Crest Continental SLC 250 Review
- Reference price: from $138,385
- Type: Pontoon boat
- Weight: 4347 lbs
- Carrying capacity: 13 persons
What we like about it: The reasonable spatial layout and detailed design provide a comfortable experience for passengers.
What we didn’t like about it: The price is not very friendly for people with a limited budget.
Rating (4.7/5)
The Crest Continental SLC 250 pontoon boat stands out in terms of design. The innovative wraparound windshield with a full-size walk-through door is eye-catching. Crest boats are known for their excellent performance and comfortable riding experience, making them top players in the industry. Additionally, the wireless charging feature for electronic devices is very convenient and solves the problem of forgetting to bring a charging cable.
Now let’s provide a detailed introduction to the driving experience, riding experience, specifications, features, and more of the Crest Continental SLC 250.
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Driving Experience
Recently, my uncle purchased a Crest Continental SLC 250 pontoon boat. He invited our family to join them for a weekend boat outing, and we happily agreed.
The day of the outing arrived quickly. It was a sunny and beautiful day, perfect for outdoor activities. As soon as we stepped onto the boat, my cousin Steven eagerly headed towards the driver’s seat, and I followed suit with excitement.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, he introduced to me, “These adjustable seats can be adjusted forward, backward, and in height according to my driving habits. The armrest can also be adjusted in angle. What attracts me the most is that the central area of the seat can fold up. Especially during boat cruises, I can sit on it with a broader view of the lake’s beautiful scenery. It’s fantastic!”
Activation Effect
Following that, Steven started the engine, and the boat quickly left the shore, heading toward the center of the lake. The non-slip steering cushion under the driver’s feet ensured safety during the driving process. I watched as Steven placed his phone in the wireless charging area of the console, and the screen immediately lit up, showing that it was charging. “This is the most practical feature in my opinion. Even if I forget to bring a charging cable, I don’t have to worry about my phone running out of battery. You know how important my phone is to me,” Steven praised the functionality.
Lastly, he introduced the wraparound windshield, saying, “Crest pioneered this wraparound windshield design, which effectively protects passengers and the driver from wind, spray, and other weather factors. It also prevents the captain from being dazzled by sunlight reflecting off the water.”
Following the guidance of GPS, we soon arrived at a suitable docking point. Steven turned off the engine, and we joined the gathering with our families.
Riding Experience
My parents called my cousin and me to the rear of the boat. They took out ice-cold beers from the built-in cooler, and I accepted a drink from them. Taking a sip, it was incredibly refreshing! Being able to enjoy chilled beverages outdoors on a warm day is such a delightful experience.
I leaned back on the sofa, which was filled with high-density foam, making it extremely comfortable and soft to sit on. The side design of the sofa backrest perfectly supported my waist. Additionally, there are several drawer-like storage spaces on the side of the sofa for keeping wallets, keys, and other personal items. I pulled open the topmost drawer, and inside, there was a spare pair of sunglasses. I put them on to reduce direct sunlight on my eyes. Steven walked over and opened the bottommost drawer. Oh! It turned out to be a foldable small table. We could place some snacks and drinks on it.
Specification
The Crest Continental SLC 250 pontoon boat is impressive and noteworthy in many aspects as a leisure pontoon.
Firstly, in terms of cabin setup, the design of the co-pilot seat allows for alternating driving with the captain during long journeys, avoiding the negative impact of fatigued driving on boating safety. Additionally, the integrated windshield provides excellent protection for passengers and the driver, shielding them from wind, water, and debris, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The GPS navigation ensures accurate direction during the journey. The 9-inch electronic display screen above the console clearly shows the boat’s position and the area it is in, allowing the captain to have immediate information about the navigation.
Furthermore, the Crest Continental SLC 250 incorporates user-friendly features. For passengers, the advanced device of the wireless charging station conveniently powers devices even when the charging cable is forgotten. The upgraded fuel system boasts a capacity of up to 85 gallons, ensuring ease of handling long-distance trips.
Other Versions
If you’re interested in other boat types within the same series and would like to make comparisons before making a decision, we also have the Crest Continental SLC 270 available. Here’s a brief introduction to the Crest Continental SLC 270, hoping it will be helpful to you.
Crest Continental SLC 270
These two boats belong to the same series and share similar basic layouts, with minor differences in size and details.
In terms of boat size, the Crest Continental SLC 270 measures 27′ 4” in length and can accommodate up to 18 people for a shared recreational experience. Compared to the Crest Continental SLC 250 with a length of 25′, this design is more suitable for hosting larger parties.
Additionally, the SLC 270 offers more spaciousness, featuring a small table between the two rows of sofas at the bow, providing convenient access to personal belongings.
However, whether it’s the Crest Continental SLC 250 or the larger Crest Continental SLC 270, both boats are not budget-friendly due to the brand’s premium pricing. The added brand value contributes to their higher price levels. If you’re looking for a more affordable new boat, please contact us.
What we like about it
- The Ottoman cooler design facilitates chilled beverages, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable experience for passengers.
- The innovative full-size integrated windshield not only protects passengers and the captain but also reduces damage to the console.
- The 9-inch multifunctional display screen helps the captain have a clear understanding of the boat’s basic condition, further enhancing navigation safety.
- Remote-controlled color-changing lights around the boat create a vibrant atmosphere for nighttime gatherings.
