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Reprinted from the October 2004 issue with permission of Lakeland Boating Magazine.
Crownline 275 CCR by Dan Donarski
As beautiful as she is, you’d be doing this slick sport cuddy a disservice if you viewed her as mere eye candy. We tested the 275 CCR on beautiful Torch Lake in northern Michigan and found out this boat is one hot performer, too. Joining us was Gene Gooding, dealer development director for the Midwest and Eastern region. On the late July day we took a spin on this 2005 model, the lake’s surface was ideal for speed, with just a slight riffle. And with the MerCruiser 496 Mag MPI Bravo Three delivering 375 hp, speed is what we got.
Acceleration was smooth. Plane time averaged 5.5 seconds. Continuing to push the throttle forward, we hit a top speed of 52 mph, cranking out 4800 rpm in a mere 23 seconds. Between 30 and 34 mph, turning about 3300 rpm, the boat was pure comfort, with low noise and wind blast effectively deflected by the windshield. No matter the speed, the 275 CCR tracked straight. Even at top end we took 90-degree corners without slipping or skipping. This quick acceleration is tailor-made for pulling skiers. The boat’s wake didn’t get above a foot and a half-not enough for boarders-but playing with the trim tabs can solve that. The new Bravo Three powerplant had no clanky engine turnover and none of that metal-slapping-metal sound when the drive is engaged. This engine starts, shifts and shuts down quietly. Running is quiet, too, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply engage the exhaust aspirator by turning on the switch on the helm control panel and a throaty “Look at me!” rumble comes out in spades. The boat stretches 28 feet, 8 inches (including the swim platform) and has a roomy 8-foot, 6-inch beam, although it’s still towable. The cockpit, where most of the fun will take place, is incredibly spacious. Our only complaint concerned the helm seating. At a height of 6′ 1″, I had no problems with vision, but Gooding, at 5′ 8″, did. Even when the boat was on plane, his ability to see forward was a bit compromised. The bolstered seats have an easy and sure flip-up booster that gave him added height and good visibility, but at the expense of back support. There are also starboard and port aft seats. A comfortable bench with a backrest that folds forward creates a sun bed where two adults can lounge. Storage compartments are found port and starboard. The midships stowage handles both the cockpit and camper canvas packages. A neat 25-quart carry-on cooler hides under a port seat. A nifty cut-out lets you get to the stuff inside without pulling the cooler out. A four-step ladder is concealed in the swim platform. Access to the cockpit is via sturdy swinging gates so you don’t need to climb over anything, even with the sunbed deployed. Get to the bow’s sun deck and anchoring system through the windshield up steps molded into the sliding hatch that encloses the cabin. All of the anchoring equipment, including the windlass, is hidden in a recessed hatch. Handholds provide security when you’re lounging topside. A huge sunpad is optional. Keeping the 275 CCR clean is a snap. Extra-large scuppers found at the helm and transom drain water quickly, and the snap-in berber carpets make touchups easy. The cabin offers 4 ‘10″ of headroomnot enough to stand, but plenty when sitting on the wellcushioned couches. Six adults can sit comfortably around the cocktail table. Ventilation is better than good with two screened Bomar portlights and a huge center hatch. With the cocktail table stored, two adults can overnight in comfort. Air conditioning is optional.
The galley includes a stainless sink with hot and cold water and a custom countertop. A microwave-one that can make more than hot water or popcorn-comes standard, as does a refrigerator. The cabinets are done in a luxurious cherry finish. The Sony marine stereo, with XM radio capability, is here as well, along with two speakers in the cabin and another couple in the cockpit. There’s a nifty remote control for the system at the helm. Lighting in the cabin was wellthought-out, and there’s storage here behind the backrest of the port and starboard couches. A hanging closet sits just forward of the head, and the galley has its own integral storage area as well. On the starboard side of the cabin, an enclosed head includes a VacuFlush system with exhaust fan and a waste tank-level indicator, along with a sink, vanity, shower and screened portlight. We can’t say it’s roomy, but it is functional. Other than the water heater-which you can only get to by pulling out the fridge-access to most everything else is simple. For the motor, lift the gasassisted aft bench over the transom, and you’ll have plenty of room for repairs, checks and services. With the 275 CCR, Crownline has managed to combine eye-catching styling with superb performance. This is one sweet boat. Reprinted from the October 2004 issue with permission of Lakeland Boating Magazine. |
