(Boat and Motor)
(Boat and Motor)
First Impression
We can always count on JC to get the docks buzzing with excitement and the Indiana-based manufacturer came through and then some this year with its pontoon thruster system. It is built into the tubes on all four corners, so turning 360 degrees with minimal effort never looked so good.
Highlights
We can assure you this pontoon is fully-loaded with more unique features and quality craftsmanship than we have room to cover, but it would be a shame not to start our review with the bow thrusters from QMI Multiflex. With the simple intuitive switch at the helm, you simply hit the arrow for the direction you want to move – either the bow or the stern – and it quickly moves you in that direction. It’s a true game-changer for boaters of all experience levels.
Also controlled at the helm is the Mister Comfort misting system for the floor as well as air conditioning at the helm. Yeah, you read that correctly: this pontoon has AC! The dash console itself is centered on a 9-inch Simrad touchscreen with analog gauges on each side and down below the steering wheel is a wireless charging station for your phone. The captain (from the comfort of a Revo bolstered helm chair) can also control the Shadow Caster RGB light controller, JL Audio stereo controls, as well as the power Bimini top. If you’re worried about accessing all of the wiring for the electronics that are tied into this impressive helm, don’t be. The helm cap pivots forward so getting to those wires and the backside of the console is simple. One other cool feature is the standard Boarding Assistance switch by Positron that after a 15-minute delay automatically powers off your boat, similar to the way vehicles power down.
Other highlights include a full reclining Revo first-mate helm chair with a flip-out leg rest, a massive ski/tow bar, dual swim platforms and creative lockable storage compartments with additional USB ports inside from Teak Isle that make the most of the space available on board.
Inspection
With the High Tide Hull (HTH) you have three high-volume U-shaped pontoons with lifting fins and there is a full aluminum skin below. The thrusters are installed inside the port and starboard pontoons for a flush fit, with no extension below the pontoon surface to drag or hit underwater obstacles. This allows use of the thrusters in shallow water and when loading the boat on a trailer.
Performance
Also from QMI Multiflex, the new hydraulic power-assist steering not only helps steer the boat effortlessly, but it’s extremely quiet too with no loud whining when you’re turning the wheel. The boat is powered with a dual propped Suzuki 350hp outboard and we recorded a 0-to-20 mph time of just over 5 seconds with it topping out near the 50 mph mark at full throttle. This sporty pontoon banks in the sharp turns and handles extremely well while proving a fun and thrilling ride.
Final Thoughts
Obviously the built-in thrusters are going to get a lot of attention and rightfully so, but this SportToon has even more unique features to get excited about. We’ve said it before: there are loaded pontoons and then there are JC loaded pontoons and it’s truly amazing what all the engineers were able to pack into this high-end model.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Hydraulic Steering w/Power Assist, Lifting Fins, Full Instrumentation w/9-Inch Simrad, Upholstery Trim Pkg., JL MM50 Stereo w/ JL 7.7 Speakers, Electric Power Bimini Top, Battery Control Center, 49-gallon Fuel Capacity, Designer Bow Pods, SS Stern Ladder w/LED Lights, Heavy-duty SS Ski/Tow, Textured Powder Coated Rails, 15-Minute Delay Dash Timer for Dash Switches and Lighting, Port Gate Rail Mounted Boarding Assistance Lighting System Switch and Automatic Navigation Light Module.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Blackout Option, High Tide Hull (HTH), including the In-tube Storage and Anchor Locker, both w/ Marine Mats, Dual Stern Lounge Option w/ Storage and Drawer, Port Bow Lounger Arm w/ Cooler, Stbd. Bow Lounger Arm w/ Storage and Drawer, the Revo Bolster Helm Seat, Revo Leg Lift Companion Seat, Raised Helm Platform w/ Marine Mat, RGB Interior / Exterior Lighting Package, JL MM-100 Stereo w/JL 8.8 Speaker System, Dual Swim Platforms, Misting System for the Floor and Helm, Pontoon Thrusters.
