Beam: 8’3″
Dry Weight: 1,947 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 9/1,200 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 24 gal.
More Information: cypresscaypontoons.com
New for 2015, the Cypress Cay Cambio series offers simpler layout options and a lighter weight to customers who frequently trailer their boat, cruise smaller bodies of water, and demand an easy-to-use watercraft with great stability. Its straightforward layout is just what the pontoon crowd demands. In the bow, twin lounges offer plenty of seating space and invite party conversation. Aft, an over 6-foot-long couch runs along the port side, opposite a similar 4-foot lounge to starboard. Including the captain’s chair, that makes room for up to 10 passengers with our test boat’s 25-inch pontoon upgrade.
All the seating tilts up on single-part hinges to access the roto-molded stowage below. It’s low-maintenance and, though left exposed as a way to reduce cost, boasts a near-seamless match to the vinyl color above. The attractive helm includes a bucket helm seat with flip-down armrests, Jensen stereo with two speakers, and analog gauge package. Though the Cambio can be had with our test boat’s Mercury 90 outboard for as little as $21,000, it’s tempting to upgrade. Two of the most useful options are a built-in, 24-gallon fuel tank and hydraulic steering, the latter of which greatly improves the boat’s manners. Our test boat was also optioned to include 25-inch-diameter pontoon tubes with lifting strakes, woven teak flooring, two additional speakers and a cockpit table. Cypress Cay also offers a simple changing room option, a curtained enclosure that can be attached below the Bimini top.
The aforementioned Mercury 90 Command Thrust outboard powered the Cambio onto plane in 3.2 seconds, although there is little bow rise to speak of. The boat reached 20 mph in 5.4 seconds before peaking at 28.3 mph. That’s enough speed for basic tow duties. The engine will also cruise happily at just under 23 mph, burning only about five gallons per hour.
Buyer’s Spotlight
*Abundant seating and storage co-exist in an attractive yet cost-sensitive model.
*A wealth of options include built-in fuel tank, 25-inch-diameter pontoons and durable woven flooring.
*Mercury Command Thrust outboard is fuel-efficient and provides adequate power for basic water-sports duties.
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 90 Command Thrust
Prop: Black Max 16″ x 16″ 3-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 2.38:1
Fuel Load: 24 gal.
Crew Weight: 360 lb.
Price
$22,450 (with test power/fuel tank/tube upgrade)
Contact
Cypress Cay Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; cypresscaypontoons.com
