SAVANNAH 250 SLS
Asculpted 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 vinylcovered 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 multifunction 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.
While this PlayCraft represents a midprice package at just under $120,000, it’s a full-zoot custom rig with enough power and speed to satisfy, and features and benefits to keep owners and fun-seekers occupied. Underneath, 0.09-inch-thick, 24-inch-diameter triple pontoons are fitted with skin guards on the nose keels for worry-free beaching. Foam flotation fills each pontoon for safety and noise deadening. Underdeck, all-aluminum cross members are fitted 16 inches on center and covered with aluminum spray-shield panels. Extruded side-deck bumpers and cast corner protectors are standard fare. CCA seven-ply wood decking that features a lifetime warranty is attached with corrosion-resistant fasteners.
A color-matched Bimini top is standard, as is a Wet Sounds stereo with four RGB-lit speakers and a remote. Infinity woven-vinyl flooring covers the deck. The furniture layout is spacious for parties yet still gives plenty of lounge room for riding and relaxing. Two bow and two stern sofas hinged to roto-cast bases also boast plenty of storage underneath. A removable snack table is also standard. Movable drink holders can be placed anywhere they’re convenient. The fiberglass pilot’s console features a Lexan windshield, tilt helm and full complement of instruments, along with an optional 5-inch Simrad multifunction/chart-plotter package. The captain’s helm chair is fit for a CEO, with adjustments for height and legroom, and it reclines and has movable armrests. Docking, courtesy and running lights are standard. On our test rig, RGB mood lighting was installed topside, along the rub rail and underwater. An optional wakeboard tower plus tow pylon were powder-coated in blue to complement the paint scheme.
The Verado power is exceptionally quiet, allowing for even-toned conversation at 40-plus mph speeds. It pulls like a freight train—zero to 30 mph in a cat-quick 5.1 seconds—and the straked pontoon tubes plane at a slow 14 mph and 2,200 rpm.
PlayCraft’s rigs are unique, with performance and style that are unmistakable among other pontoons. That is naturally so because each PlayCraft is custom-built, styled and rigged to suit the owner.