In a market where “entry-level” often means compromising on features, comfort, and performance, the Spirit Sport proves you don’t have to settle. Designed for boaters who want exceptional value without sacrificing quality, this well-equipped and popular model delivers far more than its price tag suggests. From thoughtful amenities to its dynamic, performance-driven hull, the Spirit Sport confidently redefines what an entry-level pontoon can be.

PDB magazine recently had the opportunity to take the JC TriToon Spirit 247TT DSL out on the lake and try out the Sport hull, the comfy seating, and the open layout for ourselves.

Dynamic Hull

Built on the tried-and-true JC TriToon hull structure as the NepToon and SportToon, the 247 Spirit continues to be the most popular model in that line. And what was once an upgrade now comes standard on every model—the “Sport” designation of the Spirit Sport refers to the hull structure that uses lifting fins on the tubes and a heavy-duty transom.

The hull features .100 wall tube bodies, .125 wall nose cones, U-shaped tubes for better buoyancy and ride, .090 wall tubing on rails, and .040 panel material. We found the Spirit fun to drive, especially since it banked slightly in the turns. We were impressed that our test model had a custom, solid aluminum skid bar extrusion that ran the full length of the tube, plus a full aluminum under-skin to provide a better ride.

Mood-Lifting Colors

Something JC TriToon always does well is color; our test model was a beautiful royal blue with striking black rails. An exciting change is that the Spirit model is now available in the full color palette of panel and vinyl colors for this line, including Burgundy, Sage, Calypso, Sub-Lyme, Champagne, and Bronze. Additionally, the Spirit features the new “Water Spirit” panel graphics package.

Sit & Relax

The comfortable gray vinyl furniture was complemented with swaths of bright blue to match the royal blue exterior. With plenty of seating for 15 passengers, our test model featured the popular Dual Stern Lounge layout. The two bow chaise lounges and two stern lounges were high-backed and comfortable, featuring leg bolsters and lumbar support. Joe Sparks, vice president at JC TriToon, said, “The Spirit 247 model is our biggest seller in the Spirit line because of the Dual Stern Lounge layout and its popularity for versatile seating.”

Both the bow and starboard stern lounges had underneath storage capabilities. Since the port stern lounger held the batteries, we appreciated the added option of the in-floor storage in our test model.

However, our favorite seat on board was the co-captain’s seat. This high-backed, reclining companion seat featured the holy grail of seating—an extendable foot rest. We rarely see this on our test boats, so it was a welcome addition for the co-captain.

At The Helm

The newly re-designed and raised helm is symmetrical with wires below neatly bundled. The fiberglass helm dash features two multi-function Quantum gauges provided by Vee Three instrumentation to offer enhanced visibility and function.

The comfortable bucket helm chair slides, swivels and reclines. We also appreciated the fold-down armrests. Easily within reach was a locking glove box, a fire extinguisher, and a USB outlet to conveniently charge your phone. The Fusion Apollo stereo with four speakers comes standard, and our test model had the added option of a Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Chartplotter, which was installed on an adjustable gimbal mount.

Dive In & Climb Aboard

Set up for optimal playtime in the water, the Spirit comes standard with a heavy-duty stainless steel ski/tow bar and has a newly revised set of stern swim platforms. Working with Whitewater industries to develop a new ladder, this Under Mount Ladder tucks conveniently out of the way when not needed, but has improved features when it is. When the ladder is fully deployed, handles fold out on each side, giving that much-needed stability as you step onto the platform.

“We looked at the weaknesses of the existing product being offered to OEMs and addressed them with this new Under Mount Ladder,” Joe added. “We expanded our platform to handle the additional width of the ladder, increased the tube diameter and wall thickness of each stage of the telescoping tubing, and incorporated this unique handle assembly. We are excited to offer this option and believe it is a game-changer for safety and ease of use in the underdeck ladder product offering.”

Shade For Days

Rarely does an entry-level model come equipped with a power Bimini, let alone two. We loved the expansive shade offered on the dual powered Bimini tops of the Spirit. Both feature Sunbrella Canvas, which is well-known for its exceptional durability and weather resistance. The full 10-foot Bimini in the stern and a 6.5-foot Bimini in the bow are both made with 1and 1/4-inch tubing and stainless steel quick release fittings.

Other thoughtful amenities included three gates, a 49-gallon fuel tank, dedicated bumper storage, and three locking glove boxes with drawers for extra storage from Boat Outfitters, a division of Teak Isle.

Because of the affordable price, extra amenities, and extreme durability, the Spirit model is a favorite choice for dealers’ rental fleets. Sales Manager Mandy Foreman said, “All of the models in the Spirit line have the JC TriToon comfort, but even more important in the rental business…they have long term durability, functionality and affordability!”

Tohatsu Power

The Spirit model is JC TriToon’s first ever Tohatsu engine offering. With excellent fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and innovative features such as battery-less electronic fuel injection, Tohatsu outboard motors are highly regarded for their reliability and power-to-weight ratios.

Tohatsu has been aggressively pursuing the OEM market and recently offered JC TriToon an opportunity to test out their performance. Joe said, “We have been very pleased with the ease of installation and the performance of the Tohatsu. We will be offering this package to any of our dealers that are Tohatsu authorized.”

Added Mandy, “The Spirit Sport is an ideal choice for customers with size and horsepower restrictions because they are able to get a simpler model with JC TriToon Standards.”

With 140hp, we reached a maximum speed of just over 30mph. Even without electric steering, our test model had excellent handling with just the hydraulic/power assist steering and was fun to drive. With so many standards along with optimal added features, the entry-level Spirit exceeded our expectations and remains a great option for adventure on the water.