The Classic 240 SLSC proves Crest designers aren’t resting on their laurels. Improvements for 2025 include a totally redesigned chassis, with thicker crossmembers to deliver a more solid ride with less vibration, plus a higher deck and extended rear platform that’s great for a variety of pursuits, from chilling at the sandbar to gearing up for a tube or ski ride. Other additions include new matte-black badging to match the craft’s protective powder-coated rails, standard powder coating on the manual Bimini tops, and every pet lover’s favorite accessory—a doggie drawer in the console with a pair of stainless-steel bowls.

Our test boat featured what is ­quickly becoming a classic pontoon layout. Forward, parallel bow lounges stretch a full 6 feet, 3 inches, inviting taller occupants to kick back and relax against their angled seatbacks or crew to socialize. Amidships, dual captain’s chairs cradle the captain and a crewmember. Aft, a swingback lounge adds a cockpit bench and adjoining 4-by-5-foot sun pad that’s great for lounging. Swing its dual backrests together to make mirror-image benches, or pivot the aft backrest flat, angle the front backrest forward, and form the ultimate kick-back recliner for the cove or sandbar. Full-depth seat bases provide more space than the norm. Open, aluminum-frame seat bases add flow-through ventilation. 

As to the helm, it too gets a redesign for ’25. Ours was optioned with a combination of attractive upgrades, including a 2½-inch raised platform, eye-catching black metallic finish, Simrad NXS display (replacing the standard Lowrance) and 29-inch high-back seat. 

Belowdecks, the 240 rode atop Crest’s Classic Tritoon package, a trio of 25-inch-diameter pontoons with performance lifting strakes, aluminum underskin, 54-gallon fuel tank and SeaStar hydraulic steering. On the water, the combo gave the Classic agile handling that didn’t lose its bite when pushed into sharp corners. A Mercury 200 balanced speed and efficiency in classic fashion. It purred along at a comfortable 16 mph cruising speed, burning 4.2 gph before peaking at a top speed of 33.5 mph. 

High Points

• Choose two-tone exterior fence colors from eight options. 
• Standard cooler drawer in the bow houses a 38-can, insulated soft-side bag.
• Cool extras? A chilled captain’s cup holder, pop-up entertainment table and double power Bimini.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 200
• Drive/Prop: Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 54 gal. Crew Weight: 625 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Crest’s Caribbean Platinum 250 SLS features a unique exterior, a blend of a traditional aluminum fence structure with a modern twist of fiberglass. The latter comes in the form of a sweeping aesthetic overlay located about halfway down the boat’s length that, in the case of our test boat, picks up the exterior accent color. Along with an additional angled accent forward, it gives the boat a sense of movement, even when sitting still at the dock. 

It’s not the only example of Crest mixing generations. A new interior features seat bases also molded from ­fiberglass. These are glittered in a black metallic finish. Forward, those bases stretch a full 7 feet in length to accommodate the sizable lounges above. Occupants can stretch out to the max solo or sit with a full crew and socialize. Storage, mostly open to the deck, is found below. The exception is a cooler with a drain in one compartment, again seamlessly molded as part of the base. Both the helm and aft Swingback lounge also shared that gleaming metallic glass. Take a moment to check out the latter’s five separate positions, including unique back-to-back couches, forward- or rear-facing recliner sun beds, and a nearly 6-foot-square sun bed. 

Standards impress. The redesigned helm is elevated a full 4½ inches for added visibility forward and topped with SeaDek. It includes a Simrad NX9, chilled captain’s cup holder and wireless charging. The overhead Bimini is powered for ease of use. Desirable options on our test included a premium Fusion audio package, a powered overhead arch with an integrated Bimini, and a pull-out entertainment table that extends from the back of the portside bow lounge.

As to features below the deck, Crest outfits the 250 with its CP3 Performance Package. It pairs 25-inch-diameter outer tubes with a slightly lower 26-inch-­diameter center pontoon to mimic a little of the inside-lean handling offered by a V-hull. Combined with our test boat’s Mercury 350 Verado, the end result was a boat that powered onto plane in less than 4 seconds, carved in and out of turns with an intuitive feel, and achieved a top speed of 47.4 mph.

High Points

• CP3 package includes lifting strakes, under-deck aluminum skin, hydraulic steering, and a 77-gallon fuel tank.
• Premium Fusion audio package.
• Wireless phone charging offered in three areas.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 350 Verado
• Drive/Prop: Mercury Revolution X 17.25″ x 18″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 58 gal. Crew Weight: 535 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Crest Caribbean Platinum 250 SLS appeared first on Boating Mag.

