What we think: South Bay introduced the 922CR in late 2006 with a big splash. At that time our test team thought it was one of the best-appointed pontoons right out of the starting gate. It was so successful that the boat comes into 2008 with only minor changes. And that's just fine with us. In fact, we wish more manufacturers wouldn't change things when a superior design has been landed on. Why, for example, did spinner wheels on steering wheels go away? We believe they should be standard equipment on all boats, as the knobs greatly aid handling at any speed.
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South Bay 922CR TT I/O
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South Bay 722CR
South Bay's drawing board has been a busy place during the past 24 months. The brand was introduced in late 2005 with upscale appointments for buyers across a wide spectrum of budgets. In this competitive pontoon segment, South Bay had to make a solid impression right off the bat. The 722CR is a good example of how they've done just that.
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South Bay 722CR
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South Bay 925 CRTT I/O
We always look forward to seeing the latest from South Bay. Luxury and performance distinguish it from many of the other pontoons we see. It might not be that it's first with every new feature in the marketplace, but it always finds a unique way to blend new trends into the brand.
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South Bay 925 CRTT I/O
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South Bay 722 CR TT
The 722CR TT that showed up at our test sporting a 300 hp outboard was just back from the annual Lake Rescue Shootout in Missouri. There it had set a class record by topping 60 mph. That's nice for the resume, but don't let the numbers fool you. We admit it was a thrill to get the boat up and running across our test lake. But we also found that during leisure cruises, this boat provides luxury plus performance in a combination that avoids compromise.
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South Bay 722 CR TT
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South Bay 722CR Trifecta
Boaters of every ilk can see from a quick introduction to the new 722CR Trifecta that it's designed to impress upscale crowds. The high-back captain's chair has soft-touch vinyl and faces a mack-daddy console, which is really a display case for a Humminbird GPS, a Jensen stereo head unit and a deep sink fed by an eightgallon freshwater tank. The exterior carries a streamlined look with solid-color panels, and a full-width stern boarding platform extends more than a foot beyond the sun pad and is smartly covered in vinyl.
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South Bay 722CR Trifecta
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South Bay 925CR TT IO
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South Bay 922CR TT I/O
What we think: South Bay introduced the 922CR in late 2006 with a big splash. At that time our test team thought it was one of the best-appointed pontoons right out of the starting gate. It was so successful that the boat comes into 2008 with only minor changes. And that's just fine with us. In fact, we wish more manufacturers wouldn't change things when a superior design has been landed on. Why, for example, did spinner wheels on steering wheels go away? We believe they should be standard equipment on all boats, as the knobs greatly aid handling at any speed. South Bay's 922CR TT I/O has one, as do all of South Bay's 900 series pontoons.
Some manufacturers mount their deck tables on a single pedestal. South Bay's 900 series uses two mounts, making its tables much more stable. A granite look is achieved with gelcoat finishes on all tables and the console as well.
As refined as the boat is, South Bay takes as much pride in the workmanship that went into it. The deck's cross members are placed on center at 16-inch intervals, so South Bay's boats have seven more cross members than many other pontoons. This eliminates flex from the deck, making for a smoother ride and solid traffic areas. Also, South Bay uses a process called TIG welding on its tubes and rails, which creates a cleaner look than conventional MIG welding.
South Bay smartly mounted the fuel tank on the center tube amidships, placing the center of gravity where it belongs. It made a noticeable impression during our tests, as the boat moved gracefully, even as we neared the 50 mph mark.
Who should buy it: Boaters who value durability and luxury will gravitate to this model, as will those who like the idea of traveling nearly 50 mph with a 5.7-liter engine.
Vital Stats * Length Overall: 22'6' * Beam: 8'6' * Dry Weight: 2,935 lb. * Seating/Weight Capacity: 13/2,805 lb. * Fuel Capacity: 39 gal. * Max HP: 300 * MSRP (w/ 5.7L MerCruiser): $54,479 * NMMA Certified: Yes
Power picks
MerCruiser 4.3 MPI w/Alpha drive $49,422
MerCruiser 5.7 350 Mag $54,479
Also Consider...;
925CR TT Trifecta I/O EXP
Length: 26'4' (w/ platform)
Beam: 8'6"
Max HP: 525
The EXP package is built around a chassis that's specially designed for the wakeboard tower and rated for 525 ponies.
825CR TT Trifecta
Length: 25'
Beam: 8'6'
Max HP: 275
Everything on a typical options list comes as standard equipment on the 825.
Test Drive * Test Engine: Mercruiser 5.7 350 Mag * Test Prop: 24-pitch Bravo 3 * Test Load: People (180 lb.); Fuel (35 gal.) * Top Speed: 47.7 mph @ 4,950 rpm * Time to 20 mph: 6 sec. * Time to 30 mph: 9 sec.
