Shooting to 30 mph in 6 seconds flat, Premier’s 250 Grand Majestic RL also delivered quicker-than-most-pontoons responsiveness and banked comfortably into the high-speed, locked-over turns that represent a part of Boating’s boat-test regimen. While some credit for this new pontoon’s handling and speed certainly goes to the power provided by the Yamaha F300 outboard bolted to its transom, Premier’s PTX performance package takes center stage.

PTX is a system developed by Premier to enhance performance. The “big thing” with PTX is the center tube, which, unlike that of other pontoon-makers, is neither round nor elliptical. Instead, the PTX center tube presents a U-shaped cross-section, with a flat bottom. These come in 42-, 30-, 25- and, as our test boat was outfitted, 36-inch widths. The relatively increased volume of these tubes provides more buoyancy, while the flat bottom provides more lift. Also part of PTX are sealed, extruded and contoured lifting strakes on the inside of the outer tubes that allow the boat to get up on plane faster and increase top speed. A hydrodynamic Performance Sheeting, aka underskinning, sheathes the underside of the deck, shedding water and enhancing speed. Finally, the fuel tank is built into the aft part of the tube for balance and stability. While it’s not part of PTX, the broad splash fins on the nose cones prevent splash; they also prevent the bows from diving. Also note that the tubes are covered in a protective film to thwart dock rash.

The helm proved just as impressive with its 12-inch Simrad touchscreen—the biggest screen on a pontoon yet—and standard RGB lighting, JL Audio system, refrigerated cup holder and wireless phone charger. This ’toon also sports a standard changing room with a portable potty, or pump-out head—your option. It gets the RL designation from the capacious rear lounge, which converts to seven different positions. With the sturdy stainless-steel aft rails, it’s both safe and legal to lounge here underway. The upholstered front of some hatches struck us as a unique and attractive dash of style.

Seeking performance, luxury and comfort? Check out Premier’s 250 Grand Majestic RL.

High Points

·PTX package’s hydrodynamic features for banked turns and higher speeds.

·Seven-position rear lounge.

·The 12-inch Simrad display at the helm might be the pontoon industry’s largest.

Specs

LOA: 25′5″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 1′6″ (without drive)

Dry Weight: 4,000 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 18/3,050 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 80 gal.

Price: $134,280 (as tested)

How We Tested

Engine: 300 hp Yamaha F300

Drive/Prop: Outboard/15 3/4″ x 15″ Yamaha Saltwater 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.76:1

Fuel Load: 15 gal.

Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information

Premier Marine – Wyoming, Minnesota; 651-462-2880; pontoons.com

The post 2020 Premier 250 Grand Majestic RL appeared first on Boating Mag.

We Say: If you’re buying a pontoon boat for entertaining, it’s hard to look beyond the Premier 260 Grand Entertainer. This boat is rated to carry 16 passengers. The crescent-shaped Entertainer bar in back has been upgraded from past models to include four total bar stools, now with higher backs for increased comfort. A shade overhead keeps everyone in comfort and features built-in racks to hold wine, martini and margarita stemware. Behind the bar, there’s a sink and cooktop, with space for a refrigerator underneath.

The bow arrangement features Opulent Deluxe couches covered with Heritage fabric for kicking back. From the high-backed captain’s chair at the ergonomic, elevated Liberty Deluxe helm, the captain can see over the crowd up front and safely operate the boat. A touchscreen Beacon II system in the helm gives the driver fingertip access to all the digital gauges, ship’s systems, the optional rearview camera and even the owner’s manual.

The Suzuki DF300 provided plenty of juice to help the 260 Grand Entertainer top 44 mph. Our test model had the standard 30-inch PTX performance package, which adds a 30-inch-diameter center tube, and the boat carved graceful, arcing turns and handled chop with ease.

Who’d Want One: Boaters looking to bring a big crew on the water.

Another Choice: The Bennington 25 RSFBA ($95,704 with a Yamaha F300 outboard) has a 16-person capacity.

