OTSEGO, Minn., March 9, 2016 – Launched at the Bassmaster Classic on March 4th, Crestliner continues to grow its impressive bass boat family with the brand-new PT20. The “PT” stands for Premium Tournament, and everything on this boat—from the engineering, to the technology, to the incredible fishing features—lives up to that designation.

“The PT 20 is a remarkable bass boat with all the bells-and-whistles serious anglers demand, yet they won’t have to break the bank in order to enjoy it,” said Chris Crockett, Crestliner’s program manager.

More than 160 square feet of onboard space includes a massive front fishing deck, and large, comfortable modified bucket seating for two in the helm. The stern and bow decks have an additional Pro fishing seat and adjustable butt seat, respectively, while an optional center seat boasts storage underneath, and easily converts to a step platform. A center rod locker holds 10 rods up to 8 feet, 6 inches, and port and starboard lockers hold gear, or a combined 12 rods up to 8 feet, 6 inches.

Anglers will blast past the competition with a max 200hp engine and 32-gallon fuel tank, and do so confidently thanks to a loaded, easy-access console. Hydraulic steering, a molded instrument panel, 12V power outlet, space for 9-inch flush-mount electronics, multi-function gauges, a windscreen and rotary switch panel come standard. A Boss® stereo with Bluetooth, and a port console with glovebox and windscreen are optional.

Captains can drive the PT20 similar to automatic car, with both hands on the wheel and their foot on the gas, thanks to an optional Hot Foot throttle. Control extends to the bow, which has a control panel with space for 7-inch flush-mount electronics, a 12V power outlet, and trim/nav light switches.

Several onboard innovations set the PT 20 apart from other bass boats. The 45-gallon, dual-lid, aerated stern livewell features a host of industry-leading features, including a timer, divider, insulation for better temperature regulation and Venturi re-circulator with pump-out.

The PT20’s aluminum, all-welded hull features extra-strength extruded ribs and a center-welded extruded full-length keel for unmatched durability. This rugged machine is not only strong, but also stunning. Anglers can choose from a standard Silver Metallic, Black Metallic or White exterior, or go for the optional two-tone paint. Soft gray carpet ensures comfortable casting, while plush seating lets all those onboard unwind on the way back to shore with their trophy catches.“We know the PT20’s looks and features will create some buzz and have people talking,” said Lori Kneeland, Crestliner’s director of marketing. “But this bass boat’s true badge of honor will be the success anglers have every time they hit the water.”

For more information, contact Crestliner

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I’m 6 feet tall, and while seated at the helm, the top of my head was below the windshield, which protected me, and the entire aft cockpit, from wind blast. A Taylor Clear Curve model, the ’shield has no mullions to spoil the view. Forward, I flipped the seats and saw how the conversion bow morphs from a wide-open casting platform to a bowrider-like lounge, just like that.

Opening a hatch, I discovered the 1800 is pre-wired for a trolling motor and that a dedicated battery platform is in place for it. While I didn’t like the livewell’s square sides — rounded wells keep fish healthier — the convenience of having a livewell in the bow (21 gallons) as well as the stern (22 gallons) is awesome. Under another hatch I found lockable stowage for a quiver of rods. An aft bench seat converts to a casting platform with one tug. The seat couples with four cockpit pedestal sockets, providing ample and flexible seating for guests or anglers.

With a 150 hp Mercury Optimax outboard, the 1800 planed in three seconds and carved confident turns thanks to the V of its 17-degree transom deadrise. Top speed kisses 50 mph.

Who’d Want One: Those seeking a robust, multiuse boat that can also help extend the season.

Another Choice: Tracker’s Targa V-18 Combo, another split-windshield switch-hitter, retails for $28,120 with a 150 Mercury Optimax and trailer.

Bottom Line: $29,529 (with 150 Mercury Optimax and trailer)

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All welded, just like a Coast Guard cutter, this is one durable fish boat. I was particularly impressed by construction details such as the through-bolted cleats and the rugged knees bracing the transom. The welded panels comprising the hull are tongue-and-groove, and Crestliner uses aluminum for under-deck support, giving the boat a confidence-inspiring ride. It scoots onto plane, and even with the big torque from the deep 2.33:1 gear ratio of Mercury’s 115 four-stroke, motor and boat never felt at odds. Re-entry coming off wakes was smooth, and reversed chines deflected spray back into the lake.

As an angler, I loved the two livewells, the additional eight-rod locker and the two huge dry lockers in the bow. But little details, such as the catchall at the bow in which to chuck lures while you’re swapping them out in search of the day’s hot pattern, impressed me just as much.

Extra Points
• The trolling motor battery compartment is on centerline, where adding this option won’t cause a list.
• The extruded gunwale, which creates the tumblehome, provides for boat covers that attach with convenient J-hooks, rather than bothersome snaps.
• The stern livewell includes a standard bait bucket.
• Six pedestal seat locations include the raised casting deck at the stern.

