It seems that the innovative Manitou MAX Deck design, which places an expansive rear deck over a low-profile Rotax S outboard engine, is a success—Manitou says 2024 MAX Deck models out-sold boats without it. For 2025, ­Manitou makes the MAX Deck, previously only offered with triple-tube V-Toon models, more attainable with the introduction of twin-tube Cruise models, like the twin-tube Cruise MAX 22 Switchback we tested. It has a base price of $60,772, or $7,000 less than the V-Toon version.

Twin-tube Cruise models will ­appeal to customers more focused on relaxed cruising on smaller lakes than on peak performance in big water. The twin-tube models are equipped with forward splash guards but do not have lifting strakes, and of course, there’s no provision for center stowage. In all other regards, the twin-tube Cruise MAX offers the same features as a V-Toon model. That aft deck offers 38 square feet of flat space for lounging, toting bulky gear like a tube or small kayak, or securing an accessory cooler or cargo box to LinQ integrated ­attachment points. 

The interior design is crisp and ­modern. Our Switchback version offers pivoting backrests port and starboard aft, which permit lounging while facing that MAX Deck, plus a pivoting backrest to port amidships, facing a console. All instrumentation is presented on a 7-inch Garmin multifunction display at the helm. Lightweight sheet aluminum siding can be removed easily for rigging service or to replace a damaged panel. Our test boat featured the optional Signature Package ($2,105), which includes a second house battery, a privacy station in the console, a low-back helm seat with a flip-up bolster, and LED docking and ­courtesy lighting.

The 150 hp Rotax S outboard has a 1.9-liter two-stroke powerhead with E-Tec direct injection, oriented horizontally and enclosed in a watertight case so that it fits below deck level. When tilted clear of the water, it raises a hinged center section of the MAX Deck. 

We noted a top speed of 28.8 mph, or about 7 mph slower than a V-Toon model. The twin-tube Cruise ­corners flat with predictable handling.

High Points

• MAX Deck offers a patiolike space and great water access.
• Transcore composite deck doesn’t absorb moisture and is made from recycled materials.
• Aluminum side panels with integrated lighting look sleek.

How We Tested

• Engine: Rotax S150 outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/BRP Rogue 13.5″ x 17″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 24 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2025 Manitou Cruise 22 Max Switchback appeared first on Boating Mag.

Manitou continues to take a new-school approach to the often old-school pontoon market. Rather than staid perimeter fencing, its exterior is fashioned from sleek exterior panels made using an aluminum transformation process inspired by the automotive industry. So, our test boat sported a new-for-’25 matte-black finish, a choice that carries over onto both the rub rail and powder-coated pontoons below. LED docking lights seamlessly integrate into bow corners. Aft, the forward-leaning Sport Bimini arch continues the overall vibe, complemented by smoked acrylic panels inset within the tubing. Thanks to cool-touch vinyl, the interior can be dark, look cool and be cool.

The most new-school feature of the Explore MAX, however, continues to be its expansive aft deck and the unique outboards that make it possible. The appropriately titled MAX Deck adds an additional 6 feet of usable space at the boat’s stern. Use it to hang out, gear up for watersports, or carry copious amounts of extra gear via pop-up LinQ accessory mounts sunk into the platform that can anchor coolers, storage boxes, bags, and even fuel caddies. Where did Manitou find the space? Belowdecks is a pair of stealthy, low-profile Rotax S150 outboards. Together, they pushed our test boat to a 46.5 mph top speed. Perhaps equally important, the engines vastly improved the pontoon’s low-speed handling via iDock joystick piloting. Standard on dual Rotax models, it reduces stressful docking scenarios to almost video-game simplicity, providing intuitive control.

As to our test boat’s sleek, dark ­exterior, it proved surprisingly inviting. ­Moving forward off the MAX Deck, a pair of Switchback lounges await to port and starboard, each revealing the clever Trifold Bench midway along their length. Use it in traditional fashion for a comfy couch, pivot the Trifold cushion into the wall and pop up the dinette table below, or leave empty space for passengers to face fore and aft with feet on the floor. Switchback adjustable backrests provide a forward or aft focus. Two more couches await forward, completing the boat’s 10-passenger capacity.

High Points

• Upgraded Fusion audio system with four 6.5-inch XS speakers, two 4-inch underhelm speakers, an amp and a subwoofer. 
• V-Toon Technology mimics the feeling of a V-hull’s ride. 
• MAX deck and Rotax outboards offer a unique experience. 

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 150 hp Rotax S outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/BRP Viper 13 ⁷/₈” x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 83 gal.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2025 Manitou Explore 24 MAX Switchback appeared first on Boating Mag.

As part of the 10th edition of the Boat Builder Awards run by IBI and METSTRADE, Manitou is thrilled to receive the award for Retail Marketing Initiative as a result of a unique partnership with professional quarterback Kirk Cousins. This award is open to all boat builders, shipyards and their official distributors who have demonstrated a real innovation in sales and marketing initiatives to expand their marketplace.

Kirk’s authentic passion for the water and the closeness it helps facilitate with his family speaks volumes about Manitou’s goal of creating unforgettable moments on the water. This partnership bridges the worlds of pontoon boating and professional sports, promising a fusion of excitement and relaxation for enthusiasts of both.

Highlighted in a four minute longform video, Kirk shares his journey, the freedom he feels on the water in his Manitou and the memories he can create with his family. Kirk Cousins embodies the spirit of excellence, teamwork, and dedication—values that align seamlessly with the Manitou brand. Known for his leadership both on and off the field, Kirk’s genuine passion for boating, coupled with his strong dedication to family and community, made him the ideal partner for Manitou.