Bottom Line: $85,072 (as tested); pontoons.com

The post Premier 260 Grand Entertainer appeared first on Boating Mag.

Let’s face it: No matter how well a pontoon performs, you’re probably buying one because you can bring a party on the water with you. Perhaps no other boat can fulfill that mission quite like the Premier 260 Grand Entertainer, a massive pontoon with a full bar built into the aft section.

First off, this boat is rated to carry 16 passengers. That’s a lot of best friends to bring aboard. The crescent-shaped Entertainer bar in back has been upgraded from past models with four total bar stools, now with higher backs for increased comfort. A shade overhead keeps everyone in comfort and features built-in racks to hold wine, martini and margarita stemware. (Two apiece come standard with the boat.) Behind the bar, there’s a sink and cooktop, with space for a refrigerator underneath. Those not wishing to socialize at the bar can relax on the plush Opulent Deluxe with Heritage Fabric couches in the bow; the filler insert in front of the bow boarding gate creates wraparound seating.

From the high-backed captain’s chair at the ergonomic, elevated Liberty Deluxe helm, the captain can see over the crowd up front and safely operate the boat. A touchscreen Beacon 2 system in the helm gives the driver fingertip access to all the digital gauges, ships systems, the optional rearview camera and even the owner’s manual. Another cool feature at the helm? Literally, it’s the electrically chilled cup holder powerful enough to freeze a bottle of water.

We’ve tested past versions of this boat with twin outboard configurations, but this is the first time we’ve run it on a single engine. The Suzuki DF300 provided more than enough juice to help the 260 Grand Entertainer plane quickly and top 44 mph — no easy feat for a boat of this size. Our test model had the standard 30-inch PTX performance package, which adds a 30-inch-diameter center tube complete with an aft pad and lifting strakes on the outer tubes. With PTX, this boat carved graceful arcing turns and handled a small lake chop with ease.

High Points
* Entertainer bar comes with luxury bar stools for four.
* The 30-inch PTX package allows for the upgraded 80-gallon fuel tank, which increases range.
* Elevated Liberty Deluxe helm gives the captain a great view of the water.
* Opulent Deluxe helm and passenger chairs have plush cushions and high backs.

How We Tested
Engine: Suzuki DF300
Prop: 16″ x 20″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 340 lb.

Price
$85,072 (as tested)

Contact
Premier Pontoons Wyoming, Minnesota; 651-462-2880; pontoons.com

The post Premier 260 Grand Entertainer appeared first on Boating Mag.

What do you get when you hang 250 hp off the back of a pontoon with Premier’s triple-tube PTX package? Start with the lifting pad and outer strakes, add in the 30-inch center tube that extends farther forward of the outer 25-inch tubes, and you get a boat worthy of the performance-oriented name that Premier uses, Velocity.

The Premier 250 Velocity handles and corners like a V-hull; we were able to execute crisp hard-over turns at 30 mph and make graceful S-curves on test day while racing to a top speed exceeding 44 mph. As typical of performance-oriented pontoons, we found the 250 Velocity climbed onto plane nearly instantaneously; it reached 30 mph in 6.2 seconds. Underway, the driver gets a stellar view from the Opulent Sport captain’s chair in front of the elevated Liberty helm. Unless there’s an NBA team lounging up front, the view will not be obstructed. A Garmin Striker 5 navigation unit comes standard in the helm console.

Pontoons need to keep the crowd happy in other ways, and the 250 Velocity has the layout and amenities to do exactly that. Note the twin rear-facing lounges in the cockpit that create twin tanning beds or a cruising conversation pit. The portside lounge features a flip-out changing room. Twin high-backed swiveling bucket chairs flank a small table amidships to port of the helm. And the bow features wraparound seating that contours the sleek fiberglass bow component. The ergonomic backrests and grab rails provide comfort and safety.

Stowage? The furniture seat cushions flip out on patented drop-down hinges for easy hands-free access to the roto-molded tubs underseat. Our test model featured the Chocolate color, which is new for 2017. The beautiful fabric on the cushions is plush and durable. When the sun sets, wow the passengers with the LED accent lights, including those in the headrest pillars — just one of the many ways the new Premier 250 Velocity shines.