Test Drive * Test Engine: Mercury 115 HP 4-stroke * Test Prop: 13″ X 19″ aluminum, 3-blade * Test Load: People (396 LB.) Fuel (24 GAL.) * Top Speed: 44.3 MPH @ 6,020 RPM * Most Economical Cruise Speed: 22.2 MPH @ 3,500 RPM, 3.0 GPH Vital Stats * Length Overall: 17’6″ * Beam: 7’11” * Dry Weight: 1,100 LB. * Seating/Weight Capacity: 6/1,360 LB. * Fuel Capacity: 24 GAL. * Max HP: 125 * MSRP: $24,239* * NMMA Certified: Yes

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There’s a part of every boat test when I feel like a cop tossing a perp’s apartment. I open every hatch, deck plate and locker, inspecting access, drainage, even the way hinges are fastened. Ransacking Crestliner’s 1800 Super Hawk gave me reason to smile. Aft, I discovered a hatch that revealed this boat is pre-wired for a trolling motor and includes a sturdy platform to secure the battery. Spinning open a deck plate, I found terrific access to both livewell pumps, and was delighted to find both were easy-to-replace cartridge models. The lockable drawer beneath the helm is perfect for securing electronics and stowing personal items, like that special lure you reserve for tough days. But when I flipped open the center section of the bow, I was wowed: This boat turns from big-water fisherman to family runabout in a matter of seconds.

Crestliner calls it the conversion bow. The underside of the casting deck is upholstered, so when you open the side-hinged hatches, two seats are deployed, allowing guests to face forward just in front of the consoles. Coupled with four standard pedestal seats, seven pedestal locations and a full windshield taller than my head when I sat at the helm, this boat provides the fishing family with awesome versatility in a variety of climates.

It certainly provides performance enough for towed water sports. With a 150 hp Mercury EFI swinging a new Enertia prop — thinner blades, larger diameter — my test boat seemed to levitate onto plane rather than rise by the bow. Acceleration squished me into my seat. There was plenty of reserve power, so I see no reason to recommend upping to the 175 hp max. I can recommend that split-personality boaters consider this dual-function boat.

Extra Points
• The conversion bow requires use of an extra-tall bow-casting seat pedestal, dedicated stowage for which is provided.
• The helm is nonglare and features a big, flat surface for the big screens for which anglers lust.
• Order the bow platform pad ($677), with console backrests and drink holders, for the ultimate in bow-riding comfort.
• Huge in-sole stowage locker holds skis and rods.

Test Drive * Test Engine: Mercury 150 HP EFI * Test Prop: 14.25″ X 19″ stainless steel, 3-blade * Test Load: People (370 LB.) Fuel (33 GAL.) * Top Speed: 49.2 MPH * Most Economical Cruise Speed: 30 MPH @ 3,500 RPM, 5.3 GPH Vital Stats * Length Overall: 18’2″ * Beam: 7’11” * Dry Weight: 1,470 LB. * Seating/Weight Capacity: 7/1,625 LB. * Fuel Capacity: 33 GAL. * Max HP: 175 * MSRP: $28,168* * NMMA Certified: Yes

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The performance tubes are also painted, allowing them to tie in nicely with the boat’s overall styling. The skirt attaches to the tubes in a single piece for a clean, contemporary look. All painted surfaces are baked at 400 degrees (most manufacturers stop at 200), which should make the finish more durable.

An instrument panel under a sculpted, low-profile windscreen highlights the fiberglass console. Our test boat came with two storage compartments on top of the console, but Crestliner offers an optional galley on the Grand Cayman series of boats.

Crestliner uses a double-hinge system on its seats that prevents a person who steps on a seat while boarding the boat from flipping the seat up. A hatch in the floor provides access to a huge eight-foot-long, 27-inch-deep storage compartment with its own bilge pump and air vents. Practicality like that, combined with a true performance hull, makes the Grand Cayman a primary boat (not a second boat) for buyers looking for a multipurpose model.

Notable features
* Chaise longue chairs are covered with a soft-touch vinyl that feels like leather.
* Molded footpad at the helm provides just the right positioning for the driver’s feet.
* Storage compartment in the center tube contains its own bilge pump.
* Painted tubes improve slickness of running surface and lend a sleek look to the entire boat.
* Continuous skirting from rail to tube presents a clean, finished look.
* Optional recliners are available in place of front chaise longues.

At a Glance
The Grand Cayman is for performance-minded boaters who want the handling of a deck boat and the practical features of a 25-foot pontoon.

Vital Stats
Length Overall: 24’7″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 2,450 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 17/3,700 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 56 gal.
Max HP: 250
MSRP (w/ Mercury Verado 250): $44,140
NMMA Certified: Yes

Test Drive
Test engine: Mercury Verado 250 hp
Test prop: 19″ stainless steel
Test load: People (550 lb.); Fuel (25 gal.)
Top speed: 50.4 mph @ 5,900 rpm
Time to 20 mph: 5.4 sec.
Time to 30 mph: 7.6 sec.

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