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Address2011 Pontoon Boat Shootout
Pontoon and Deck Boat (PDB) Magazine hosted their annual pontoon boat test review and Pontoon Boat Shootout (which included a barrel race), October 3-4, 2011 in Shelbyville, Illinois on Lake Shelbyville. The purpose of this annual event is to evaluate and rank these pontoons on their performance and handling.
Terry Kuchenberg, who owns Midwest Boats Sales&Repair, 6818 Streeter Rd., Cedar Falls, Iowa, participated in this prestigious event. Kuchenberg ran a 2012 PlayCraft 2800 X-Treme pontoon, which is 28 feet long, powered by an 8.2L, 430Hp MerCruiser.
Over 31 pontoon manufacturers, representing boat builders from throughout the country, sent their highest performance pontoons to compete. Kuchenberg captured first place in his category, exceeding 60mph, with his PlayCraft 2800 X-Treme, during the barrel race.
The pontoon barrel race is much like a traditional horse barrel race. The pontoons go through a course, marked with buoys, which tests the performance and handling of each pontoon as it goes through the course. During this race, the pontoon has to do right turns and left turns. Whichever pontoon(s) can get through this course showing the greatest agility and best handling, all the while going at impressive speeds, receives the highest rating from the judges. This race is evaluated by four experienced judges. The judges are PDB magazine’s editor and staff members.
