zachstovall.com +1 407-492-8774 1877 Karolina Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 USA
The Dorris family began PlayCraft back in 1974 in the earliest days of powerboating, when six-cylinder 150-plus hp outboards began to emerge. Soon after, Jim Dorris stretched the wings of his aluminum-boat company to high-performance pontoons tried and tested in the Lake of the Ozarks Rescue Shootout. In fact, he was the first to enter his pontoon in the performance proving ground; because of this, some say he’s the founder of performance pontoons altogether.
His latest, the Powertoon X-Treme 3110, is proof that PlayCraft intends to continue setting records with its boats.
Everything about it screams “Winner!” Livorsi controls and gauges give the helm the performance edge. Twin Mercury Racing 400 hp outboards respond to every twist of the power-assist helm, and every degree of throttle rewards with more speed.
It’s not just the horsepower that grants the Powertoon its speed. PlayCraft’s proprietary Rac-R-Fins on special U-shaped pontoons provide lift while enhancing control. The boat heels sweetly in turns rather than rolling outward like most pontoons. The ride is so smooth that in our test ride, a coffee drinker could sip away with confidence. That’s a nod to stronger crossbeams, placed at closer intervals to tie the outer tubes solidly to the oversize 36-inch center tube to keep the hull rigid in the most unruly conditions. Performance means comfort too.
But even when the Powertoon is at anchor, and its crew is lounging in the comfort of many couches and bucket helm chairs, the X-Treme 3110 looks race-ready. Graphics in the side panels match sewn-in graphics in the upholstery. Infinity flooring is handsome enough for a living room but easier to clean and sturdier than concrete. Conveniences include overboard draining coolers. And when swimmers want to climb aboard, they can do so easily thanks to the patented steps built right into the tubes. It all leaves us wondering, “What will PlayCraft do next?”
High Points
* PlayCraft’s Rac-R-Fins add performance and inspired the performance pontoon category in 1995.
* PlayCraft’s patented boarding steps are integrated into the tubes.
* Powertoon accessories like Livorsi controls and upholstery and graphics are designed to inspire race-ready boaters.
How We Tested
Engine: Twin Mercury Verado 400 R
Drive/Prop: Enertia 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 50 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Price
Unavailable (at press time)
Contact
PlayCraft Boats Richland, Missouri; 573-765-3265; playcraftboats.com