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South Bay 722CR
South Bay's drawing board has been a busy place during the past 24 months. The brand was introduced in late 2005 with upscale appointments for buyers across a wide spectrum of budgets. In this competitive pontoon segment, South Bay had to make a solid impression right off the bat. The 722CR is a good example of how they've done just that.
At 22 feet, this model is manageable for any boater, and with triple tubes it delivers performance that's far above average. Our test boat topped out at 38 mph, but more telling was its punch out of the hole -- less than five seconds to 20 mph and less than eight seconds to 30. It's a fun drive, too, because of the power-assisted hydraulic steering that comes standard on all South Bay Trifecta models. The stern-drive version of the 722CR, which is rated for up to 300 horsepower, would satisfy the most hard-core performance enthusiast.
Strong as the 722CR runs, the core of the South Bay line is luxury. The seatbacks stretch high above the top rail, and the helm station is absolutely plush. The console, with its microfiber dash and full gauge package, is ergonomically among the best we've seen for the 2008 model year -- and one of the best-looking. Even the black-cherry color scheme on the exterior of our test boat carries a rich look. It's all backed with a five-year bow-to-stern warranty to provide long-term peace of mind.
Notable Features
* Black-cherry dual-exterior premium color package is a real eye-catcher.
* Power-assisted hydraulic steering makes navigating rough waters a breeze.
* Five-year bow-to-stern warranty is a generous protection plan.
* Deutsch plug-and-play electrical system is an automotive, waterproof electrical connector.
* Microfiber dash with full instrumentation is attractive and functional.
At a Glance
Boaters looking for high-end action out of a designer pontoon will find it here, especially when rigged with three tubes and a stern-drive motor.
Vital Stats
Length Overall: 24'
Beam: 8'6"
Dry Weight: 2,310 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 14/1,965 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 38 gal.
Maximum HP: 225
MSRP (w/ Mercury 150 OptiMax): $39,655
NMMA Certified: Yes
Test Drive
Test Engine: Mercury 150 OptiMax
Test Prop: 14.75 x 17 Revolution four-blade SS
Test Load: People (180 lb.); Fuel (15 gal.)
Top Speed: 38.1 mph @ 5,600 rpm
Time to 20 mph: 4.9 sec.
Time to 30 mph: 7.5 sec.
Power Curve
RPM/MPH/Sound Level (db)
Idle/2.7/61
1,000/4.7/63
1,500/6.3/65
2,000/8.3/68
2,500/14.2/74
3,000/19.1/82
3,500/23.0/82
4,000/26.5/82
4,500/30.2/84
5,000/34.2/85
5,600/38.1/88
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South Bay 925 CRTT I/O
We always look forward to seeing the latest from South Bay. Luxury and performance distinguish it from many of the other pontoons we see. It might not be that it's first with every new feature in the marketplace, but it always finds a unique way to blend new trends into the brand.
On this 925 CRTT, we settled into the spring-suspension reclining and swiveling helm seat. It was so comfortable, we could've dropped anchor on the near-deserted lake and napped. But the view from the elevated helm platform was so great, we cruised and enjoyed the vantage point. Actia instrumentation with fuel monitoring at the helm was integrated with a Garmin GPS Map 430S, giving us a reading on our miles per gallon, so we tuned the throttle to the most-efficient cruise speed of 3,200 rpm.
Special conveniences abound. The optional entertainment galley was topped with a marblelike top and equipped with a cordless blender. Exterior bling included stainless-steel corner castings, cleats, cup holders and table mounts.
The transom seating area converts from forward seating to aft seating to a double-wide sun pad. At anchor, when the seating module is in sun-pad mode, you can roll right off the cushions onto the full-beam swim deck that protects passengers from the gearcase and prop. Add the word convenience to luxury and performance, and you get what South Bay boats are built to provide.
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Key Note: South Bay focuses on luxury performance, then builds fun into the chassis with a full-beam platform and tow point.
Standout Features
• Jensen stereo has woofer and tweeter speakers in zones for optimum sound wherever you sit.
• Garmin GPS Map 430S gives plenty of how-to-get-there info, as well as nearby marinas.
• Sonar sensors monitor fuel levels, so there is never a float in the tank to fail.
• Supple upholstery and sculpted styling keep this model high on the luxury list.
Vital Stats * Length Overall: 26'4" * Beam: 8'6" * Dry Weight: 3,125 lb. * Seating/Weight Capacity: 14/1,910 lb. * Fuel Capacity: 51 gal. * Maximum HP: 600 * MSRP (test boat w/ MerCruiser 350 Mag MPI Bravo 3): See local dealer * NMMA Certified: Yes Test Drive * Test Engine: MerCruiser 350 Mag MPI B3 * Test Prop: 24" Bravo 3 * Test Load: People (400 lb.); Fuel (20 gal) * Optimum Cruise Speed: 26 mph @ 3,200 rpm @ 7.6 gph * Top Speed: 43.5 mph @ 5,500 rpm * Time to 30 MPH: 8 sec.
