Princecraft Versailles 22 SS: Performance Test
Princecraft Versailles 22's Exceptional layout and construction make it fit for a king.
May 22, 2002
The deck lines flow smoothly past rounded corners, molded fiberglass and flush-mounted light housings.
What transforms ordinary into extraordinary? Princecraft's designers and engineers asked themselves this question when designing the new Versailles 22 SS.
Knowing that the competition would be fierce if they built just another 22 foot pontoon, they wanted to create a boat that would be distinct in its class.
They succeeded.
Exactly what is it that makes the Princecraft Versailles 22 SS exceptional? Well, for starters, roughly 90 percent of the component parts — including the upholstery, windshield, wiring, rotocast furniture frames and even the trailer — are produced in the company's hometown of Princeville, Quebec, Canada.
The company's reasons go way beyond quality control. Princecraft Boats Inc. simply refuses to use the same third-party suppliers as its competition.
Call them snobs, but this mentality is what has helped the team at Princecraft develop a reputation for excellence. After 46 years, the Princecraft name has grown to represent a line of upper-end freshwater fishing and recreational craft that are considered some of the best-engineered production boats in the world. Princecraft boats are built to last, and each model demonstrates the care of its builders at every curve of the hull and bolt of the engine.
Simply put, if you're the type of person who prefers Evian to tap water, then a Princecraft boat is the likely choice for you.
A Noticeable Difference
The Versailles 22 SS isn't the biggest pontoon we've tested in recent months, but it is definitely one of the nicest.
The deck lines flow smoothly past rounded corners, molded fiberglass and flush-mounted light housings. The heavyweight upholstery is ultra-plush, and its installation has been flawlessly executed. We couldn't find any wrinkles on the seats, even along the pleats.
The ergonomically designed helm station provides the skipper with ample legroom, comfort and ease of operation by putting all the controls within easy reach. The fiberglass console, which houses a digital multi-function information center, has a woodgrain dash panel with lighted switches. There's also an AM/FM cassette stereo with CD player, and a mahogany tilt steering wheel.
The double-wide captain's chair adjusts fore and aft, but does not turn. Having a swivel chair would make it much easier to socialize with guests seated in the center cockpit.
Forward, there is a sink and an icebox, plus a portable water tank and cooler storage. Optional sun cushions easily convert the bow into a spacious sun lounge. All the deck furniture has rotocast bases and backs, and there is stowage under all the lounges.
Overall, we found the Versailles 22 SS to be functional and stylish, offering all the convenience and comfort a family could want.
Floating on Air
The Versailles 22 SS is basically the same as Princecraft's regular Versailles 22 pontoon, except for an optional performance package that includes a third 25 inch diameter tube and an under-deck spray shield.
But, oh, what a difference a third tube can make.
Our test boat was equipped with a 150 hp Mercury EFI outboard. This gave some oomph to the 22-footer, which is normally rated for 90 hp when outfitted with only two tubes. The third tube adds greater buoyancy and stability, not to mention the extra horsepower required for more aggressive watersports.
A 150-hp outboard may not sound very powerful, but keep in mind that this boat's lightweight aluminum hull requires less horsepower to achieve outstanding performance. This means you can choose more economical, low-horsepower outboards than you could with a comparably sized fiberglass boat. The lightweight hull also makes the boat easy to trailer, even with a small or midsize vehicle.
With two adults aboard, we reached plane at 3,200 rpm, topping out at 34.3 mph at 5,200 rpm. The boat was solid, able to make sharp turns and handled well. We experienced absolutely no rattling while under way — further proof of Princecraft's excellent craftsmanship.
The Versailles 22 SS hull was designed with a wide bottom for greater load capacity, quicker planing, increased stability, more interior room and more floor space. It is also deeper, with higher hull sides, to give this boat a safe, dry ride — especially in bigger, rougher water.
Princecraft's durable, beamy designs were bred for tough northern waters, and it shows every time we put them to the test. Princecraft uses H36 aluminum throughout the boat, for uniform strength. H36 is up to 25 percent harder than the aluminum used by most other boat builders and creates a truer hull shape that is smoother and less prone to flex.
Extra Perks
To give its Versailles 22 SS lasting value, Princecraft offers a Protection Plan that includes 20-year limited coverage on the main riveted hull seam.
A color-coordinated convertible Bimini top comes standard with the Versailles 22 SS; however, customizing is easy, thanks to multiple canvas options — including a high canvas enclosure and a cockpit cover. Princecraft uses the same precise pattern to position fasteners on both the boat and the canvas, ensuring that any canvas option you choose will fit.
Princecraft also promises the same custom fit with its trailers. From their all-welded, hull-matched designs to their larger capacity wheels, Princecraft trailers are guaranteed to fit your boat. Trailers are also available with upgraded aluminum mag wheels for added durability and style.
When it comes to giving you the very best a pontoon boat has to offer, Princecraft delivers on its promise. Whether your boating plans include leisurely rides around the lake or taking the whole gang waterskiing, the Versailles 22 SS can do the job without forgoing luxury. This boat is easy to operate, economical to run and roomy enough to bring the whole family — plus plenty of friends.
Specifications
| Length | 22'4" |
| Beam | 8'6" |
| Draft | 1'3" |
| Dry weight | 1,967 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 34 gallons |
| Weight capacity | 2,790 lbs. (up to 16 people) |
| Tubes | 3 |
| Tube diameter | 25 in. |
| Maximum power | 150 hp*** |
| Base price with 115-hp Mercury outboard | $20,791 |
| Price as testedwith 150-hp Mercury EFI outboard | $24,620 |
Estimated Performance
| Top speed | 34.3 mph |
| Cruising speed | 20 mph |
| Miles per gallon at 20-mph cruising speed | 5.0 |
| Fuel cost for 100 miles | $22 |
| Range at 20-mph cruising speed | 170 miles |
(Fuel cost based on a fuel price of $1.09 per gallon.)
Engine Specifications
| Model | 150 hp Mercury V-6 EFI outboard |
| Propshaft horsepower | 150 |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 153 c.i.d. |
| Bore and stroke | 3.5" x 2.65" |
| Gear ratio | 1.87:1 |
| Compression ratio | 6.2:1 |
| Maximum engine speed | 5600 rpm |
| Weight | 425 pounds |
Standard Features
Bimini top, large pop-up privacy enclosure, stern boarding ladder, molded-in corner light housings, flush-mount halogen docking lights, interior lighting, full length pontoon skirting, rear padded sun deck, sliding, double-wide captain's chair, chromed deck cleats.
Optional Features
Bow lounge sun cushions, pedestal-mount bow removable snack table with drink holders, deck-mount barbecue gas grill, water ski tow bar, four-step folding boarding ladder, full camper enclosure, mooring cover.
For more information:
Princecraft Boats Inc.
65 St-Henri .
Princeville, Quebec, Canada G6L 5E4.
(819) 364-5581.
www.princecraft.com