Crest’s Caribbean Platinum 250 SLS features a unique exterior, a blend of a traditional aluminum fence structure with a modern twist of fiberglass. The latter comes in the form of a sweeping aesthetic overlay located about halfway down the boat’s length that, in the case of our test boat, picks up the exterior accent color. Along with an additional angled accent forward, it gives the boat a sense of movement, even when sitting still at the dock. 

It’s not the only example of Crest mixing generations. A new interior features seat bases also molded from ­fiberglass. These are glittered in a black metallic finish. Forward, those bases stretch a full 7 feet in length to accommodate the sizable lounges above. Occupants can stretch out to the max solo or sit with a full crew and socialize. Storage, mostly open to the deck, is found below. The exception is a cooler with a drain in one compartment, again seamlessly molded as part of the base. Both the helm and aft Swingback lounge also shared that gleaming metallic glass. Take a moment to check out the latter’s five separate positions, including unique back-to-back couches, forward- or rear-facing recliner sun beds, and a nearly 6-foot-square sun bed. 

Standards impress. The redesigned helm is elevated a full 4½ inches for added visibility forward and topped with SeaDek. It includes a Simrad NX9, chilled captain’s cup holder and wireless charging. The overhead Bimini is powered for ease of use. Desirable options on our test included a premium Fusion audio package, a powered overhead arch with an integrated Bimini, and a pull-out entertainment table that extends from the back of the portside bow lounge.

As to features below the deck, Crest outfits the 250 with its CP3 Performance Package. It pairs 25-inch-diameter outer tubes with a slightly lower 26-inch-­diameter center pontoon to mimic a little of the inside-lean handling offered by a V-hull. Combined with our test boat’s Mercury 350 Verado, the end result was a boat that powered onto plane in less than 4 seconds, carved in and out of turns with an intuitive feel, and achieved a top speed of 47.4 mph.

High Points

• CP3 package includes lifting strakes, under-deck aluminum skin, hydraulic steering, and a 77-gallon fuel tank.
• Premium Fusion audio package.
• Wireless phone charging offered in three areas.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 350 Verado
• Drive/Prop: Mercury Revolution X 17.25″ x 18″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 58 gal. Crew Weight: 535 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Crest Caribbean Platinum 250 SLS appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Continental NX is Crest’s most luxurious line of pontoon boats, and it shows in the level of fit-and-finish. Crest offers three floor plans in the Continental family: a portside captain’s chair with opposing sofas in the stern, a Swingback mini lounge that wraps around the port side and the transom, and a layout with opposing rear-facing chaise-style lounges. All three versions feature a fiberglass helm and matching fiberglass port console adorned with a full wraparound windshield for protecting passengers from the elements. The raked fiberglass bow features inset integrated docking lights that give the Continental a sleek, sports-car look. Also, the full windshield keeps the wind noise down in the cockpit so it’s easier to have a conversation underway.

You want performance? You can rig the Continental NX with a single 300 hp or 400 hp Mercury Verado outboard, or opt for the twin-engine package featuring two 400 hp Mercury Verado outboards. With the latter package, the boat exceeds 65 mph, which is serious speed for a pontoon boat. 

With the triple 26-inch tubes with dual-performance lifting strakes underneath, the Continental exhibits V-hull handling characteristics and provides a stable platform for lounging or entertaining at rest. The captain has a great view of the water and can easily access the rocker switches and Garmin display inset above the steering wheel. The adjustable high-back captain’s chair has a flip-up bolster and swivels so the captain can join the conversation at rest. The same goes for the portside passenger chair. The standard Klipsch audio package provides fantastic sounds on the water so your crew will never want to step back onto the dock.

Whichever layout you choose to please your crew, the Continental NX features plush furniture with SoftTouch upholstery that is easy to clean and doesn’t pink. There’s plenty of storage underneath the furniture to hold all the gear you want to bring aboard for the day as well as built-in coolers. A wireless phone charger at the helm ensures you can always stream your music and call ahead to your favorite dockside restaurant for reservations.

High Points

• With the twin 400 hp Verado package, the boat hits top speeds over 65 mph.
• Twin-engine version allows for a massive 120-gallon fuel tank.
• Full wraparound windshield protects the cockpit passengers underway.
• Stylish inset docking lights in the fiberglass bow components give the boat a sports-car feel.

