Cypress Cay Pontoons – Boating Mag

2019 Cypress Cay Seabreeze 233

Boating Tech Team — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Cypress Cay provides a great family-friendly pontoon boat in the new Seabreeze 233. With a very quiet but gutsy Mercury FourStroke 150 outboard on the transom, we ripped off zero to 30 mph in times of 6.9 seconds, planed in 3.5 seconds, and topped out at just over 37 mph with the engine revving at 5,500 rpm. The decibel meter barely broke 80 db even at full speed, and that is quiet. This package is thrifty too. Our most economical cruising speed occurred at 15.8 mph, where we burned 3.5 gallons per hour (4.5 mpg). For a spunky Mercury 150 installed on a 23-foot boat, this combination really puts up respectable numbers for speed and efficiency while underway.

The helm itself is basic but well-equipped. Bill Doster

Those numbers don’t detail the driving and handling of the Seabreeze, however. With triple 25-inch-diameter tubes, an under-deck skin kit, and lifting strakes for quicker planing and better turning, the Seabreeze 233 produced a confident performance from idle speed all the way up to full bore, even in tightened-radius turns and over the wind-whipped lake chop that we encountered on test day.

There are two long and plush inward-facing loungers in the bow section. Bill Doster

Abovedecks, the Seabreeze sported Cypress Cay’s single lounger picnic (SLP) floor plan. This starts with two long and plush inward-facing loungers in the bow section, with the captain’s helm and seating just aft. The helm itself is basic but well-equipped, with a smart-looking smoked-acrylic windscreen, analog gauges, Kicker sound system and Lowrance graph. Just behind it is a unique double-bench convertible lounger that works well as fore- and aft-facing benches. Or with the addition of center filler benches, the lounger converts into a wide relaxation station great for sunbathing, napping or both. The seat back on the forward couch swings fore and aft, so the couches can face each other, or both can face forward. Two can fit comfortably on each one.

Aft is a unique double-bench convertible lounger. Bill Doster

This is all surrounded by perimeter fencing with Black Edition powder-coated railings and a black anodized rub rail. The lighting package on our test boat included red-blue-green fluid rope lighting under the seat bases and in cup holders. Astern, a large extended deck is fitted with a polished stainless-steel boarding ladder and a matching watersports tow bar.

High Points

Big conversation pits both fore and aft make for a party-friendly rig.
Pillow-top upholstery gives a deep, luxurious feel.
Great acceleration and towing ability for watersports and heavy loads.

Price: $66,155

Cypress Cay Seabreeze 233 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury FourStroke 150
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15.3″ x 14″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.92:1
Fuel Load: 12 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Cypress Cay – Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; cypresscaypontoons.com

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Cypress Cay Cayman LE 250

Boating Tech Team — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 03:32:14 +0000

The test Cayman LE 250 boasted a single Mercury Racing Verado 400R supercharged four-stroke outboard spinning a 15-by-15-inch Mercury Enertia stainless-steel three-blade prop for a top speed approaching 55 mph. Numbers like that may surprise upstart PWC riders, who may challenge when they see the Mercury Racing logo on the engine. For watersports, this rig rips — we hit 30 mph in just 6.2 seconds. Flat-calm conditions didn’t help; a package this size (3,715 pounds with engine) can always use wind chop to free up the hull. Regardless, the Cayman was thrifty with a gallon, despite the speed jones of the big Merc; our best cruise was a sedate 13 mph, where the engine sipped 3.8 gph, calculating to 3.5 mpg. With a 48-gallon fuel capacity, that’s a 150-mile range leaving 10 percent in the tank as reserve. Even at a healthy 4,000 rpm and 28 mph, the numbers were 9.5 gph and 3 mpg. Handling was predictable and lively; we were able to get the Cayman up and dancing at speed, and it gave solid and secure footing in turns. Rigging is exemplary: The big Verado is securely bolted to a stout extended aluminum reinforced transom, with clean wiring and hose routing.