High Points
* Liberty helm elevated 4 inches off the main deck.
* Standard 30-inch center tube in PTX package extends forward in Premier’s prow-bow configuration that improves performance.
* Headrests on seats supported by pillars adorned with LED lights.
* Portside lounge opens up for a flip-up changing room.

How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha 250 VMAX SHO
Prop: 15¾” x 15″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 10 gal.
Crew Weight: 345 lb.

Price
$76,698 (as tested)

Contact
Premier Pontoons Wyoming, Minnesota; 651-462-2880; pontoons.com

The post Premier 250 Velocity appeared first on Boating Mag.

Life is not a popularity contest, but choosing the right pontoon boat can be. Case in point: The 250 Solaris RF is Premier’s most popular pontoon model, which shows you that, despite all the innovations in speed, size, shape and handling, a lot of people are just looking for a ’toon to take a crew on a relaxing ride. The Premier 250 Solaris RF is an excellent choice for doing exactly that.

Our test model sported the traditional twin-tube construction and featured a 115 hp Evinrude bolted to the transom. Underway, we enjoyed a comfortable, safe and secure ride. The RF in the model name stands for rear facing, which describes the furniture arrangement abaft the helm and co-pilot’s chairs. The twin opposing couches both feature rear-facing backrests that create an ideal spot to kick back and lounge, or to serve as spotting seats during a skiing or tubing session.

At the wheel, the captain enjoys an expanded view thanks to the fiberglass Liberty Sport helm module, which elevates 4 inches above the main deck. Those extra few inches give the driver much better sight lines all around the boat. So no matter how many people are lounging forward, the captain still has a clear view of where he or she is going. The standard Garmin Striker 5 mounted in the dash aids navigation. Both the captain and passenger chairs have flip-down armrests, and they pivot so that, at anchor, their occupants can turn to join the ongoing conversation.

With three boarding gates — at the bow, stern and portside midship — any invited guests will have no problem climbing aboard to enjoy a day on the water, no matter how or where you dock the boat. The pearl hammered rails give the 250 Solaris some curb appeal, as does the new Coastal flooring underfoot. (On top of that, it’s easy to clean and maintain.) Looking for a place to hang? The bow couch and love seat have forward-facing backrests. So, rest assured, the view is good from there, too.

High Points
* Elevated Liberty Sport helm affords the captain excellent visibility.
* RF layout features twin opposing couches aft with rear-facing backrests.
* Standard Garmin Striker 5 mounted in the dash provides GPS navigation.
* Three boarding gates make it easy for passengers to board the boat.

How We Tested
Engine: 115 hp Evinrude E-Tec
Drive/Prop: Outboard/14″ x 11″ 3-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 10 gal.
Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Price
$50,869 (with test power)

Contact
Premier Pontoons Wyoming, Minnesota; 651-462-2880; pontoons.com

The post Premier 250 Solaris RF appeared first on Boating Mag.

We Say: The 250 Solaris RF is Premier’s most popular pontoon model, which shows you that despite all the innovations in speed, size, shape and handling, many people are just looking for a ‘toon to take on a relaxing ride. The Premier 250 Solaris RF is an excellent choice for that objective.

Our test model sported the traditional twin-tube construction and featured a 115 hp Evinrude outboard. While we did not exceed 30 mph, we enjoyed a comfortable, safe and secure ride. The RF in the model name stands for “rear facing,” which describes the furniture arrangement abaft the luxurious helm and co-pilot chairs. The twin opposing couches both feature rear-facing backrests that create an ideal spot to kick back and relax.

At the wheel, the captain enjoys an expanded view thanks to the fiberglass Liberty Sport helm, which is elevated 4 inches above the deck. The standard in-dash Garmin Striker 5 aids navigation. Both the captain and passenger seats have flip-down armrests.

