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Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 Sport Fish

The 22 Sport Fish is a solidly built rig.

The pontoon segment of the marine market continues to grow in this challenged economy, because pontoons offer great deck space, comfort and, even with larger sporty outboards, a good value in boating. When I stepped into the 22 Sport Fish — a boat from Sun Tracker’s upscale Regency series — it became apparent why Tracker was doing so well in the pontoon market.

Luxury seating abounded with curvy, contoured lounges styled to match the flowing lines sweeping along the rails and gates of this stylish boat. I was totally shaded by the full Bimini top, and underfoot, the fully carpeted deck cushioned my steps. I stomped on it, looking for impressions, but none remained except one — the deck absorbed my abuse without reverberating the shock throughout the boat. This rig is solidly built.

Regency takes a different tack on performance here, and instead of using triple tubes, it offers larger dual tubes that increase buoyancy and reduce overall weight. The result gave us water-ski speeds from the modest 115-horsepower engine we tested. You could easily pop a tube on top or get a wakeboard rider cutting the wake with that. To enhance the experience, there is an optional minitower to connect the towline.

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To accommodate the “sport fish” handle on this rig, Sun Tracker added dual casting seats forward, each with its own tackle console, rod holder and beverage holder. The only seat with more comfort is the captain’s, with armrests, lumbar support and a reclining back, all thickly upholstered over springy support.

You go ahead and load up the livewell. I’ll be right back here in the captain’s chair.

Extra Points
Outboard rigging is beneath the vinyl, nonskid finished swim platform, providing safe footing across the beam.

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Fold-down ladder deploys from in the water but stows away safely.

Optional tow pylon adds more watersports capability.

Fishing-package options include depth sounder and trolling motor.

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Test Drive
» Test Engine:
Mercury 115 HP Four-Stroke
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» Test Prop:** 13″ Aluminum
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» Test Load:** People (225 LB.); Fuel (15 GAL.)
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» Top Speed:** 29.7 MPH @ 6,400 RPM

» Time to 20 MPH: 5.5 sec.

Vital Stats
» Length Overall: 24’3″

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» Beam: 8’6″

» Dry Weight: 2,300 LB.

» Seating/Weight Capacity: 12/2,400 LB.

» Fuel Capacity: 42 GAL.
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» Max HP:** 150
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» MSRP:** $28,995 (plus freight/prep)

» NMMA Certified

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