This model of the Crownline 220 LS exhibits the company’s Extreme Razor package, which has a forward-facing tower, color-matched swim platform with snap-on carpet, canned tower speakers, premium stereo system and board racks.

What the heck’s not to love about the Crownline 220 LS? It functions equally well as a fun family bowrider or a purposeful board puller.

The world of runabouts is in this size range is large indeed. Many builders make similarly configured boats, but this one is a fine example of the breed. Among its stand-out features are its extended, full-beam swim platform, a sunpad bench with flip-up walkthrough that doubles as a multi-position headrest, six pop-up cleats, large under-seat storage areas in the bow and a lockable, drained glove box.



The layout of the 220 LS is classic bowrider: walkthrough windshield, two buckets and a bench. The sunpad aft is cool with its flip-up gate to the swim platform that doubles a headrest for the bathing beauties.

It has a maximum horsepower rating of 300. Performance numbers are not available, but it should be able to make hay and tow wakeboarders with ease. It is available in several trim configurations, including the Extreme Razor package, which has a forward-facing tower, color-matched swim platform with snap-on carpet, canned tower speakers, premium stereo system and board racks. Let’s look at the details of these two up-grade packages--



The 220 LS’s helm makes a pretty picture. Several wheel and dash options are available.

The “Razor Package” Option

Crownline's Razor Package includes a wakeboard tower that is constructed of 1.5" aluminum pipe pull-test certified at 1800 lbs. (level 3). Tower installation and removal is simplified with quick-release hardware. Razor hulls come with a fully integrated structural fiberglass liner, Super Sport interior, SSS (Suspension System Seating) buckets and deluxe sundeck. Special graphics quickly identify the Razor with or without the tower installed.



Who likes to stumble over skiis? Get ‘em outta the cockpit!

Extreme Razor Package

This package has all of the elements listed above, plus a few more. Look---

• Special Extreme Razor deck band

• Full hull band

• Color matched swim platform with snap-on carpet

• Kicker speakers throughout

• Premium stereo system, amp, canned tower speakers (set of two)

• LCD Sony transom remote

• Dual battery switch

• Forward facing tower with suntop

• Board racks (set of two)

• Extreme Razor graphics



A lockable, drained glove box may not seem like a big deal…until you need to leave the boat at the dock while you go to dinner.

Warranties Galore

In an effort to make this boat, and the whole Crownline line, stand out from the crowd, Crownline offers a lengthy list of warranty items. They include a lifetime structural warranty for the original owner on the hull, deck and transom; a lifetime warranty against defects of the stringer system; a lifetime warranty on the gauges; a five-year warranty on the canvas and upholstery against seam tears and thread separation; a five-year warranty on the engine and power train: a five-year warranty against manufacturer defects in the stainless steel; and a five year warranty against gelcoat blistering.

Whew. Well, you’d expect those warranties on hull, deck, transom and stringer system, but it also covers many niggling items that drive fastidious boat owners mad: 1) fuel gauges that don’t work, 2) canvass that degrades in UV after only a couple of years then splits, 3) upholstery stitching that pulls out, 4) “stainless” steel which weeps stains, 5) and engine companies who head for the hills two days after their warranty runs out.



Gas-assisted shocks make the engine hatch easy to raise and lower. Access to fluids and filters is good.

Knows What Owners Want

We like the fact that Crownline management has taken a look at owner surveys and zeroed-in on things that simply go wrong on many boats of all brands. This warranty, while not a “stem-to-stern” warranty, does take care of many of the most common problems, and the biggie – your engine and drive train – is covered for five years, instead of the standard 2 years.

This is a popular size in sportboats and there are a lot of good brands on the market. Finding the best boat for your budget and the ones that suits your needs most adequately will take a little digging and you must pay attention to the details. Warranties should be a major item on your comparison list because they will protect you from higher operating costs, a possible catastrophic loss of your investment, and general aggravation.

The Crownline warranty program is very good one, particularly given the price point of the boat.

New Owners

In September of 2009, Crownline was purchased by Tony Zielinski and Dave and Lisa Wilson. These new owners bring extensive experience and knowledge of the boating industry to Crownline. Tony Zielinski is the owner of Leisure Properties, LLC and Dave and Lisa Wilson own Misty Harbor and Ultracraft. Zielinski has extensive experience working for Ford Motor Company within its dealer development department and also owns a marine retail establishment in Wisconsin.

The Wilsons started Misty Harbor in 1990 and it has since grown into a well-established pontoon manufacturing company. Kevin Riem is heading up the management team as Vice President and General Manager. Kevin is the person who played a major part in building the company during its meteoric rise in the 1990s and early 2000s, before it was sold to a venture capital firm.

We’re pleased that this fine brand is back in the hands of private owners who are veterans of the boating industry. Experience has shown us that in the boat business, the consumer is usually better off owning a boat built by owners who have invested their reputation and cash in the product.



See local TV video of the Crownline plant’s re-starting with interviews...



To see Crownline’s extensive list of standard features and equipment ...

Crownline 220 LS (2009-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
CD Stereo
Trim Tabs
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Ice Chest
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Tower: Watersports
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover
Full Canvas

= Standard = Optional