Berkshire
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat Only)
With a vibrant and eye-catching color scheme it would be easy just to focus on the look of this pontoon, but there is a lot more to it, including a versatile layout with a boatload (pardon the pun) of unique user-friendly features.
Highlights
When Berkshire refers to its stern lounger as “ultimate,” the manufacturer truly means it. The variety of configurations on this multi-position lounger is amazing, and the best part might just be the grab rail at the top of the seatback that makes it extremely easy to use. From a traditional bench seat and rear-facing lounger to a split back setup, there are several ways to enjoy this space.
The Ultimate Lounger is part of the stern layout which includes a Wet Sounds transom stereo remote, and it is all safely enclosed within the exterior railing with two stainless steel gates with a well-braced ski/tow bar in between. Just outside the starboard rear gate is a four-step boarding ladder with tall handholds for easy boarding.
Last year we got our first look at the redesigned helm console that includes a Gussi steering wheel with a Simrad touchscreen that anchors the dash with analog gauges on each side. We’re still impressed by the look and function of this dash that includes a new silver color for 2022. To the left of the Italian-made wheel is a row of toggle switches as well as access to the main Wet Sounds unit. On the other side is a Scanstrut wireless phone charger with a designated place for your phone that comes standard on this model. Also built into the helm stand is a lockable glove box just forward of the engine throttle with a cupholder for the driver down below near the floor.
All of the furniture, including the identical captain chairs, is made by Wieland Designs with Spradling vinyl. We love this pairing with Forest River Marine. There is extremely comfortable seating throughout, and in the bow is a hidden compartment in the backrest that is ideal for storing smaller items with a USB port inside for charging too. Plus, everywhere we looked we found cupholders, including eight up front in the bow. We also like how the speakers are elevated and built into the furniture to improve the sound quality.
With the 3.0 Performance package, you gain a 25-inch diameter center tube with large lifting strakes, lifting strakes on the insides of the outside tubes, a full aluminum underskin and SeaStar hydraulic steering plus a 38-gallon fuel tank. And while the majority of the pontoon industry is using marine plywood, for several years now Forest River Marine has been using a lighter alternative for its decking material. The composite deck from V-Lite is part of the Z42 chassis that includes zero wood, zero rot, zero seams and zero expansion/contraction, while being 40 percent lighter and two times stronger than marine-grade plywood.
Performance
Powered by a Mercury 250hp FourStroke outboard, we just missed the 50 mph mark at full throttle with an extremely quick 0-to-20 mph time of less than 4 seconds! She handles well, diving into the sharp turns, and really is a lot of fun to drive.
Final Thoughts
Little tweaks and improvements from previous model years truly add up to create a well-performing and versatile pontoon where fun basically comes standard.
10’ Power Electric Bimini Top, 28-gallon Fuel Tank in Motor Pod, Fuel/Water Separator, Bow Reinforcement Bumper, Cable Tension Infinite Reclining High Back Helm Chair, Deutsch Waterproof Electrical Wiring Harness, Docking Lights, Exterior D-Rail Design on Rails, Oval Shaped Silver Table w/ Matte Finish, Radius Deck w/ Matte Finish, Radius Deck w/ Integrated Deck Trim and Vinyl Rub Rail, Raised Chrome Logos, Reinforced Splash Fins, Scanstrut Wireless Phone Charging and Mount, SS Cleats, SS Cupholders, SS Telescoping Ladder, Stern SS Corners, Surlast Playpen Cover (Factory Installed), Tachometer, Speedometer, Trim Gauge, Transducer Bracket on Starboard Tube, Vinyl-wrapped Furniture Bases, Wet Sounds Speakers w/ MC-TR Transom Remote, USB Charging Ports in Furniture Storage Arm, Double Arm Hinges for Easy Access to Seat Storage.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Cool Touch Upholstery; Teak Floor Upgrade; Dual Battery Switch and Charger; RGB Floor, Table and Seat Base Lights; RGB Under-deck Lights, RGB Exterior Rail Lights, Sport Ski/Tow Bar, In-floor Storage, Super Sport Accent Color Upgrade, Flag Pole Mount.