| Crestliner Grand Cayman 2585 |
| By: Go Boating Test Team | 6/2/2008 12:56 PM |
| Last updated: 6/2/2008 12:56 PM |
Crestliner introduced a new high-performance luxury series to its pontoon line for 2008: the Grand Cayman. Available in seven models from 21 to 28 feet, including three I/Os, the Grand Cayman is packed with luxurious amenities and available with a third tube in all but the 21-foot version. We tested the 2585 in its tri-toon configuration on the St. Croix River in Stillwater, Minnesota, late last year.
The addition of a third tube raises the 2585’s maximum hp rating from 150 to 250 hp and its fuel capacity from 25 to 56 gallons, greatly increasing both its range and overall performance. The 2585 is also available in five floorplans to fit your family’s needs: the standard version, which we tested, and four optional layouts: two fishing and two cruising models.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The fact that our test model came with a third tube and powered to the maximum of its hp rating with a Mercury 250 Verado told us there would be no holds barred on this test. We also noted that the upper portions of its 27-inch tubes are painted, giving them a finished look. Four entry/exit gates is another nice touch, giving you the ability to get on or off the boat no matter where you’re tied up.
The use of Soft-Touch vinyl on the furniture is new for this year, and the console design is brand new as well, featuring steel/burl insets and an integrated Lowrance X135 fishfinder. Recessed docking lights are standard, as is a Sirius-ready Sony AM/FM/CD stereo with an iPod jack and four speakers. Some of the other nice touches on the 2585 tri-toon include the absolutely huge storage compartment in the center tube, and it’s equipped with its own bilge pump. It’s a great place to stow skis, wakeboards or towables. The lounge seat cushions are double hinged and offer plenty of additional storage underneath; there’s even more storage inside the recliners.
Working our way aft, the captain’s chair reclines and features self-leveling arms, and across the way is an L-shaped lounge. The rear sunpad features a privacy enclosure. The Bimini top is standard and features quick-disconnects. A second Bimini is available and offers full protection from both the sun and rain. The built-in stern boarding ladder features high grabhandles to assist in reboarding.
PERFORMANCE
The 2585 tri-toon is designed so that the middle tube sits 2 inches deeper in the water than the outer tubes. The idea, according to Crestliner, is to provide better lift and cornering. That, combined with lifting strakes (new for this year) and a supercharged 250 hp Mercury Verado, might explain how a nearly 25-foot, 2,450-pound tri-toon boat planed in just 3.6 seconds and hit the 30 mph mark in 7.3 seconds. In addition, we gave the boat very high marks for cornering and maneuverability. There were no blowouts or cavitation in high-speed turns. Crestliner certainly backed both of its claims.
Our test boat got its best fuel economy at 19 mph turning 2500 rpm. At that speed, the Grand Cayman 2585 gets 3.1 mpg and has range of 156 miles on a mere 56-gallon tank while cruising along at a pleasant 70 dBa. Top speed for the big tri-toon was 52.6 mph at 6100 rpm, right in the middle of its maximum rpm range.
This article first appeared in the June 2008 issue of GO Boating Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
