The Lowe Suncruiser has been one of the most successful pontoon brands of the last few years, largely because it offers a good range of boats for different buyers. Lowe offers the Suncruiser in three different lines, with the Trinidad falling between Suncruiser's Jamaica "luxury" and Bimini "economy" series in terms of amenities and price. Lowe calls the Trinidad series a "value" line. Some pontoon boat manufacturers use the word "value" pretty loosely and essentially offer a stripped-down boat with minimal horsepower to keep the sticker shock low. But Lowe makes good on its promise by building a decent boat with strong features and a reasonable price tag.

A prime example of Lowe's value is the Suncruiser Trinidad 220XL, which Boating World tests on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. It comes with a range of horsepower options (from 40 hp to 115 hp) that puts potential prices (and top speeds) all over the map. While that may seem disconcerting to a buyer who wants to know what kind of performance he'll get for his dollar, the list of standard features on all the 220 versions includes bells and whistles like docking lights (in a stylish, rounded housing that prevents you from stubbing your toes), a large bow deck (40 inches by 102 inches), Jensen Marine AM/FM/CD/Stereo with MP3 plug and four speakers, padded sundeck, and quality construction features that aren't outwardly visible. For 2007, Lowe has optioned three handsome graphics packages and the Jensen stereo package.

The Suncruiser Trinidad 220 test model is powered by a 115-hp Mercury OptiMax with the XL Performance Package, which includes a center pontoon and a set of optional lifting strakes that boosts the top end to 36.6 mph. A third pontoon log is mandatory for the 115-hp OptiMax package to provide better stability when the boat starts to plane. The Trinidad 220XL isn't as fast as some other third-log pontoons, but the speed is decent enough for a big lake like Table Rock, where the scenery is just as important as getting places. The boat is a nice compromise between speed, price and comfort. 

The Suncruiser Trinidad 220's "cruiser" designation is also apt: The float-boat is rated for up to 15 people, and the seating is plentiful, with matching lounges in front, an L-shaped lounge to port and sunpads at the rear. There's an abundant sense of space for a 22-footer and some well-thought-out amenities. For instance, there are 42 inches of carpeted deck space between the two forward lounges, so you don't feel like you're knocking knees, and the L-shaped table at the back is larger than most typical pontoon boat tables. The starboard bow lounge also has a chaise-style design that adds a nice touch to the seating.

There's ample storage throughout the boat, with three rotocast storage bins in the lounges measuring 11 1/2 inches by 46 inches, each with a seat top that folds forward and is connected by a large piano hinge. There's also a deep storage area in front of the helm console. The storage areas offer decent space for PFDs, food and drinks, and even small water toys - though it would've been a big plus to see a center in-floor locker for long slalom skis or wakeboards. The Suncruiser Trinidad 200LP version has an optional built-in privacy enclosure.

The test boat has the yellow graphics package with subtle brown and yellow designs on the upholstery and the exterior. The helm seat is a barrel-style setup with a bolster — it's comfortable, but the wraparound style and 18-inch width might be a bit tight for a larger driver. But the sleek helm console offers good visibility of the five gauges. The boat is a little noisy and starts to vibrate at around 2000 rpm, but by 4000 rpm, it quiets down. The Sea Star Pro Tilt steering wheel, turning hard clockwise, forces the boat to rattle a bit but is fine counterclockwise. And the boat turns in a fairly tight radius.

One of the big benefits to the Suncruiser Trinidad 220XL is the thought that went into the doors. The front door is 38 inches wide and 25 inches high, making it a good access point, and the left side door is 32 inches wide with the same height. The rear door is 21 inches wide - not huge by any stretch, but it does give access to an aft platform and 22-inch wide ladder - which is an awesome touch for providing access to the water.

The sunpad measures 26 inches by 62 inches, with a lip on the aft end to keep you from rolling off the back. There's good access to the battery in the aft part of the boat through a spring-held cushion that pops up and remains in place (watch your fingers when putting it down because the spring snaps back fast).

Like any pontoon, the real benchmark for gauging the quality of the boat is its construction and materials. And Lowe incorporates a number of quality features in the Suncruiser series: The seating has the durable DuraLux SRT Vinyl and multi-density Reflex Plus foam to enhance comfort, as well as rotocast-molded seatbacks for longevity. The trade names may sound like marketing buzzwords, but they make a difference in the comfort and duration of the product (Lowe offers a three-year limited warranty on the seats and upholstery).

The construction of the boat is also notable. Lowe uses a one-piece deck comprised of seamless, seven-ply, marine-grade plywood and bonds the pontoon with heavy-duty mounting brackets. Conduit-channel cross members that are closely spaced along the full length of the deck provide a quieter ride. All side rails are also anchored directly to the aluminum deck frame to decrease rattling. There are nice touches like heavy-gauge solid hinges, stainless-steel hardware,
nice-looking corner castings and custom-forged cleats. The pontoons are also tested for water-tightness. Lowe is so confident in the construction of its pontoons that it offers a lifetime limited warranty, and buyers must be happy with the brand because the resale values tend to stay high.

There's a long list of options on the Trinidad Suncruiser 220XL, including vinyl flooring, composite deck, inflatable sleeper and full camper canvas, and even a double helm seat. However, the Trinidad Suncruiser 220XL lives up to its designation as a "value cruiser" by offering a strong list of standard features at a fair price. But most people will take those for granted and just enjoy the Suncruiser ride.

THE VERDICT

The Suncruiser Trinidad 220XL gets extra points forthe use of deck space outside the doors - there's good space in the front and back where it's needed. Ample storage, thoughtful amenities and abundant seating round out a solid pontoon package. It won't be the fastest pontoon on the lake, but it'll earn respect as it zips by other twin-logged boats.

Lowe Suncruiser Trinidad 220XL

LOA 22'
Beam 8'6"
Weight 2,100 lbs. (w/o outboard)
Fuel 24 gal.
Top Speed 36.6 mph
(w/115-hp Mercury OptiMax)
Decibels @ Idle 60 dB-A
Decibels @ 30 mph 92.5 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 98 dB-A
Base Price $18,374 (two logs)
(w/50-hp Mercury 2-stroke)
Price As Tested $21,616 (three logs)
(w/115-hp Mercury OptiMax)
Hull Warranty Limited Lifetime
NMMA Certified? Yes

Lowe Boats
2900 Industrial Drive
Lebanon, Missouri 65536
(417) 532-9101
Lowe Suncruiser Trinidad 220XL


LOA 22'
Beam 8'6"
Weight 2,100 lbs. (w/o outboard)
Fuel 24 gal.
Top Speed 36.6 mph
(w/115-hp Mercury OptiMax)
Decibels @ Idle 60 dB-A
Decibels @ 30 mph 92.5 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 98 dB-A
Base Price $18,374 (two logs)
(w/50-hp Mercury 2-stroke)
Price As Tested $21,616 (three logs)
(w/115-hp Mercury OptiMax)
Hull Warranty Limited Lifetime
NMMA Certified? Yes

Lowe Boats
2900 Industrial Drive
Lebanon, Missouri 65536
(417) 532-9101