| South Bay 722CR TT |
| By: Go Boating Test Team | 7/1/2008 10:08 AM |
| Last updated: 7/1/2008 10:08 AM |
South Bay refers to its 700 series as its “designer” series. Reason being, the long list of options allows the customer to essentially design his/her own boat. Yet, in terms of standard features and refinements, the 700 series boats are a step above the boats in the builder’s popular 600 series. Offered in both outboard and I/O versions, the new 722CR TT (triple tube) offers fine performance, to boot, with a hp rating of up to 225 for the outboard model and 300 for the I/O model.
We tested the outboard version, which features built-in lifting strakes, 18 inches of engine setback and an aluminum underbelly that minimizes drag on the understructure. Its exterior fence panels extend all the way to the top rails. Two forward lounge areas and an L-shaped aft lounge allow seating for up to 14 people. Three gates and an integrated boarding ladder make for easy entry from the dock or the water. It’s offered with three different consoles and outboard power from BRP, Honda, Mercury, Suzuki or Yamaha.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Our test boat was equipped with the optional stainless steel package and also sported the black cherry dual-exterior premium color package. The helm features great standard features, such as tilt Teleflex power-assist steering and a sporty helm seat with a sliding pedestal. A stainless steel steering wheel with a “necker knob” is part of the stainless steel package, as is a stylish stainless steel cupholder on the console and stainless corner castings, both of which add function while giving the boat a refined look.
The 722CR TT’s 38-gallon fuel tank is located in the center tube, which frees up space and makes for good weight distribution. The battery port, fuel fill and a storage center are located beneath the sundeck.
The boat’s ergonomically shaped dash features backlit rocker switches and Faria gauges (speedometer, tachometer, hourmeter and tilt/trim, fuel and volt gauges) set into microfiber panels, and a 12v power point, a concealed Jensen CD stereo with MP3 input and a Garmin 145 sounder. Other great standard features include lifting strakes, a Sunbrella Bimini top and boot, four speakers, stainless steel cleats and recessed docking lights.
PERFORMANCE
We had the opportunity to test the 722CR TT under favorable conditions on Indiana’s Lake Wawasee. Acceleration was exceptional. Powered by a Mercury 150 OptiMax, our test boat planed in just 2.9 seconds and hit 30 mph in 6.2 seconds. It’s easy to imagine a skier being launched 6 feet into the air if this boat were equipped with its maximum rating of 225 ponies.
We recorded a very respectable optimum cruise speed of 26 mph at 4000 rpm. At that speed, the 150 OptiMax-powered 722CR TT delivers 3.2 mpg and has a range of 109 miles based on 90 percent of its 38-gallon fuel capacity. Top speed was 37.3 mph at 5750 rpm. If you’re looking for speeds in the 40s or even the 50s, keep in mind that there are a lot of power options to choose from.
The 722CR TT’s ride was soft and dry, although conditions didn’t allow for a true rough-water assessment; we were limited to running across wakes we’d created ourselves. The Teleflex power-assist steering provides quick response and an automotive feel in turns and when docking.
This article first appeared in the July 2008 issue of GO Boating Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
