The test Cayman LE 250 boasted a single Mercury Racing Verado 400R supercharged four-stroke outboard spinning a 15-by-15-inch Mercury Enertia stainless-steel three-blade prop for a top speed approaching 55 mph. Numbers like that may surprise upstart PWC riders, who may challenge when they see the Mercury Racing logo on the engine. For watersports, this rig rips — we hit 30 mph in just 6.2 seconds. Flat-calm conditions didn’t help; a package this size (3,715 pounds with engine) can always use wind chop to free up the hull. Regardless, the Cayman was thrifty with a gallon, despite the speed jones of the big Merc; our best cruise was a sedate 13 mph, where the engine sipped 3.8 gph, calculating to 3.5 mpg. With a 48-gallon fuel capacity, that’s a 150-mile range leaving 10 percent in the tank as reserve. Even at a healthy 4,000 rpm and 28 mph, the numbers were 9.5 gph and 3 mpg. Handling was predictable and lively; we were able to get the Cayman up and dancing at speed, and it gave solid and secure footing in turns. Rigging is exemplary: The big Verado is securely bolted to a stout extended aluminum reinforced transom, with clean wiring and hose routing.
The Cayman’s SL layout is ideal for families and cruise parties. The pilot sits royally on a plush high-back reclining captain’s chair on a raised platform. A wraparound console features a crispy-clean dash layout with great access to the binnacle control and view of the Simrad GO7 display, digital instruments and upgraded JL Audio Blue Water sound system. Sea-grass flooring combines well with diamond-stitched pillow-top upholstery; it’s comfortable and looks high-end yet is easy to keep clean. In the bow, center-facing loungers make it a gathering place; amidships, the driver’s console and L-shaped lounge arrange an excellent second party center. A cool electric extending stainless-steel boarding ladder is mounted to an extended swim platform, with a wide-body sun lounge with reversible seat back. Our tester also featured the slick Blackout Edition package, with black powder-coated fencing, a Bimini top and rub rail.
High Points
* T3 performance package (triple 25-inch-diameter pontoons with enclosed underskin that reduces drag from exposed cross members, lifting strakes and rough-water reinforcing) makes this ride suited for rougher conditions.
* Simrad GO7 display with Vessel-View gives the pilot seemingly limitless information about engine and boat performance, engine statistics, and GPS location and chart plotter for trip mapping.
Price: $116,889 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury Racing Verado 400R FourStroke 400 hp
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 30 gal.
Crew Weight: 375 lb.
More Information
Cypress Cay – Fort Wayne, Indiana; 260-432-4555; cypresscaypontoons.com