With three boarding gates — bow, stern and portside midship — invited guests will have no problem climbing aboard. The pearl hammered rails give the 250 Solaris curb appeal, as does the Coastal flooring underfoot. The bow couch and love seat have forward- facing backrests, so the view is good from there too.

Who’d Want One: A family looking for a safe, relaxing pontoon model with a quality build.

Another Choice: Lowe offers the Infinity 250 RFL, which starts at $50,108 with a Mercury 150 OptiMax.

Bottom Line: $50,869 with test power; pontoons.com

The post Premier 250 Solaris RF appeared first on Boating Mag.

We Say: The Premier 270 S-Series is a fast, agile pontoon with a cool profile. Premier enhances this ‘toon’s sleek look with retro rectangular windshields over both consoles. That’s right, the 270 S-Series is a dual console. The windshields offer ample wind protection for the captain and co-pilot, as well as the crew lounging on the plush furniture in the main cockpit. The forward raked sport arch includes a Bimini to provide more protection.

With a Mercury Racing 400R outboard, the boat takes off like a rocket. In our efforts to record time to plane — hard enough to do on any pontoon — we had to settle for declaring it instantaneous. It took a mere five seconds to hit 30 mph en route to a 48.7 mph top speed. But the real beauty provided by Premier’s signature PTX package is agility. The triple-tube configuration includes strakes on the outer tubes and an aft pad on the center tube that generates lift. The PTX package gives the 270 S-Series V-hull-like handling, with inboard lean in hard-over turns at speed.

The cockpit has plenty of creature comforts, including plush couches with rear-facing backrests behind the helm seats so passengers can kick back and watch the wake or serve as spotters for watersports. There’s plenty of seating in the bow too.

Who’d Want One: ‘Toon lovers looking for a boat with a little extra oomph.

Another Choice: The Harris Solstice DC 250 ($70,999 with a 200 hp Mercury Verado) is a dual console.

Bottom Line: $99,217 (as tested); pontoons.com

The post Premier 270 S-Series appeared first on Boating Mag.

The new Premier 270 Velocity has a sleek, sporty look that separates it from most of its boxier pontoon compatriots. How did Premier achieve this? It built fiberglass components fore and aft. The swept-back bow component with built-in recessed docking lights gives the 270 Velocity a sports-car appearance. Inside the boat, it creates sexy yet sturdy seat bases that provide dry stowage underneath. With the aft fiberglass component, Premier constructed twin lounges with rear-facing backrests, so they serve double duty as either sofas or recliners. Plus they are excellent vantage points for spotter duty during a boarding or tubing session. All the seats are covered with Premier’s stylish DuraSoft7 vinyl. Our test model featured the Atomic Red accent package, which serves to amp up the boat’s sports-car feel. The view from the slick helm does too, with its inset gauges and color accents that match the trim.

Thanks to the PTX package, Premier is justified in nicknaming this boat the Velocity. Not so much for its top-end speed — with twin 200 hp Mercury FourStrokes, we topped out at just under 42 mph — but more for the fact that the hole shot was instantaneous, and the boat hit 30 mph in 8.5 seconds. From the raised fiberglass Liberty helm, you can feel the midrange oomph. Premier also improved handling and cornering by extending the center tube in the PTX package farther forward at the bow than the two outer tubes. The PTX system already improves lift with an aft pad on the center tube as well as strakes on the outer tubes. The result is almost like the forward taper of a V-hull, and it helps the boat execute tight turns with inboard heel.

Extended platforms at the bow and stern are great for beaching or swimming at anchor. They also help with boarding, as do the twin boarding gates built into the rails on either side — most pontoons have only one side-boarding gate.

High Points
*Molded fiberglass components create a sleek look.
*Elongated center tube that protrudes forward of the outer tubes improves cornering and handling.
*Raised Liberty helm gives the driver a great vantage point of the water.
*Boarding gates built into both sides make it easier to enter and exit at the dock.

How We Tested
Engines: Twin 200 hp Mercury Verados
Drive/Props: Outboards/15¾” x 18″ 3-blade stainless-steel Enertias
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 520 lb.

