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
| Price: | $164,900 (with Mercury 350 Verado) |
| LOA: | 26’8″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 4,474 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 11/1,557 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 77 gal. |
Crest Pontoons – Owosso, Michigan; crestpontoonboats.com
