This new 254 LE3 Sport boasts so many amenities, so much eye candy and so much luxury, yet it still elicited even more oohs and aahs after delivering a solid, sporty ride. On our overcast test day, the light was dusky under the covered dock, so instead of hitting the Verado ignition button, we tapped on the LED courtesy lights. A candy-colored blue light glowed along the seat bases and around cup-holder rims.
We had no idea a pontoon could look that great. LED courtesy lights on the Bimini and in the storage compartments were available to assist the crew when needed.
The blue glow was present along the top of the pontoons too, and it was doubled in the reflection of their glossy powder coating. Raw aluminum tubes would have been tarnished by water contact in a day. These could be cleaned like a fiberglass hull.
The helm boasted multifunction gauges along with a Lowrance HDS 7 touchscreen GPS and sonar display. A backup camera on the Bimini displayed on the screen with impressive clarity. And if you’re one who won’t use the Bimini because it’s a pain to raise and lower, fear not. At the touch of a button, this one can be both raised and extended or lowered and stowed.
It’s the aft-facing lounges and low-profile stainless-steel stern rails that give the Sport model its name, separating it from the luxury cruising LE3 model.
There is also a carefully positioned, standard equipment tow pylon to further ensure “Sport” wasn’t wasted verbiage, either. The seating was ideal for ski observers, and the acceleration and top speed were nothing but fun. The pylon and skis can be easily tucked into the center deck locker after the run.
The final ooh for the Regency line is its lifetime structural warranty and 10-year bow-to-stern warranty that covers everything (except the motor) Regency installed on the boat. That includes LEDs, electronics, gauge hinges, hatch cleats — nothing is missing, which is exactly how we’d describe the boat.
High Points
* Powder-coated tubes, rails and Bimini top on the 254 LE3 Sport ensure a long-lasting luster other pontoons can't offer.
* Set-back center tube and engine pod feed clean water to the prop, even in turns.
* Each chamber of the three multichambered tubes is pressure-tested and sealed for safety.
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Verado 300
Drive/Prop: Enertia 15.3" x 14" 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 16 gal.
Crew Weight: 240 lb.
Price
$67,995 (as tested)
Contact
Regency Boats Springfield, Missouri; 855-252-5624; regencyboats.com
