The smart-looking Trifecta 23C is all about comfort, starting with a ride offered with the 3.0 performance package. This combination of features takes advantage of three 25-inch-diameter tubes — including a full-length center log — that are separated by a pair of curved aluminum underbelly sheets that run the length of the deck. This addition reduces drag to boost speed and efficiency, and dampens noise, helping to provide the quiet ride we experienced during testing.
In addition, this package includes Sea Star hydraulic steering and a power-assist steering pump for more precise control of the performance provided by the ride features mentioned above.
The pontoons are secured to the boat’s crossbeams using full-length extruded risers for rigidity. The tubes are also pressurized — an extra detail not all pontoon builders commit to — and baffled to minimize the risk of dents from bumping the dock.
Topside, Trifecta passengers have three ways to step aboard the expansive deck, which include a portside gate, as well as traditional entries at the bow and stern. The stern gate also provides access to a large swim platform fitted with a sport ski tow bar and a four-step, telescopic boarding ladder. We liked this broad platform for having enough space for several crew members to use at once.
Cockpit seating is plush, constructed with multidensity foam covered in soft-touch vinyl. Wraparound seating in the bow features forward-facing chaise-style lounges, while the rear portside lounge chair in the cockpit faces aft to monitor tow sports in comfort. The Trifecta’s comfort attributes extend all the way down to the deck itself, which is covered in tropical-weave flooring installed over a pad for extra cushioning underfoot.
A high-back helm chair with armrests reclines and swivels for the captain’s comfort and faces a high-tech dashboard. We noted a Murphy digital instrumentation display, analog gauges, and a Clarion marine stereo complete with Bluetooth connectivity and weather-band functions.
This new 24-foot pontoon boat from Forest River handled well during our performance trials. We recorded top speeds over 33 mph while running our two-way speed tests. During acceleration testing, wherein we average the results of three runs, the zero-to-30 mph time we recorded was just over eight seconds, thanks to the power provided by a single 150 hp Mercury FourStroke EFI ouboard.
High Points
*Triple-tube design with a full-length center tube
*There are boarding gates on the port side, as well as in the bow and stern.
*Clarion stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and weather band
*Elevated sun pad over the pop-up changing room at the transom
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 150 EFI
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15.6″ x 13″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.92:1
Fuel Load: 12 gal.
Crew Weight: 240 lb.
Price
$52,236 (MSRP with motor and rig, not including prop, freight and taxes)
Contact
Forest River Marine Middlebury, Indiana; 574-825-8696; trifectapontoon.com