Pricing and Specs

Crest Marine – Owosso, Michigan; 989-725-5188; crestpontoonboats.com

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Available in three floor plans—SLRC, SLC and SLS—Crest’s Caribbean RS series pontoons also come in lengths of 23 and 25 feet. Pictured is the 230 SLRC plan, sporting a fabulous layout that boasts rear chaise-style lounges. Just as the coolest people at a house party end up in the kitchen, the coolest spot aboard this pontoon is in one of these reclining seats. With armrests, plush, durable PermaGuard upholstery, and a great view, these sweet chaises offer the best seats in the house.

Forward, Crest places two swiveling captain’s chairs, upholstered in equally high-quality, multitone marine fabric. The backrests of these are 29 inches high, and the seat portion incorporates a flip bolster, so standing up or sitting higher is readily accomplished while running the boat. Either way, it’s easy to see the standard Simrad GO7 touchscreen at the helm. In fact, the entire dash layout proves both attractive and functional, with gauges, the ignition and accessory switches arrayed in convenient reach. 

In the bow, a wraparound lounge provides room for the whole crowd. There’s storage within, and some of this space is dedicated as built-in bow coolers to keep your refreshments chilled. You’ll also find a spacious ski locker in the floor in the bow. For a nice touch, the filler seat can be removed to access the bow boarding door, which leads to a functionally sized bow deck.

Crest prides itself on the construction quality of its boats, and the Caribbean RS series is no exception. Full-height perimeter panels ensure safety for small children and pets alike. Crest powder-coats your pontoon’s rails, ensuring they last and look good for the long haul. Seating is upholstered using special CoolFeel fabric, which is 25 percent cooler to the touch in hot sun. Thicker panels, crossmembers, and nose cones combine with high-quality tubes, sturdy deck rails, and what the company calls “the best deck system in the business” in order to provide owners with confidence.

Seeking a pontoon designed to entertain and built to last? Consider a Crest Caribbean RS.

High Points

• Standard CP3 Performance Package comes with two 25-inch-diameter outer tubes bracketing a 26-inch-diameter center tube, also including underskinning and more. 
• Full-height panels provide more safety than boats without. 
• Wakeboard tower elevates both the style and the sport.
• Optional ski-tow bar enhances watersports action and fun.
• Bow coolers prove functional and innovative.

Pricing and Specs

Crest Marine – Owosso, Michigan; crestpontoonboats.com

The post 2022 Crest Caribbean RS 230 SLRC appeared first on Boating Mag.

A sculpted fiberglass bow module and fiberglass seat bases distinguish the new Savannah series, now the flagship of the Crest pontoon line. And worthy of a flagship, this boat is both attractive and loaded with standard features. The forward seat bases are incorporated into the bow modules, each with a lounging backrest at the console. The smooth seat bases blend nicely with the helm console and look a little more upscale than the typical molded plastic or vinyl-covered bases we see on pontoons. Note how the flowing lines of the bow module are repeated in the side rails, a nice detail.

The helm console elevates the captain’s seat and is trimmed with billet aluminum. On our boat, a set of Mercury SmartCraft gauges are presented to the left, with a standard 9-inch Garmin multi-function display to the right. A wireless phone charger is located in a glove box below the Mercury DTS throttle, and behind that is a refrigerated cup holder for the captain. The standard Klipsch audio system includes two subwoofers, eight speakers, two amps and Bluetooth connectivity.

A fiberglass base also supports the rear seating. An L-shaped lounge with a power backrest at the stern can be adjusted to a fore- or aft-facing seat, or folded flat into a full sun pad. As an option, our boat was powder-coated in graphite ($507) on the aluminum ski-tow bar to match the graphite deck trim and rails ($830). The optional cladded aluminum arch ($20,769) includes RBG LED lighting and two additional Klipsch can speakers.

The triple-tube Crest CP3 Performance chassis features a 26-inch center tube and 25-inch outer tubes, with lifting strakes on the center tube and inboard on the outer tubes, heavy-duty nose cones and an aluminum underskin, plus dual batteries and an onboard charger. SeaStar power steering is standard, as is a center-tube ski locker. A generous 82-gallon fuel tank ($384) is an upgrade from the standard 52-gallon tank, and a good match for the 350 hp Mercury Verado on our test boat. This hull ran true and steady all the way up to 50 mph in our performance trial. A flagship indeed.

