The parent company that makes PlayCraft pontoon boats has a long history of breaking performance records. It was the first to break the speed barrier in pontoons by entering the world’s largest shootout, the Lake Rescue Shootout at Captain Ron’s in Sunrise Beach, Missouri. The company currently holds numerous records in pontoons through its Hampton brand too. And then there’s the Charger bass-boat run down the Mississippi, from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, in under 24 hours — the record still stands.
But this Infinity, while quicker than the average pontoon, is just as noteworthy for its beauty and comfort, wrapped like a sports car and pushed by a Mercury Racing 400 hp outboard. PlayCraft originated strakes on its pontoon in the first shootout run. Now every boat it builds has them, as do most of its competitors’ boats. But PlayCraft strakes are different, giving the boat the lift needed for speed but also the hookups needed for comfortable turns.
Then there’s the patented boarding steps built right into the pontoons. Jim Dorris got the idea for these from a sailboat in the Virgin Islands. He sketched out a design for his crew, got them busy building it and got the legal team busy patenting it. Both tubes have them on this boat, giving cruisers choices when swimming and boarding.
The tubes themselves are powder-coated — a feature only offered in the better brands, which keeps the pontoons looking good and tarnish-free for years. The rails are powder-coated for a stunning look. PlayCraft uses only the best vinyl, and it custom-designs the upholstery in its own shop to match the buyer’s color selections. The four-bucket-seat arrangement amidships is new for 2019, and our crew loved the seats, particularly when racing across the water in the high 50s. The area is perfectly shaded under the wakeboard tower with Bimini top, and the driver gets to enjoy it all from the custom bucket seat. Movable cup holders are a PlayCraft feature, and so is the custom-cushioned cooler cocktail table — prop your feet up on it and relax. That’s what pontoons are for.
High Points
- Premium powder-coated finish is durable and handsome.
- Audio system includes LED-lighted speakers and RGB controller.
- RGB controller also adjusts courtesy and pontoon lights for an exciting evening look.
Price: $139,000
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Racing 400 hp
Drive/Prop: Enertia 19″ pitch 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75: 1
Fuel Load: 30 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
PlayCraft Boats – Richland, Missouri; 573-765-3265; playcraftboats.com
