2014 Cypress Cay Seabreeze 180

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Richard Crowder

Cypress Cay Pontoons of Fort Wayne, Indiana offers fifty-nine-plus floorplans of pontoon boats in four series from sixteen through twenty-five feet. Seabreeze, the series with the most number of variations, itself offers twenty-three floorplans over the full range of five model lengths from sixteen through twenty-five feet.

The Seabreeze 180 subject of this review, the second smallest in the Cypress Cay lineup, offers virtually all of the same key features as found on the entire Seabreeze series plus it offers a huge list of available factory options to allow you to personalize this pocket-sized and easily manoeuvrable pontoon boat to your exact tastes and preferences.

In fact, Cypress Cay states that the Seabreeze 180, “delivers life's simple pleasures in a comfortable, easy-to-operate package.” Your first decision, however, will be to choose between two basic floorplan layouts for the 180. The 180 CS is intended more towards family relaxing and cruising activities whereas the 180 FS is set up quite specifically toward those with fishing as the prime motivation. This review will concentrate on the family-oriented attributes of the Seabreeze 180 CS.

Although it measures only eighteen feet, four inches length overall, the 180 rides on a full eight foot, six inch beam and so lateral stability when moving around on board or in beam seas will be much the same as pontoon boats which are much longer. This full beam also allows the same aisle space between the same width of furniture and lounges of longer pontoon boats – just less of it and shorter in length.

As in most other pontoon boats, this full beam also allows for three entry gates; one middle bow, one middle port side, and one on the starboard stern aft of the captain’s helm. Mounted on the rear swim deck aft of this stern gate is a standard 3-step, fold-down boarding ladder. The interior of the 180 is similarly laid out like many other longer pontoon boats with two facing curved bow lounge seats; both of which are two-seaters. The starboard lounge ahead of the captain’s helm has a padded backrest on the front side of this helm console to allow stretch-out lounging.

Opposite the captain’s helm console is a port side L-shaped three or four-seater lounge complete with a standard floor-mounted table with molded-in drink holders. All lounges of course have storage built in beneath the seat bottom cushions. The one-piece fiberglass helm console with a built-in storage compartment includes standard analog tachometer, trim, and fuel gauges plus a 12-volt DC receptacle and a bucket helm seat. Also standard is an Alpine stereo with USB/MP3/SD capabilities with two Jensen speakers. Also standard is an 8’6” bimini top with quick-release frame. Mica carpeting is the standard floor covering.

Your choice of outboard power for the Seabreeze 180 is from Mercury or Honda from 9.9 to 60 horsepower, or if you prefer, a Torqeedo electric 4.0 Cruise outboard motor. You also get to choose from six fence colours with another six accenting colours plus four graphics choices and two choices of interior colours.

An optional Convenience Package includes a wood grain portable cupholder, upgraded sport steering wheel, quick-release fender system, gate stops, and flip-up stainless steel cleats. A Lighting Package includes lighted cupholders, rope lighting, and lighted speakers. A Rough Water Package includes reinforced noses for the two tubes plus upgraded crossmembers. For enhanced watersports, choose the stainless steel ski tow bar.

At the helm, you can choose tilt steering, a speedometer, and a digital depth sounder. You may also want an Elite 4 fish finder with GPS and depth sounder or perhaps an HDS-5 Gen2 top-mount fish finder with GPS. For greater helm comfort, choose a height adjustable seat base with slider and swivel or perhaps a highback or a lowback helm seat. For fishing enthusiasts, opt for the drop-in aerated livewell.

There are over a dozen optional floor covering treatments from which to choose and which include replacement carpet options or snap-in carpet options, full vinyl, or combinations involving faux mahogany, woven teak, and woven seagrass. You can add additional tables and/or table upgrades in black acrylic or woodgrain with molded-in drinkholders and with or without stemware holders.

You also get to upgrade the stereo system with additional Jensen speakers or go for the upgraded Polk stereo. There is an extended list of comfort and convenience options from which to choose including a soft-sided cooler, docking lights, a bow gate Smart Storage caddie, courtesy lighting, porta-pottie, stainless steel grill, a 5-step boarding ladder, air compressor for inflatable watertoys, plus more. You will most probably also want a full enclosure including the second bimini top or at least a snap-on mooring cover.

With all of this, you truly can have a well-equipped eighteen foot pontoon boat.

2014 Cypress Cay Seabreeze 180 Photo Gallery

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