Cypress Cay Cayman LE 250 Bill Doster

The Cayman’s SL layout is ideal for families and cruise parties. The pilot sits royally on a plush high-back reclining captain’s chair on a raised platform. A wraparound console features a crispy-clean dash layout with great access to the binnacle control and view of the Simrad GO7 display, digital instruments and upgraded JL Audio Blue Water sound system. Sea-grass flooring combines well with diamond-stitched pillow-top upholstery; it’s comfortable and looks high-end yet is easy to keep clean. In the bow, center-facing loungers make it a gathering place; amidships, the driver’s console and L-shaped lounge arrange an excellent second party center. A cool electric extending stainless-steel boarding ladder is mounted to an extended swim platform, with a wide-body sun lounge with reversible seat back. Our tester also featured the slick Blackout Edition package, with black powder-coated fencing, a Bimini top and rub rail.

Cypress Cay Cayman LE 250 Bill Doster

High Points
* T3 performance package (triple 25-inch-diameter pontoons with enclosed underskin that reduces drag from exposed cross members, lifting strakes and rough-water reinforcing) makes this ride suited for rougher conditions.
* Simrad GO7 display with Vessel-View gives the pilot seemingly limitless information about engine and boat performance, engine statistics, and GPS location and chart plotter for trip mapping.

Price: $116,889 (as tested)

Cypress Cay Cayman LE 250 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Racing Verado 400R FourStroke 400 hp
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 30 gal.
Crew Weight: 375 lb.

More Information
Cypress Cay – Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; cypresscaypontoons.com

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Cypress Cay Seabreeze 233

Boating Tech Team — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 02:28:53 +0000

Like the majority of pontoons, the Cypress Cay Seabreeze 233 follows a predictable pattern in the forward seating area. Matching 4-foot-6-inch couches span the port and starboard sides, with forward-facing backrests, low-maintenance roto-molded storage below — and in our test boat’s case, plump pillow-top upholstery with quilted lumbar region, contrasting piping and generous bolster behind the knee.

Head aft, however, and the status quo gets thrown overboard. To port, our test boat featured optional dual 3-foot-6-inch-wide love seats, placed pew-style. Use them in this configuration for couples when cruising, or flip over the front bench’s seat back to form what Cypress Cay calls a picnic configuration. A pedestal table inserts into a floor mount to form a waterfront dinette. Or maybe you’d prefer a U-shaped lounge; just add a filler cushion against the portside wall. Add one more and you form the fourth configuration, a 5-foot-8-inch-by-3-foot-6-inch sun bed with both forward- and rear-facing backrests. It’s a versatile setup that tailors the Seabreeze 233 to a variety of pursuits: underway, on the hook or just sitting at the dock.

Cypress Cay Seabreeze 233 Bill Doster

In test trim, the 233 was outfitted for big-water lakes or coastal conditions. Cypress Cay’s Big Water 3 package consists of a trio of 27-inch pontoons to carry the load, offering more buoyancy and stability especially toward the bow. A welded keel, performance strakes and an aluminum underdeck skin are also part of the package. The optional Black Out package added additional style points, anodizing the rub rail and powder-coating the fence and Bimini top. It looked sleek at the dock and on the water.

Underway, the Cypress Cay Seabreeze 233’s handling was sure-footed and predictable. That center tube is dropped 1 inch to add a touch of V-hull-inspired inside lean while making turns at speed. An economical Mercury 150 FourStroke handled the propulsion, pushing the boat onto plane in 3.5 seconds and topping out at 35.3 mph.

High Points
* The lovely forward dinette seat includes a large insulated cooler.
* Pivoting high-backed helm seat and identical chair aft complement the picnic/dinette on the port side.
* Standards include Flint UltraSoft furniture, a snapless mooring cover, LED docking lights and a four-step stainless-steel ladder.

Cypress Cay Seabreeze 233 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 150 FourStroke
Prop: Mercury Enertia 15″ x15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.92:1
Fuel Load: 30 gal.
Crew Weight: 355 lb.