High Points

• Distinctive fiberglass bow modules and seat bases.
• No more fishing around for seat adjustment levers.
• AquaTread deck is easier to clean than woven vinyl.
• Offered with optional privacy curtain, flip-up table or stowage chest.

Specs

LOA: 26′9″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 1′6″

Dry Weight: 4,426 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: NA/2,790 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 85 gal.

Price: $137,538

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury Verado 350

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

Fuel Load: 43 gal.

Crew Weight: 190 lb.

More Information

Crest Pontoons – Owosso, Michigan; 989-725-5188; crestpontoonboats.com

The post 2021 Crest Savannah 250 SLS appeared first on Boating Mag.

A sculpted fiberglass bow module and fiberglass seat bases distinguish the new Savannah series, now the flagship of the Crest pontoon line. And worthy of a flagship, this boat is both attractive and loaded with standard features. The forward seat bases are incorporated into the bow modules, each with a lounging backrest at the console. The smooth seat bases blend nicely with the helm console and look a little more upscale than the typical molded plastic or vinyl-covered bases we see on pontoons. Note how the flowing lines of the bow module are repeated in the side rails, a nice detail.

The helm console elevates the captain’s seat and is trimmed with billet aluminum. On our boat, a set of Mercury SmartCraft gauges are presented to the left, with a standard 9-inch Garmin multi-function display to the right. A wireless phone charger is located in a glove box below the Mercury DTS throttle, and behind that is a refrigerated cup holder for the captain. The standard Klipsch audio system includes two subwoofers, eight speakers, two amps and Bluetooth connectivity.

A fiberglass base also supports the rear seating. An L-shaped lounge with a power backrest at the stern can be adjusted to a fore- or aft-facing seat, or folded flat into a full sun pad. As an option, our boat was powder-coated in graphite ($507) on the aluminum ski-tow bar to match the graphite deck trim and rails ($830). The optional cladded aluminum arch ($20,769) includes RBG LED lighting and two additional Klipsch can speakers.

The triple-tube Crest CP3 Performance chassis features a 26-inch center tube and 25-inch outer tubes, with lifting strakes on the center tube and inboard on the outer tubes, heavy-duty nose cones and an aluminum underskin, plus dual batteries and an onboard charger. SeaStar power steering is standard, as is a center-tube ski locker. A generous 82-gallon fuel tank ($384) is an upgrade from the standard 52-gallon tank, and a good match for the 350 hp Mercury Verado on our test boat. This hull ran true and steady all the way up to 50 mph in our performance trial. A flagship indeed.

High Points

• Distinctive fiberglass bow modules and seat bases.
• No more fishing around for seat adjustment levers.
• AquaTread deck is easier to clean than woven vinyl.
• Offered with optional privacy curtain, flip-up table or stowage chest.

Specs

LOA: 26′9″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 1′6″

Dry Weight: 4,426 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: NA/2,790 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 85 gal.

Price: $137,538

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury Verado 350

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

Fuel Load: 43 gal.

Crew Weight: 190 lb.

More Information

Crest Pontoons – Owosso, Michigan; 989-725-5188; crestpontoonboats.com

The post 2021 Crest Savannah 250 SLS appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

There are many examples of Crest showing off on the Caribbean Platinum 250 SLS. Powder-coated perimeter fencing features a dramatic flare aft, with a bold, arrow-shaped accent piece that ties neatly into an optional clad tower overhead. Look closer at that molded accent and you’ll note the logo lights up, as do interior speakers in a variety of shades. The helm features a dash that is a showcase of billet aluminum, with two rows of aircraft-style lighted toggles across the bottom. The captain’s cup holder is actually refrigerated. The vinyl flooring on our test boat had the look of aged teak.

Interior and Accessories

Forward, 7-foot parallel lounges invite passengers to stretch out and relax, or buddy up when entertaining a party-size crew. Rather than vinyl-covered roto-molded plastic, seat bases are sleek, molded fiberglass. Cushions hinge up and stay open during loading and unloading on articulating hinges. A pop-up changing curtain is tucked away at the tail end of the port bench. The height of comfort, however, is found in the powered, four-position swing-back seat aft. Part of an L-shaped couch that finishes out the interior, it adds an aft-facing couch in standard position. Pivot the seatback forward to create an aft-facing recliner, or fully flat to form a sun bed at the touch of a nearby toggle.