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South Bay 722 CR TT
The 722CR TT that showed up at our test sporting a 300 hp outboard was just back from the annual Lake Rescue Shootout in Missouri. There it had set a class record by topping 60 mph. That's nice for the resume, but don't let the numbers fool you. We admit it was a thrill to get the boat up and running across our test lake. But we also found that during leisure cruises, this boat provides luxury plus performance in a combination that avoids compromise.
With the engine throttle set at wide open and with three people aboard, the 722CR TT still hit 57 mph, and looked good in the process. South Bay has earned a well-deserved reputation for quality, as anyone who treads the 30-ounce Berber carpeting and sinks into the soft-touch upholstery can easily surmise. Underneath the comfort is a rugged chassis that's designed to handle the higher speeds and higher stresses of a large engine.
South Bay's answer is to set cross members on 16-inch centers as opposed to the 24-inch industry norm. This, plus corrosion-resistant fasteners, creates a significant increase in longitudinal rigidity.
The addition of a full-length aluminum underdeck performance skin and lifting strakes creates lift as speeds increase, and allows the boat to bank into turns — we noticed the effects as early as the 15 mph range. At higher speeds, the combination of lift and power-assisted hydraulic steering makes for a very enjoyable driving experience.
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Key Note: Premium appointments are a bonus in this pontoon experience, but the real story is the underlying construction and the performance potential.
Standout Features
• Center-mounted 54-gallon fuel tank will slake the thirst of a big outboard while keeping the weight balanced.
• Helm includes a premium MP3/iPod-ready sound system and a Humminbird depth finder and GPS nav system.
• Driver sits in a reclining, adjustable seat with spring-backed upholstery.
• Passenger seats are topped with premium soft-touch vinyl.
Vital Stats * Length Overall: 24' * Beam: 8'6" * Dry Weight: 2,590 lb. * Seating/Weight Capacity: 14/ 1,915 lb. * Fuel Capacity: 54 gal. * Maximum HP: 300 * MSRP: See local dealer * NMMA Certified: Yes Test Drive * Test Engine: Mercury 300 Optimax * Test Prop: 21" Revolution * Test Load: People (350 lb.); Fuel (35 gal.) * Top Speed: 57.1 mph @ 6,000 rpm * Time to 30 MPH: 9.5 sec.
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South Bay 722CR Trifecta
Boaters of every ilk can see from a quick introduction to the new 722CR Trifecta that it's designed to impress upscale crowds. The high-back captain's chair has soft-touch vinyl and faces a mack-daddy console, which is really a display case for a Humminbird GPS, a Jensen stereo head unit and a deep sink fed by an eightgallon freshwater tank. The exterior carries a streamlined look with solid-color panels, and a full-width stern boarding platform extends more than a foot beyond the sun pad and is smartly covered in vinyl.
That's easy. Long-term satisfaction, though, is rooted much deeper than a walk-through. For example, when we pulled up the changing room from the sun pad, we found a carpeted seat fastened to its own sturdy frame, with a continuation of the vinyl surface seen on the platform. To port of the sun pad is a dry compartment with easy access to the battery, power-assist steering reservoir, fuel filter/ water separator and hoses and wires that, on our test boat, were neatly coiled and zip-tied — a positive sign for construction details we would find throughout.
That glimpse of the power-assist steering source and the careful routing of cables gave us an idea about why the 722CR Trifecta would be among our favorite test drives. The entire chassis squats just enough to lift the front half of the tubes off the water once the boat reaches 3,000 rpm and above. This, and the easy one-hand steering, gave us the maneuvering qualities of a runabout. South Bay uses an arched performance skin on the underbelly, so the boat rides on something akin to a catamaran hull. The resulting ride is something you can't appreciate in pictures or short intros — it has to be experienced over the long haul.
Extra Points
• Swim ladder has a stainless-steel frame that doubles as grab rails to assist in reboarding.
• Optional stainless-steel package on our test boat adds durability and bling.
• Seat in changing room folds up when not in use, so space is not impeded.
• The clearance offered by the optional ski tow bar is a huge help when pulling water toys with an outboard motor.