Price
$33,177 (with test power)

Contact
Cypress Cay Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; cypresscaypontoons.com

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Cypress Cay Seabreeze 211

Boating Tech Team — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 01:58:40 +0000

The Seabreeze 211 is an entry-level model with the added pull of low, nationally advertised pricing. That could suggest a stripped-down boat with no frills, but Cypress Cay isn’t one to scrimp on the details. Step aboard the Seabreeze 211 and you’ll note comfortable furniture with two-tone, supple vinyl and attractive style lines. The roto-molded furniture bases might not boast a vinyl cover, but they’re perfectly color-matched to the seats above. They also offer a welcome twist: Both bow and stern portside couches end with a stylishly molded elliptical armrest adjacent to the side gate. Bases are recessed to provide a toe kick, and they feature low-maintenance storage compartments with both gutters and drains to channel away water. The stowage is easy to access thanks to hinged cushions that pivot out of the way when you lift them open for access.

The fiberglass helm is simple, yet it defies the boat’s pricing. Gauges and switches are set off by dark, brushed-finish backing plates to add depth and contour. A Kicker stereo control is within easy reach, as are 12-volt and audio-input plugs. A small nook on the dash is perfect for a smartphone; a drain ensures it won’t puddle.

Cypress Cay Seabreeze 211 Bill Doster

Aft, an L-shaped lounge spans the port and stern perimeter. Behind, a large 4-foot-2-inch-by-10-inch-by-2-foot-2-inch storage area is ready to swallow up more gear, and it’s covered with an upholstered lid. Yes, the deck is covered in marine carpet, but Cypress Cay wisely switches to vinyl for the aft platform, which is often wet. The battery is conveniently tucked below the aft cockpit seat.

Though a budget model, the Seabreeze showcases high-end construction details. Cross members are spaced at 24-inch intervals. Both bow and port gates feature full-length stops for added security. Below, twin 25-inch pontoons easily carry the load. Our test boat’s economical Mercury 40 FourStroke outboard emphasized cruising all day long at slower speeds. It pushed the boat onto plane instantaneously before topping out at a stately 16.8 mph.

High Points
* Standard amenities include a 9-foot Bimini top, Kicker KMC10 stereo with Bluetooth and auxiliary inputs.
* Pontoons frequently attract elderly passengers; Seabreeze gates are extra wide for easy boarding, even for the wheelchair-bound.
* Bow couch cushions raise on articulating hinges that pivot out of the way.

Cypress Cay Seabreeze 211 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 40 EFI FourStroke
Prop: Mercury SpitFire 13.8″ x 10″ 4-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 2:1
Fuel Load: 3 gal.
Crew Weight: 355 lb.

Price
$15,999 (with test power)

Contact
Cypress Cay Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; cypresscaypontoons.com

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Cypress Cay Cayman LE 250

The Boating Tech Team — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:08:20 +0000

LOA: 26’9″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 4,199 lb. (without engine)
Seating/Weight Capacity: 14/3,050 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 50 gal. More Information: cypresscaypontoons.com Bill Doster

Cypress Cay Cayman LE 250 Bill Doster

Cypress Cay’s Cayman Series LE 250 distinguishes itself with seven different floor plans. Our test boat’s dual, rear-facing lounge layout is a perennial favorite. Each lounge features a reclined seat back for ultimate comfort along with quick access to the stereo remote, 12-volt outlet and requisite cup holders. Seat bases lift on articulating hinges to reveal plenty of stowage below. The companion seat is a mini recliner; it sits two passengers side by side when it’s party time. Forward, twin parallel lounges complete the accommodations. Take note of the low-maintenance roto-molded seat bases. Gutters and drains encircle the compartment openings to keep contents dry and protected from rain, spray or the dock hose.

With its bold red exterior panels and optional black anodized fence, rub rail and Bimini combo, the LE 250 is impossible to miss at the dock. An optional black water-sports tower completes the trendy vibe overhead, and it easily folds for transportation or storage. Inside the perimeter fence, optional upholstered panels hide any last hints of aluminum rail. A classy helm with an optional intuitive Murphy touch-screen display with integrated cruise control, a brushed aluminum wheel, twin midship gates and standard diamond-pattern, vinyl accents provides additional “wow” factors throughout.