- The luxurious Klipsch sound system provides passengers with high-quality audio, offering ultimate enjoyment for music lovers.
- The ample 85-gallon fuel capacity ensures long-lasting power for extended voyages.
What we don’t like about it
- The price is somewhat expensive and not very budget-friendly for people with limited finances.
- The wraparound windshield design creates separation between the bow and stern areas, limiting passengers’ freedom of movement.
FAQ
- Can a pontoon boat sink?
Generally, pontoon boats are primarily designed for calm lake waters, offering stability, shallow draft, and a comfortable riding experience. These boats are not prone to capsizing or sinking during normal operation. They are popular for fishing, leisure, and cruising activities, rather than high-speed and thrill-seeking adventures.
- How many people fit on a pontoon boat?
The number of people a pontoon boat can accommodate varies depending on factors such as boat size. For this specific model, a pontoon boat with a maximum horsepower of 300HP can accommodate up to 15 people simultaneously. With a higher horsepower configuration of 400HP, the passenger capacity decreases to 13.
- Is a pontoon a boat?
In reality, pontoons alone do not refer to a boat; they are a crucial component of a pontoon boat. A pontoon boat utilizes two or more cylindrical pontoons for buoyancy, allowing the boat to float on the water, with a wide and flat deck installed above the pontoons to carry passengers for leisure and recreational activities.
Crest Continental SLC 250 SPECS
Standard
250 CP3 (300HP) | 250 CP3(400HP) | |
Length(LOA) | 25’4″ | 25’4″ |
Horsepower | 300 HP | 400 HP |
Fuel Tank | 52gal | 85gal |
Persons Capacity | 15 | 13 |
Maximum Persons Weight | 2,125 lbs | 1785lbs |
Maximum Persons,Motor&Gear Weight | 2,865 lbs | 2,810 lbs |
Boat Weight | 4145lbs | 4347lbs |
Video
Comparison Table
Boats | Deck | Maximum horsepowerLimits | Maximum capacity limit |
Premier 250 SOLARIS RF | Overall length 25′ 5″ | 450 HP | 18 persons |
Avalon Excalibur Quad Lounge Windshield | Overall length 25′ | 900 HP | 9 persons |
Manitou Encore REAR FACING | Overall length 25′ | 600 HP | 14 persons |
Premier 250 SOLARIS RF vs Crest Continental SLC 250
The Premier 250 SOLARIS RF and Crest Continental SLC 250 have significant similarities in their main layouts, but there are still some slight differences.
Firstly, the most noticeable visual difference is the wraparound windshield of the latter. The windshield extends across the driver’s seat and co-pilot seat, with a door in the middle for passage between the bow and stern. In contrast, the former’s boat has a windshield only in front of the driver’s seat. While this simpler design may not be as effective in terms of protection, it does offer advantages in terms of convenient passage.
Secondly, the Premier 250 SOLARIS RF features a Simrad® GO9 display in the center of the console, providing clear chart navigation and engine data. Compared to the mechanical gauges of the Crest, Premier’s electronic display offers more precision, and the components on the console are not overly cluttered.
Lastly, Premier has built-in phone pockets under the sofas, effectively preventing the scattered placement of personal items and making them easier to find.
In conclusion, both of these boats are good choices, and you can choose according to your own needs.
Avalon Excalibur Quad Lounge Windshield vs Crest Continental SLC 250
These two boats belong to the category of leisure pontoon boats, and they share similarities in their basic functionality. However, if you frequently host small gatherings of up to ten people, the Avalon Excalibur Quad Lounge Windshield might be more suitable for you. With the same boat size, the Avalon has a lower passenger capacity, providing a more spacious activity area for each passenger.
On one hand, the Avalon can accommodate an upgraded dual-engine system, delivering significant horsepower, with a maximum capacity of up to 900HP. This boat is perfect for those seeking speed and excitement.
On the other hand, the Crest Continental SLC 250 offers a more comfortable seating design. The carefully designed sofa backrest is widened and thickened, using high-density cushioning materials that perfectly contour the passenger’s back curve. The Avalon does not place as much emphasis on this aspect.
Manitou Encore REAR FACING vs Crest Continental SLC 250
Compared to the Crest Continental SLC 250, I prefer the detailing of the Manitou Encore REAR FACING. The marine-grade vinyl interior of the Manitou Encore REAR FACING is not only easy to clean and maintain but also resistant to intense UV rays, mold, and water damage. This high-quality upholstery is very friendly for the boat’s long-term maintenance.
Additionally, the built-in Dlx Kicker Kmc10 Bluetooth stereo and four Kicker speakers in the Manitou provide a delightful experience for music enthusiasts. The high-quality sound delivers an ultimate auditory feast for party participants.
If you’re not completely satisfied with these boats, you can visit our homepage to explore more leisure pontoon boat options.
Summary
If you’re looking for a party and leisure pontoon boat for your family or team, the Sylvan MIRAGE X X5 CLZ is undoubtedly a great choice. Especially for larger groups, its spacious design and thoughtful details aim to provide safety and enhanced comfort.
However, if you have a limited budget, you may also consider the Wave Oracle 26, which we carefully selected for its similar performance and layout to the Sylvan MIRAGE X X5 CLZ. It offers a more affordable price without compromising on detailed features. Contact us for more information on boat options.