2011 Cypress Cay 220 Angler

From our 2011 Test issue

By Matt Spencer

For some pontoons that pull double duty as fish boats, I sometimes wonder if it’s a pontoon first and a fishing boat second or the other way around. Well with a name like 220 Angler, you may think this Cypress Cay is a fishing boat first, but I think it truly is both.

Of course the obvious fishing amenities like the aerated livewell, four-point seats and rod holders say fishing. But they’re joined by a supple, L-shaped lounge mid-ship, an enclosed changing area and an extremely comfortable helm. So where do you draw the line?

Touching back to the helm for a moment, this 220 Angler was equipped with an extra large helm seat – or “man-and-a-half” seat as they so cleverly put it. It’s just that much bigger to more comfortably accommodate a captain of slightly larger proportions or cozy enough for a couple to snuggle up in. You decide.

But back to the debate. The rear work station has bait buckets, tackle storage and a wash-down hose. And there’s extra-large lockable rod storage. But there is also storage under the L-shaped lounge, and the first-class swim ladder screams pontoon fun.

After three rounds we’re still at a draw; so let’s leave it at that. The 220 Angler really does provide the best of both worlds, offering you a boat where you can spend the day fishing and swimming, swimming and fishing, depending on the mood or the company you’re keeping.

In the water test, the 220 Angler handled like your typical pontoon. It cruised comfortably and turned moderately. There wasn’t a touch of vibrating or rattling, even at wide open throttle of 6000 rpm where we also noted a top speed of 24.1 mph.

At 23 feet long, you can accommodate everyone and there will always be something for them to do because this truly is a pontoon that can do it all. It fishes, it cruises and vice versa. The Cypress Cay 220 Angler truly offers the best of both worlds. 

Full performance data and specs: Available at BoatTest.ca.