Test Drive * Test Engine: Honda BF150 4-stroke * Test Prop: 15.5" X 15" stainless * Test Load: People (400 LB.) Fuel (25 GAL.) * Top Speed: 35.9 MPH @ 6,400 RPM * Time to 20 MPH: 5.9 sec. Vital Stats * Length Overall: 24'10" * Beam: 8'6" * Dry Weight: 2,610 LB.(boat only) * Seating/Weight Capacity: 14/2,030 LB. * Fuel Capacity: 54 GAL. * Max HP: 300 * MSRP: See Local Dealer * NMMA Certified: Yes
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South Bay 925 Super Sport
Decked out in a pristine pearl white with contrasting black and in-your-face lime-green accents, South Bay’s 925 Super Sport is definitely not your father’s pontoon. At both the bow and stern, stylish fiberglass seating modules break from traditional aluminum-panel-and-fence construction, using the familiar anodized rails and fence panels only to seamlessly link the bow and stern. Those forward seating consoles incorporate dual 4-foot-4-inch-long couches with generously padded thigh bolsters, forward-facing backrests and unique slide-out armrests. Amidships, dual reclining captain’s chairs with flip-up bolsters accommodate the captain and mate. Aft, a U-shaped lounge looks like it was lifted from a luxury cruiser. Step through the raised transomlike walk-through to the swim platform and find a 6-foot-wide couch that overlooks a full-beam swim platform with EVA deck padding. Stowage is located below all the seats, including the electrically raised couch. A sculpted, stainless-steel bow gate completes the upscale imagery.
Take a seat behind the fiberglass helm console and the decidedly premium vibe continues. The centerpiece is a Mercury VesselView 7 digital color touch-screen display. It provides control over nearly all the onboard functions, and includes a GPS, chart plotter and sonar. Controls for the Clarion waterproof stereo with MP3, iPod and Bluetooth capability sit to the left of the wheel.
Equipped with South Bay’s Trifecta performance package, our test boat included a trio of 25-inch-diameter pontoons paired with interior lifting strakes to plane more quickly and enhance maneuverability. Combined with the color-matched, white-hooded Mercury Verado 300s at the stern, the boat planed instantly, hit 30 mph in 5.8 seconds, and topped out at a speedy 58.9 mph. Linked to the optional Mercury joystick control, the engines moved independently to allow precise maneuvering around a crowded dock.
High Points
*South Bay’s 52-inch nose cones promise to enhance speed, reduce fuel consumption and provide an overall more comfortable ride.
*Full-length, roll-formed underdeck skin better manages water and airflow, resulting in greater efficiency.
*Triple-tube configuration provides space for an oversize ski locker.
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How We Tested
Engines: Twin Mercury Verado 300s
Drive/Props: 145/8" x 19" Revolution 4 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 57 gal.
Crew Weight: 550 lb.
Price
$227,273 (with test power)
Contact
Forest River Marine Elkhart, Indiana; 574-825-8696; forestriverinc.com
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South Bay 523 RS DC
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Sporting trendy styling, the South Bay 523 RS DC makes a statement before it even leaves the dock.
Sporting trendy styling, the South Bay 523 RS DC makes a statement before it even leaves the dock.
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South Bay 922CR TT I/O
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South Bay's 922CR TT I/O is one of the best-appointed pontoons right out of the starting gate.
South Bay's 922CR TT I/O is one of the best-appointed pontoons right out of the starting gate.
South Bay's 922CR TT I/O is one of the best-appointed pontoons right out of the starting gate.
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South Bay 722CR
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The 722CR delivers performance that's far above average.
The 722CR delivers performance that's far above average.
The 722CR delivers performance that's far above average.
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South Bay 925 CRTT I/O
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South Bay focuses on luxury performance, then builds fun into the chassis with a full-beam platform and tow point.
South Bay focuses on luxury performance, then builds fun into the chassis with a full-beam platform and tow point.
South Bay focuses on luxury performance, then builds fun into the chassis with a full-beam platform and tow point.
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South Bay 722 CR TT
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The 722 can provide high-speed thrills from the seats of a luxurious interior.
The 722 can provide high-speed thrills from the seats of a luxurious interior.
The 722 can provide high-speed thrills from the seats of a luxurious interior.
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South Bay 722CR Trifecta
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That smooth Teleflex power-assist steering and the careful routing of cables gave us an idea about why this was among our favorite test drives.
That smooth Teleflex power-assist steering and the careful routing of cables gave us an idea about why this was among our favorite test drives.
That smooth Teleflex power-assist steering and the careful routing of cables gave us an idea about why this was among our favorite test drives.
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South Bay 925 Super Sport
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South Bay's 925 Super Sport offers a comfortable, efficient ride.
South Bay's 925 Super Sport offers a comfortable, efficient ride.
South Bay's 925 Super Sport offers a comfortable, efficient ride.
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South Bay 523 RS DC
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Sporting trendy styling, the South Bay 523 RS DC makes a statement before it even leaves the dock.
Sporting trendy styling, the South Bay 523 RS DC makes a statement before it even leaves the dock.
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