Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda

What happens when a fish boat manufacturer builds a pontoon boat? Try a jumbo platform for you, and up to 13 of your fishing buddies to enjoy. Crestliner has been building pontoon boats for a long time, same with there production of ultra-tough fishing rigs, so an ‘Angler’ series makes perfectly good sense.

It all begins with a pair of 24 foot, 7 inch long aluminum tubes, beautifully shaped, then welded, to provide a lifetime warranty. Then, a 23 foot, 8 inch deck is attached, carpeted from bow to stern, and then equipped with plush upholstery. The seating options are numerous and most are long couches that offer even the tallest boater the ability to stretch out and catch a few zees between fishing holes. Even better is a set of the optional reclining chairs that are so luxurious that you won’t be able to remove yourself from them, and if my wife would let me install seat bases in our living room, then I’d get a set for myself!

Other features of the cockpit include a small wet bar forward of the helm station which includes a pressurized fresh water sink, cup holders, and a storage locker below. The helm supplies easy viewing through a smoked acrylic windscreen and an analog gauge pod helps to monitor speed, rpm and fuel level. A sport steering wheel along with an accessory power switch panel completes the pilot’s station.

Finishing off the deck is an aluminum fenceand railing that is beautifully painted in your choice of soothing colors. Additionally, the fencing gates are designed so as to not pinch fingers when closing, plus are wheelchair accessible, both of which are smart ideas.

Now on the more serious stuff: the angler aspect. The stern incorporates a casting area and two chair bases for the Concept DX swivel seats. The DX chairs are ‘all-the-rage’ with Crestliner and provide a modern, easy to use design that is great for your posture but give no lateral support. From here you have quick access to the rod storage locker to starboard as well as the 19-gallon aerated livewell located at the centerline. Simply add your favorite fish finder to the helm and you’re ready for action.

Underway, the 2485 supplied a velvety smooth ride, but don’t plan on getting to your favorite spots in a hurry. Equipped with marginal power, our test boat reminded me that boating should be taken at a leisurely pace and never hurried unless you’re late for dinner.

• Top speed for the Crestliner LSi Angler 2485 (Not in Production ) is 20.1 mph (32.3 kph), burning 5.1 gallons per hour (gph) or 19.3 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Crestliner LSi Angler 2485 (Not in Production ) is 9.5 mph (15.3 kph), and the boat gets 5.76 miles per gallon (mpg) or 2.45 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 114 miles (183.47 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 60-hp Mercury Big Foot.