Underway, the Cayman proved exceptionally quick and agile. Credit the former to a potent Mercury Verado 350 outboard. It pushed our test boat to 30 mph in 6.8 seconds before topping out at an impressive 51.5 mph. That’s more than enough power for showing off, whether it’s on skis or boards or doing a flyby at the beach. For the latter, gaze below the deck. Cypress Cay’s T3 performance package features aluminum underdeck skin and triple 25-inch tubes with performance strakes to give the boat confident, aggressive handling.

High Points
*Standards include a high-back helm seat, docking lights, retractable ladder, flip-up cleats, and Polk stereo with six Jensen speakers.
*Deep, 6-foot-long ski/stowage locker is complete with automatic bilge pump and woven rubber matting to protect your gear.
*Convenient pop-up changing room located forward.

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Verado 350
Prop: Mercury Enertia 14½” x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 25 gal.
Crew Weight: 370 lb.

Price
$74,255 (with test power, T3 Performance Package)

Contact
Cypress cay Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; cypresscaypontoons.com

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Cypress Cay Cayman LE 250

The Boating Tech Team — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 05:09:42 +0000

LOA: 26’9″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 4,199 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 15/3,050 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 50 gal.
More Information: cypresscaypontoons.com

Cypress Cay’s flagship Cayman LE 250 comes luxuriously appointed, even in stock trim. Forward, plush lounges span the port and starboard sides. Aft, an expansive L-shaped lounge cradles more passengers with 7 feet of seating comfort. Each features overstuffed, pillow-top upholstery, in addition to bolsters below the thighs for comfort and security. Functional roto-molded seat bases with draining gutters promise to keep gear dry and maintenance low. Do you enjoy time at anchor? The nearly 4-foot-square aft sun pad may be the best seat in the house. Pivot the shared backrest forward and you’ve even got a sloping chaise, with sound system controls and music player inputs within arm’s reach.

No flagship would be complete without a flagship option or two. The highlight on our test boat was clearly the entertainment galley. Featuring bilevel faux-granite countertops, twin bar stools, and a refrigerator and sink, it truly puts the “party” in party boat. Other notable extras included the raised fiberglass helm, touch-screen display with GPS-based cruise, upholstered interior fence walls and an attractive, teak-look flooring.

The Cayman gets its spirited feel on the water from the addition of Cypress Cay’s T3 performance package. T3 adds a third, center pontoon dropped 1 inch below the outer two logs to produce a touch of lean-in, V-hull-style handling. That center pontoon gets full-length lifting strakes on each side; the outer pontoons add a performance-oriented strake to each interior. An aluminum skin below deck covers exposed cross members to lessen resistance. Combined with a potent Mercury Verado 300 Pro, the end result is nimble handling, a quick 3.5-second time to plane, six-second 0 to 30 mph performance and a top speed of 48 mph.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Flagship amenities include three separate lounges, aft sun pad and Bluetooth-equipped, six-speaker Polk stereo.
*Optional entertainment galley includes dual-level bar, bar stools, refrigerator and sink.
*T3 performance package adds a dropped center tube as well as performance strakes for more nimble, V-hull-inspired handling.
*Bolsters and pillow-top seating provide the ultimate in luxury upholstery.
*Raised fiberglass helm is a true command station, offering great visibility.
*Touch-screen control offers GPS-based cruise settings and more.
*Underside of the deck is clad with aluminum to reduce resistance and enhance the boat’s performance.

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Verado 300 Pro
Prop: Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 210 lb.

Price
$67,960 (with test power, T3 performance package)

Contact
Cypress Cay Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; cypresscaypontoons.com

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Cypress Cay Cambio 200

The Boating Tech Team — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 05:01:48 +0000

LOA: 21’3″
Beam: 8’3″
Dry Weight: 1,947 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 9/1,200 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 24 gal.
More Information: cypresscaypontoons.com

New for 2015, the Cypress Cay Cambio series offers simpler layout options and a lighter weight to customers who frequently trailer their boat, cruise smaller bodies of water, and demand an easy-to-use watercraft with great stability. Its straightforward layout is just what the pontoon crowd demands. In the bow, twin lounges offer plenty of seating space and invite party conversation. Aft, an over 6-foot-long couch runs along the port side, opposite a similar 4-foot lounge to starboard. Including the captain’s chair, that makes room for up to 10 passengers with our test boat’s 25-inch pontoon upgrade.

