South Bay’s drawing board has been a busy place during the past 24 months. The brand was introduced in late 2005 with upscale appointments for buyers across a wide spectrum of budgets. In this competitive pontoon segment, South Bay had to make a solid impression right off the bat. The 722CR is a good example of how they’ve done just that.
At 22 feet, this model is manageable for any boater, and with triple tubes it delivers performance that’s far above average. Our test boat topped out at 38 mph, but more telling was its punch out of the hole — less than five seconds to 20 mph and less than eight seconds to 30. It’s a fun drive, too, because of the power-assisted hydraulic steering that comes standard on all South Bay Trifecta models. The stern-drive version of the 722CR, which is rated for up to 300 horsepower, would satisfy the most hard-core performance enthusiast.
Strong as the 722CR runs, the core of the South Bay line is luxury. The seatbacks stretch high above the top rail, and the helm station is absolutely plush. The console, with its microfiber dash and full gauge package, is ergonomically among the best we’ve seen for the 2008 model year — and one of the best-looking. Even the black-cherry color scheme on the exterior of our test boat carries a rich look. It’s all backed with a five-year bow-to-stern warranty to provide long-term peace of mind.
Notable Features
* Black-cherry dual-exterior premium color package is a real eye-catcher.
* Power-assisted hydraulic steering makes navigating rough waters a breeze.
* Five-year bow-to-stern warranty is a generous protection plan.
* Deutsch plug-and-play electrical system is an automotive, waterproof electrical connector.
* Microfiber dash with full instrumentation is attractive and functional.
At a Glance
Boaters looking for high-end action out of a designer pontoon will find it here, especially when rigged with three tubes and a stern-drive motor.
Vital Stats
Length Overall: 24′
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 2,310 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 14/1,965 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 38 gal.
Maximum HP: 225
MSRP (w/ Mercury 150 OptiMax): $39,655
NMMA Certified: Yes
Test Drive
Test Engine: Mercury 150 OptiMax
Test Prop: 14.75 x 17 Revolution four-blade SS
Test Load: People (180 lb.); Fuel (15 gal.)
Top Speed: 38.1 mph @ 5,600 rpm
Time to 20 mph: 4.9 sec.
Time to 30 mph: 7.5 sec.
Power Curve
RPM/MPH/Sound Level (db)
Idle/2.7/61
1,000/4.7/63
1,500/6.3/65
2,000/8.3/68
2,500/14.2/74
3,000/19.1/82
3,500/23.0/82
4,000/26.5/82
4,500/30.2/84
5,000/34.2/85
5,600/38.1/88
