Swiss ARMY
KNIFE of BOATS
THE ADVENT OF THE deckboat
undoubtedly had a number of marine
prognosticators forecasting the demise
of its pontoon cousin. Well, all one
has to do is look out on their
favourite lake and they’ll see that the
popularity of the pontoon boat has
held its own quite nicely, thank you.
Pontoons are the Swiss Army
knives of boats. They’re ideal for fishing, cruising and, if appropriately
powered, capable of pulling skiers,
boarders and water toys. They’re also
great for transporting bulky items to
and from that island cottage. More
responsible for their continued popularity, though, are the numerous
refinements in style, luxury, amenities
and performance.
Evidence of these refinements can
easily be seen in the Vision 23 L
which, in 2007, joined Princecraft’s 19
and 21 foot models. This model carries a full 23’ 2” length overall, a trail-
erable 8’ 6” beam and is carpeted
throughout. Entry and exit points
abound with lift-and-lock gated access
at the bow, stern as well as amidships on the port and starboard sides.
Forward of the helm, port and starboard inward facing lounge seats can
comfortably seat three per side.
Alternatively, sun worshippers can
choose to recline against the angled
rear-facing backrest. Seat cushions rest
on roto-cast bases and, when lifted,
reveal cavernous storage for bulky
items such as canvas covers and aluminum support poles for the
retractable bimini tower. Evidence of
Princecraft’s attention to detail can be
found in the absence of sharp edges
around all storage openings ensuring
that hands and arms are protected
against scrapes as items are stowed
and removed. Storage-surrounds are
also grooved to channel water away
from the contents.
PERFORMANCE
Test boat engine: 150 HP
Mercury Optimax, V6 two
stroke, 153 ci/2507 cc, electronic
fuel injection, with 151/2 X 15
Black Max 3-blade stainless
steel propeller
Cruising Speed: 4500/22
rpm/mph
Top Speed: 5200/40.2 rpm/mph
A lengthy L-Shaped lounge can be
found to port of the plush, swiveling
helm seat and is ideally situated for
comfortably conversing with the skipper while underway. Copious
amounts of additional storage reside
here as well. The helm itself, shielded
by a smoked plexiglass quick-release
windscreen, is arrayed with Faria
white-on-black gauges reporting
speed, engine revs and voltage and