All the seating tilts up on single-part hinges to access the roto-molded stowage below. It’s low-maintenance and, though left exposed as a way to reduce cost, boasts a near-seamless match to the vinyl color above. The attractive helm includes a bucket helm seat with flip-down armrests, Jensen stereo with two speakers, and analog gauge package. Though the Cambio can be had with our test boat’s Mercury 90 outboard for as little as $21,000, it’s tempting to upgrade. Two of the most useful options are a built-in, 24-gallon fuel tank and hydraulic steering, the latter of which greatly improves the boat’s manners. Our test boat was also optioned to include 25-inch-diameter pontoon tubes with lifting strakes, woven teak flooring, two additional speakers and a cockpit table. Cypress Cay also offers a simple changing room option, a curtained enclosure that can be attached below the Bimini top.

The aforementioned Mercury 90 Command Thrust outboard powered the Cambio onto plane in 3.2 seconds, although there is little bow rise to speak of. The boat reached 20 mph in 5.4 seconds before peaking at 28.3 mph. That’s enough speed for basic tow duties. The engine will also cruise happily at just under 23 mph, burning only about five gallons per hour.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Abundant seating and storage co-exist in an attractive yet cost-sensitive model.
*A wealth of options include built-in fuel tank, 25-inch-diameter pontoons and durable woven flooring.
*Mercury Command Thrust outboard is fuel-efficient and provides adequate power for basic water-sports duties.

How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 90 Command Thrust
Prop: Black Max 16″ x 16″ 3-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 2.38:1
Fuel Load: 24 gal.
Crew Weight: 360 lb.

Price
$22,450 (with test power/fuel tank/tube upgrade)

Contact
Cypress Cay Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; cypresscaypontoons.com

Robert Stephens — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

The first stern-drive offering from Cypress Cay, complete with the T3 performance package, did not come to our tests to whip the nose cones off every other pontoon boat in a lake-long race. Its 43.5 mph top speed with a MerCruiser 350 Mag is plenty of giddy-up for most pontooners who will spend far more time – and save a lot of fuel money — at 30 mph.

When running in that 25-40 mph range, the 260 Cozumel exemplified another angle of pontoon “performance” that should supersede all others. The ride was velvety smooth, and stood out from the field. The weight of the motor kept the stern sitting down just enough to raise the front of the three tubes off the lake, so the water was breaking back near the helm station. This happens with some pontoon boats as you climb toward 5,000 rpm. But we noted that it took very little trim to lift the Cozumel, giving us almost no spray in the low-to mid-20s…and that buttery ride.

We could have run all day and through the weekend had we kept the motor running in that sweet spot. The T3 package includes an 81-gallon fuel tank between the middle tube and the motor pod, giving optimum balance and long-range capabilities. Cypress Cay stepped it up in other areas, too, with one of the biggest changing rooms we’ve seen, a heavy-duty ski tow pylon and a fiberglass swim platform. All of these help to showcase another area of performance – that of the passengers.

Cypress Cay 260 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Key Note: Cypress Cay is a sibling of Harris FloteBote pontoons, which has a sterling reputation, and it’s markedly evident in this latest Cozumel model.

Standout Features
• Engine compartment is big enough for a big-block engine, plus extra storage space.
• Transom area has an optional vinyl entryway to keep water off the carpet when entering the boat from the fiberglass swim platform.
• Optional blue track lighting around all the cupholders further encourages the evening dinner cruise.

Vital Stats
* Length (w/ platform): 28’7″
* Beam: 8’6″
* Dry Weight: 4,600 lb.
* Passenger/Weight Capacity: 17/2,493 lb.
* Fuel Capacity: 81 gal.
* Maximum HP: 425
* MSRP (w/ MerCruiser 350 Mag): $51,950

Test Drive
* Test Engine: MerCruiser 350 Mag, MPI Bravo 3
* Test Prop: 21-pitch
* Test Load: People (380 lb.), Fuel (27 gal.)
* Top Speed: 43.5 mph @ 5,300 rpm
* Time to 20 mph: 4.45 sec.
* Time to 30 mph: 6.7 sec.

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