Engine

The 250 SLS features Crest’s CP3 Performance Package, which pairs twin 25-inch outer tubes around a central 26-inch tube pontoon dropped 1 inch to create a V-hull effect. Other performance-related elements of the package include an aluminum underskin, lifting strakes, and SeaStar electronic power-assist steering. Paired with a 300 hp Mercury outboard, the result was spirited, with agile handling, instantaneous planing, and a top speed of 43.2 mph. Since our test date, Crest has upped the minimum horsepower to 350, which should only improve our performance numbers.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 300
• Prop: Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 40 gal. Crew Weight: 355 lb.

High Points

• CP3 Performance Package also adds dual battery switches and battery boxes, a battery charger, aluminum ski-tow bar, integrated transom and oversize fuel tank.
• Fusion audio system includes head unit, six speakers, 10-inch subwoofer and amplifier.
• Furniture cutouts include space for multiple cup holders and dual USB charging ports.

Low Points

• Center-tube in-floor ski locker is narrow and smaller than most.
• Underhelm wiring needs to be organized and better supported to prevent snags from the cooler or other stowed items.

Toughest Competitor

Like Crest, Manitou’s 25 Legacy SL ($94,700 with Evinrude G2 300) sports its own stylish twist on the traditional fence enclosure, offers dual lounges forward, twin helm seats and a large multiposition aft lounge, and even embraces a small amount of aluminum billet on the dash. Manitou’s model combines 25-inch outer pontoons with a central 27-inch tube for a more dramatic V-hull effect. With the 300 hp Evinrude, it also peaked at 48 mph.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Crest Marine – Owosso, Michigan; 989-725-5188; crestpontoonboats.com

The post 2020 Crest Caribbean Platinum 250 SLS appeared first on Boating Mag.

Crest’s Caribbean line of pontoon boats promises exceptional comfort, a fact that rings true the moment you step through the bow gate into the luxury of this boat’s cockpit. Parallel lounges stretch a full 7 feet on both the port and starboard sides. The accent in the lumbar region features a unique texture and raised pattern. Stowage is found below in gelcoated fiberglass—not roto-molded plastic—seat bases, and handy coolers rest below the center portion of each bench. Articulating hinges allow seat bases to pivot fully up for access, and keep them there while loading and unloading gear, a convenience you’ll appreciate every time you take this ’toon out for a ride.

Adjacent to the side boarding gate, a standard privacy curtain rises out of the tail end of the port bench. Switch it out for a handy set of drawers or a convenient set of tables. The helm looks just like a work of art to us. It is covered in billet aluminum panels that have been machined to not only look towboat-hip, but also include hooded gauge surrounds. Rather than plastic rocker switches, aircraft-style toggle switches add the perfect complement to both the left and right side of a stylish, stainless-steel-spoked wheel. Centered above is a Simrad touchscreen multifunction display. Across the entire helm, multiple angles and facets result in a futuristic look while providing excellent ergonomics.

To port, Crest completes seating with an additional captain’s chair followed by an L-shaped bench aft, the central portion of which features a powered, four-position swing-back seat. In normal running position it’s a forward-facing bench, with a near-mirror-image bench facing the swim platform. Pivot the seatback forward, and the focus shifts to an aft-facing recliner; angle it all the way flat to form a 4-feet-8-inch-by-3-feet-4-inch sun bed. Aft cushions tilt up on a ratcheting mechanism to provide various angles of forward-facing back support if desired.

Underway, the Caribbean revealed agile manners, riding on a 25-/26-/25-inch triple-tube combo that easily handled a variety of water conditions. With a Mercury 300 outboard on the transom, the boat zoomed forward, topping out at 43.2 mph.

High Points

·Deluxe flooring offers the upscale look of aged teak, with the minimal maintenance of vinyl.

·Cool standards include RGB lighting and a refrigerated—yes, refrigerated—captain’s cup holder at the helm.

Specs

LOA: 26′6″

Draft (max): 1′3″

Dry Weight: 3,742 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 12/1,740 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 85 gal.

Price: $120,785 (with test power)

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury 300

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

Fuel Load: 40 gal.

Crew Weight: 355 lb.

More Information

Crest Marine – Owosso, Michigan; 989-725-5188; crestpontoonboats.com

The post 2020 Crest Caribbean Platinum 250 SLS appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Caribbean Platinum 250 SLS by Crest Marine is a fantastic family pontoon boat, and it has a ton of great features. With a slightly larger center pontoon, this boat has improved banking and handling. The Caribbean Platinum is in the top tier of Crest’s luxury series, and it has a lot of comfortable and high-quality amenities.

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