Price
$111,727 (as tested)

Contact
Premier Pontoons Wyoming, Minnesota; 651-462-2880; pontoons.com

The post Premier 270 Velocity appeared first on Boating Mag.

Ok, Premier is known for pushing the envelope in pontoon design — double deckers with water slides, boats with full bars, raised helm platforms and triple 300 hp outboards — but the new 310 Encounter offers something we’ve never once expected on a pontoon boat: a fully enclosed cabin belowdecks. Yes, the 310 Encounter has one.

Premier used a fiberglass component to build a stateroom with 6 feet of headroom into the 42-inch center PTX tube. It features a dinette, a convertible V-berth, and a head with a privacy shade. Access is through a bifold door to port of the elevated helm station. Vented ports to either side provide natural light. Before this, sleeping aboard a pontoon boat required sleeping bags under the stars or erecting a giant camper canvas that needed to be disassembled before moving on to the next cruising spot. The 310 Encounter is a boat you can cruise from port to port and anchor out overnight.

Abovedecks, Premier made creative use of the fiberglass cabin component by building in an elevated sun lounge forward of the helm. Forward of that is a forward-facing bench protected by sturdy stainless-steel grab rails to either side. Access to the lounge comes via wide walkways between the console and the rails to either side. An extended swim platform forward makes a great exit point for beaching or a jumping-off point for swimming at anchor.

Another remarkable thing about the Encounter: How many other 33-foot cabin boats have an instantaneous hole shot with almost no bow rise? Thanks to the PTX performance package, this one does. With the triple 250 hp Evinrude outboards, the 310 Encounter also hit 30 mph in just 4.4 seconds en route to a blistering 59.6 mph top-end speed. The PTX package also gives this boat nimble handling characteristics similar to those of a fiberglass V-hull boat. The helm is elevated to account for the raised cabin component, which results in a clear 360-degree view for the driver. The end result is a pontoon that delivers both above and below the waterline.

High Points
*PTX performance package helps achieve smooth, arcing turns, as you’d experience in a fiberglass V-hull.
*Cabin built into the 42-inch center tube has a remarkable 6 feet of headroom.
*Aft cockpit features wraparound seating with a plush backrest and a doublewide boarding gate for access to the swim platform.

How We Tested
Engines: Triple 250 hp Evinrude E-TEC G2s
Drive/Props: Outboards/15″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 90 gal.
Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Price
$251,137 (as tested)

Contact
Premier Pontoons Wyoming, Minnesota; 651-462-2880; pontoons.com

The post Premier 310 Encounter appeared first on Boating Mag.

We Say: The new Premier 270 Velocity has a sleek, sporty look that separates it from most of its boxier pontoon compatriots. How did Premier achieve this? By installing fiberglass components fore and aft. The sweptback bow component gives the 270 Velocity a sports-car appearance. Inside the boat, it creates sexy yet sturdy seat bases that provide dry stowage underneath. With the aft fiberglass component, Premier constructed twin lounges with rear-facing backrests so they can serve double duty as sofas or run recliners. All the seats are covered with Premier’s stylish new Heritage fabric. Our test model featured the Atomic Red accent package, which amps up the sports-car feel.

Thanks to the PTX package, Premier is justified in nicknaming this boat the Velocity. Not so much for its top-end speed — with twin 200 hp Mercury FourStrokes, we maxed out at just under 42 mph — but because the hole shot was instantaneous, and the boat hit 30 mph in 8.5 seconds. From the raised fiberglass Liberty helm, you can feel the midrange oomph. Premier also improved handling and cornering by extending the center tube in the PTX package farther forward at the bow than the two outer tubes. This helps the boat execute tight turns with inboard heel.

Extended platforms at the bow and stern are great for beaching or swimming at anchor.

Who’d Want One: Boaters looking for a ‘toon with a cutting-edge design.

Another Choice: The Harris Crowne SL 250 ($93,035 with a 300 hp Mercury Verado) has fiberglass parts.

Bottom Line: $111,727 (as tested); pontoons.com

The post Premier 270 Velocity appeared first on Boating Mag.