Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

Premier 275 S-Series PTX

The wide-open floor plans that make pontoon boats so excellent for entertainment also make them a candidate for another descriptive e-word: exposed. Most ’toons we’ve tested feature little more than a raked plastic wind-blocker atop the console that provides little protection from the wind.

So the first thing we noticed about the Premier 275 S-Series PTX was its stylish windshield, with squared-off retro frame evocative of the runabouts of our youth. The second runabout-like feature on board is the dual-console setup; Premier calls it the Dual Command View. The driver and co-pilot have matching Signature bucket seats and both have digital Beacon displays flush-mounted in the consoles. The beacon display shows digital gauges, the GPS, stereo controls, accessories and even a backup spotter cam.

The only difference? The driver gets to grab onto the curly maple steering wheel and put the boat through its paces. Our tester had the PTX performance package, which includes a wider center tube that flattens aft like a pad on a bass boat. PTX gives the boat tremendous lift so that it rides on top of the water rather than plowing like a traditional pontoon. The boat also leans into turns like a fiberglass V-hull, giving it superior handling compared with traditional pontoons. With a 300 hp Evinrude E-TEC our test boat hit 30 mph in just 6.5 seconds before topping out at 41 mph. It also climbed onto plane in 2.4 seconds with almost undetectable bow rise, which is another PTX benefit.

Of course, one of the main reasons people flock to pontoons is for entertainment, and the 275 S-Series doesn’t disappoint. A removable filler couch can be used to create wraparound seating in the bow area or in the aft cockpit. All the cushions lift out on Premier’s EZ Hinge system for easy access to the stowage beneath. All, that is, except for those on the couch behind the helm. That one holds the Mirage changing room, which pops open ready to use just by lifting the strap.

Comparable model: Manitou X-Plode 27 SRS