Speed, Performance, and Comfort
By Capt. Bob Smith
Premier launched a new pontoon, the 275 Intrigue PTX. Aside from some ugly weather on test day, I was very much impressed. Premier is doing a great job of taking advantage of the space available for decktop entertainment and for storage throughout. This new model delivers style and comfort with a new hammered metal finish to the rails and Sultan Soft Touch seating with Flexsteel support.
Construction
The docking lights and horn are mounted in the front edge of the deck, providing protection and keeping the top of the deck clear of equipment. Looking under the deck, you’ll notice the addition of a splash panel running about ¾ the length of the bottom that adds performance and reduces drag. Crossmembers are set on 16” centers and tubes are 27” diameter with .090 gauge tubes and .100 gauge nosecones. Pop-up six inch cleats give you enough room to easily pass lines through to securely lock your boat into a mooring. The rails, as I have already pointed out, have a new finish with the hammered look. Side panels are set in silicone, then crimped in place virtually eliminating the rattles often heard in a pontoon side panel. A nice gap at the bottom allows good drainage across the deck when it rains.
Stepping through the gate, is a large forward seating area. If you do a lot of entertaining, you can opt for a “filler” lounge seat that will block the front gate, but really creates a huge lounger up front. Seating is Flexsteel which adds spring steel under the cushions for a significant difference in comfort and the Roto-cast seat bases are very durable and keep storage dry. Premier has mounted directional Kenwood speakers in these bases for excellent sound quality. In the floor is a huge 7’ center compartment large enough for skis and more, but also can store all the canvas covers for this model.
At the Helm
Premier’s Imperial helm is built up 6” over the rest of the deck to gives the driver an unobstructed view, even with people on the loungers in front. Courtesy lights and accent LEDs are also mounted in this raised portion to light the deck and add to the ambiance aboard. In the front of the helm is a combination ice box and sink which is quite handy. To starboard is a handy flip over drinkholder that when flipped over, is a paper towel rack. The four spoke tilt wheel has brushed aluminum accent looks to match the low glare dash. The stereo is mounted in the dash storage and there is a remote to the left of the wheel. Rocker control switches are grouped on an angled panel just aft the wheel and Faria gauges are recessed into the dash which protects them from glare and makes them much easier to read underway. A handy cargo pocket is located on the wall next to the driver’s seat.
Seating and Aft Features
A large L-shaped bench seat fills the port side of this model. It is also the comfortable Flexsteel seating and has Roto-cast bases for excellent storage. A concealed trash bin fits into the lounger back on the end with a small door on the side gate. A 13’ bimini covers the rear area and uses stainless steel quick connects for long life. Our test model also came equipped with a handy changing room behind the aft section of the L-bench. This will certainly be handy with a family on board. Premier adds a mirror, paper towel holder, and toilet paper holder which is something I have not usually seen in a changing room such as this.
Across the stern is a sun tanning space when the changing room is closed. The aft section lifts up to give you great access to the outboard and to the battery boxes on the port side. Stepping through the rear gate is a 5 step flip out boarding ladder. A ski tow rack can be added over the engine for water toy fun.
Specifications and Performance
The 275 Intrigue measures 27’8” length overall with a deck length of 26’11”. She has a deck width of 8’6” and weighs 3100 lbs in the 3-tube model. The 2-tube model weighs in at 2700 lbs. The PTX is rated for up to 300-hp engine, the 3-tube version is rated for 275-hp and the 2-tube model is rated for 200-hp. This PTX model has a 53 gallon fuel tank mounted in the port sundeck and the standard capacity is 30 gallons.
I tested in some pretty ugly weather on an inland lake and found the Intrigue very capable of handling the rough stuff and nimble enough to be a good tow vehicle for water-borne fun. She reached a top speed of 42.7 mph turning 6000 rpm and was comfortably on plane at 14.3 mph. At cruise she is likely to give you 220 miles of fun before refueling. Her 0-30 mph time was 8.4 seconds.
If you are looking for comfort, performance, and luxury, you can get all three with the Premier 275 Intrigue PTX.
