Beam: 8’1″
Dry Weight: 1,456 lb. (without engine)
Seating/Weight Capacity: 8/1,735 lb.
Fuel Capacity: Portable More Information: princecraft.com Princecraft
Fun on the water is a four-letter word spelled J-A-Z-Z. Don’t believe us? Check out the performance data.
With a 60 hp Mercury outboard providing the power, Princecraft’s Jazz 180 propels you across the lake fast enough to create a breeze and carries you to and from your fishing hole before lunch, plus it allows you to pull some kids on a tube. What it doesn’t do is have you make a beeline for the fuel dock.
Don’t confuse the Jazz 180’s low price and economical operation with a lack of features. It proved versatile during our test, displaying standards that surprised even some of our most jaded testers, along with just the right options to really personalize this ’toon. Just check out the helm to see some examples.
There, we noted a swiveling, high-back helm seat — the optional model, which is two-tone and sports armrests. This grants the skipper a comfortable and commanding view, in addition to easy control of the engine and accessories. An array of illuminated electrical switches installed in the black insert of the dash panel provides control of pumps, the horn, lights and more.
A Regal Edition, our tester boasted one of three optional colors with graphics, extra-fancy upholstery with piping, and the aforementioned swiveling, two-tone captain’s chair. The Jazz 180 we tested also boasted the Alto package ($517) that includes a deep swim ladder and a table that our testers applauded for its size, heft and inclusion of chrome drink holders. The Concert package ($842) includes a Jensen stereo that rocked our sea trial, plus a speedo, tach, horn, dandy LED docking lights and a smoked windshield.
Further still, this test boat was equipped with the full camper-canvas option that turns the Jazz 180 into a lake cottage.
Construction is top-notch, despite the low price. The logs are made from 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum. Heavy-duty extruded Z-aluminum cross channels provide support. This is a solid ’toon.
High Points
*Logs are made from 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy.
*Super economical to buy and to run; engine options begin at 9.9 hp.
*Regal Edition graphics and upholstery will impress your crew.
*Camper-canvas option proved easy to set up and strike during our test.
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 60 Command Stroke
Prop: Mercury SpitFire 13¾” x 11″ 3-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 2.33:1
Fuel Load: 6 gal.
Crew Weight: 370 lb.
Price
$15,364 (base with test engine)
Contact
Princecraft Princeville, Quebec, Canada; 800-395-8858; princecraft.com
