform. A jump seat behind the generous captain’s chair completes the circle of conversation.
For convenience and comfort, the transom seat back rocks fore or aft with electric motors — it can be laid forward forming a sun pad or stopped anywhere from fore to aft creating back-to-back rumble seats that overlook the swim platform. Also easily manipulated, the wakeboard tower can be raised and lowered almost at the touch of a fingertip thanks to its powerful concealed lift mechanism.
The E 255’s surf wave is real, its comfort and handling unassailable, and the great styling means your friends and neighbors will see you coming … and yearn for a turn behind the transom.
High Points
- The E 235 and E 275 models offer additional cruising options with comparable features.
- Fold-down armrests in the bow seating enhance comfort and ride security.
- Bow boarding ladder allows easy access to the beach or sandbar.
Price: $95,995 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engine: Volvo Penta 350 hp Forward Drive
Props: K5 stainless-steel propset
Gear Ratio: 2.32:1
Fuel Load: 55 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Crownline Boats – West Frankfort, Illinois; crownline.com
