Founded in Quebec in 1954, Princecraft has mastered the art of making aluminum boats. You might even call it their specialty. This manufacturer has forged its reputation with fishing boats, but that doesn’t mean it’s a latecomer to the world of pontoons. This year, it offers just under 30 different models including the BRIOe, a model powered by an electric motor.
Canada is well known for its countless lakes. Pontoons are often the ideal choice for navigating these lakes, since they’re more suitable for smaller, calmer bodies of water. As the quintessential party boats, their setup allows you to host a large number of passengers, play water sports or just glide along peacefully. Some models can reach higher speeds and manage quite well on rivers, but if speed and river boating is your thing, you can find more practical boats for the task. Hence, pontoons are most often found on lakes.
A luxury line
We tested the 2012 SVX 27, a pontoon from the manufacturer’s top-of-the-line SVX series, on a rainy day. In the past, pontoons sold for their simplicity and affordability, but the opposite is true for the SVX line. These are boats that boast outstanding comfort and attention to detail. Who said pontoons can’t be luxurious?
With a length of 27.2 feet (8.3 m) and beam of 8.6 feet (2.6 m), the SVX 27 is the second biggest pontoon offered by Princecraft, dwarfed only by its 29-foot model. Its impressive dimensions allow for a spacious layout and excellent stability on the water. From the outside, we can appreciate its modern design and beautiful color scheme. They make it extremely elegant, which is not always the case with pontoons. Another highlight is the fully molded fibreglass bow that includes a swim platform, docking lights and fender racks.
Two configuration possibilities
The SVX 27 is offered in two different configurations: the first has an outboard and the second a sterndrive motor. The outboard motor offers more fuel economy and easier access for maintenance, while the sterndrive allows for a better stern layout, particularly the addition of a large fibreglass swim platform that includes a ladder and a place for a BBQ. As the motor is beneath the sunpad, the whole stern is freed up, and the manufacturer made the most of it.
On board, the spaciousness is appreciated. You can move around easily without stepping on each other’s toes. The number of seats on board the SVX 27 permits all passengers to sit comfortably, whether on the L-shaped bench at the stern, or on one of two loveseats on either side of the bow. There are too many standard features to list, but we must mention the pop-up change room at the stern and the snack bar, with sink and optional fridge, in the bow.
The raised cockpit offers a good forward view, and its ergonomics is appreciated. Everything is easy to find and understand. The molded dash panel with wood grain inserts adds a touch of style. We also like the windscreen that protects you from the wind in cooler weather. You can also opt for a full camper enclosure that will shelter you from bad weather or even let you spend the weekend on board.
On the water
If you opt for an outboard motor, you can choose 50 to 250 HP. This affects your pontoon’s price as well as its performance. Its Mercury Verado 200 HP motor gave our test model enough power to offer reasonable performance. This engine makes the pontoon suitable for different water sports. In order to properly control this power, boats with the more powerful Verado motors come equipped with a third pontoon as a standard feature, offering better performance and stability.
With 200 HP, our test model was gliding on the water in seconds. The SVX’s great stability, even at high speeds, is surprising. We reached a top speed of 40 mph at a rotation of 6,400 rpm, with fuel consumption that was quite reasonable. Steering is precise and easy to handle at low speeds, but requires more effort at high speeds despite the hydraulic steering.
Moreover, the Princecraft SVX displays a lovely assurance and its attractive length makes life on the waves easier. This is a high-performance pontoon that is practical and doesn’t lack for creature comforts.