May 27th 2011.
By Jeff Hemmel

Cypress Cay Cayman 250: Boat Test Notes

Boats.com reviewer Jeff Hemmel put together these test notes while completing our video boat review.

CONCEPT

While videographer Paul Cronin films, reviewer Jeff Hemmel chats with Cypress Cay's Jane Schlegel,

• Combines much of the speed and handling of a fiberglass V-hull with party-friendly layout of traditional pontoon

• Lowered central tube, aluminum skin, large lifting strakes provide impressive acceleration, thrilling handling

• Seating for 16, abundant stowage

• Able to head into bigger waters

Cayman 250 Performance Data

CONSTRUCTION

• 25” Aluminum pontoons; individual airtight compartments

• Continuous outboard riser adds strength, also functions as skirting

• Lifetime-guaranteed, marine plywood deck

• Cross-members alternate between heavier-duty C channel at the bow and stern for support, with Z-channel through center to reduce weight

PERFORMANCE

• Near 45 mph top speed w/Mercury 225hp Verado outboard

• Enough low-end acceleration to pull a skier or wakeboarder

• Smooth digital throttle and shift

HANDLING

• Carves exceptionally tight corners without blowing out the prop or suffering any lack of stability

• Jumps quickly onto plane

• Stable, confident ride when cruising Cypress Cay Cayman 250 Specifications

UNIQUE FEATURES

• Automotive-inspired helm; forward side features stowage for charts, etc, or though not insulated, can be used as cooler

• Center tube provides room for massive in-floor ski locker, includes bilge pump

• Stowage literally everywhere, even behind backrests

• Pop-up changing room below aft sunpad

• Flowing, curved rails eliminate boxy structure typical of a pontoon

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the Cypress Cay website.

About the author:

Jeff Hemmel

Profile: Jeff Hemmel writes for Boating, PersonalWatercraft.com, and Powersports Business. The former Senior Editor at Watercraft World, Jeff is a multi-time award winner as well as a 2008 inductee into the IJSBA Hall of Fame. His first book, The Anti-Pirate Potato Cannon...and 101 Other Things For Young Mariners To Try, Do, & Build On the Water, recently received a bronze medal in the 2010 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. For more info, visit Jeff Hemmel's website..

This feature was posted on Friday, May 27th, 2011 at 2:34 pm and is filed under Boat Review/Test, Boat Test Notes, Pontoon boat, Powerboat.