2011 Aqua Patio 240 Aft Deck

A unique layout and a good turn of speed

By Mike Milne

Pontoon boats that deliver more than just slow, lazy cruises around the lake are no longer a novelty. Over the past five years the “highperformance pontoon” segment has grown steadily. And speedy pontoons coming onto the market continue to provide improved handling and design features usually found on runabouts.

The Aqua Patio 240 Aft Deck, one of the latest generation of performance ’toons, offers a unique layout and a good turn of speed, as well as the kind of lounging and living space you might only find in a 30-foot bowrider. It’s sure to deliver countless hours of waterfront enjoyment for large groups of family and friends.

The 240 Aft Deck test boat was powered by a V-6 Evinrude 150 E-TEC outboard. It was also equipped with the optional G-Force 3 Sport Package, which includes a 27-inch diameter centre tube (in conjunction with the standard 25-inch side tubes), lifting strakes (along with the standard V-keels), aluminum under-deck skin and Sea Star hydraulic steering.

The direct-injection two-stroke outboard is very quiet, relatively lightweight and well-matched to the 25-foot, 1-inch boat. The strakes and V-keels on the tubes contribute to good tracking while the third tube or log also adds extra buoyancy that boosts performance. The result is un-pontoon-like acceleration: 0 to 20 mph in about five seconds and 0 to 30 mph in just over seven seconds, with a light fuel tank and two adults onboard.

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