“We are thrilled with the amazing results from Manitou’s partnership with Kirk Cousins and I’m honored to accept this prestigious award because of it,” said Jeremi Doyon-Roch, Global Brand Strategy Director, Marine at BRP. “The collaboration between Kirk and Manitou resonated strongly with our target audience and proved that a strong authentic partnership like we have with Kirk can redefine leisure and recreation on the water.”

For more information about Manitou pontoons, visit manitoupontoonboats.com and follow on social media: Facebook and Instagram.

The post Manitou Wins IBI Boatbuilding Prize in Partnership With Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons appeared first on Boating Mag.

Manitou’s Explore 24 represents a cool advancement in design, construction and appearance. Futuristic perimeter fencing gives a clean, automotive look. Integrated LED docking and navigation lights blend into the curved bow walls. Made from individual panels that are removable and replaceable, all the wiring and plumbing for the boat is hidden inside the exterior walls. The top rail features exclusive BRP LinQ attachment points to install accessories, such as fender clips, cup holders and wineglass ­holders.

With Mercury’s Verado 250, we hit 47 mph and raced to 30 mph in 5.8 seconds. Best economy comes at 13 mph, where we recorded 3.8 mpg. Triple pontoons with full-length lifting strakes and an underdeck spray shield combine for stellar performance and rough-water ­capability.

The Explore 24’s furniture features rectangular cushions that look firm, but feel plush and accommodating. With long lounges featuring easy-opening storage, the bow can comfortably handle several riders per side. The aft seats reverse, allowing guests to face forward or aft. Manitou’s Trifold Bench aft features facing seats with a flip-out table, or it can reverse to be a filler cushion for lounging. Seat bases offer a recessed toe kick.

The pilot and navigator sit in matching high-back chairs behind oversize consoles with low-profile windscreens. The port console features a large locking glove box with USB charging inside. The captain’s console features a phone cubby with an optional wireless charging pad, a Fusion RA-210 sound system powering four 6-inch speakers, a Garmin 9-inch digital-control center graph, and digital switches for all boat functions. A 12-foot Sport ­Bimini features a transparent plexi panel that looks solid from the outside and remains rigid at up to 55 mph when fully deployed. It also houses a storage net underneath the top, and lights for navigation and anchoring above. The decking on the ­Explore and Cruise models is composite, so there’s no wood to worry about. Options include lighted center-tube storage, twin batteries with a Smart Switch, and a ­dinette table.

High Points

• Standard Sport Bimini is rated to 55 mph.
• Redesigned helm has four focused sections: audio,  vessel monitoring, switching and charging.
• Trifold Bench folds from a seat to a table or folds away to create more space.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Verado FourStroke 250 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 32 gal. Crew Weight: 260 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Manitou Explore 24 appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Manitou Explore’s trademark MAX Deck returns for 2024—with 2 feet more. The Explore MAX features a wide-open aft deck, ideal for watersports compared to typical pontoons. Additionally, BRP LinQ mounts make it easy to install accessories, like a cooler or a gear box. The hidden, low-profile Rotax S150 outboard that makes the MAX design possible also gets a companion, creating a 300 hp duo that adds nearly 15 mph to top-end performance. Twin engines and digital power steering also make joystick piloting possible, taking the stress out of close-quarters ­maneuvering.

While the deck-outboard combo aft is a game-changer, it’s the Explore’s sleek perimeter design that first draws the eye. Formed from a near-seamless collection of formed aluminum panels, it’s automotive-­inspired and thoroughly modern. Individual panels are removable in the unlikely event of damage. A top rail cap includes LinQ Lite mounts ready for everything from fenders to stemware. The overhead Sport Bimini flows from the design and incorporates a ­sturdy, gas-assisted Bimini top rated for up to 55 mph. Belowdecks, Manitou’s patented V-Toon Technology drops the center tube to create deadrise, mimicking the feel of a V-hull.

Accommodations complete the boat’s modern aesthetic. The Switchback layout pairs forward couches with parallel lounges aft that feature adjustable backrests fore and aft. Recline them back for forward-facing comfort, or pivot forward to switch the focus to a more social setting or to look out onto the water and the MAX Deck. A pair of Manitou’s ­Trifold Benches, concealed in the middle of each aft couch, offers additional three-in-one functionality by converting from seating to a dinette table, or pivoting entirely out of the way to create two facing seats with feet-on-the-floor legroom. 

Discretely tucked within the inwales are speakers and cup holders. A sleek, minimalist helm includes a standard 12-inch Garmin display featuring ­Garmin Boat Switch digital switching, a Fusion stereo head unit and a wireless ­charging cubby.

High Points

• Three available color combos.
• Fusion RA-670 audio with six speakers, a subwoofer and an eight-channel amp.
• Standard composite decking, powder-coated tubes, woven flooring, lit center-tube storage and USB charging.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 150 hp Rotax S outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Rotax Viper 14.5″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Manitou Explore 24 MAX appeared first on Boating Mag.

Accessible/Skiff: Veer V13

The Veer V13  won first because we found it to be affordable for a segment of society not typically served by boatbuilders. It’s also offered colors that appeal to a younger, non-traditional demographic. We believe both of these features are great for the future of boating by helping to introduce new participants to the activity and lifestyle that is boating. Finally, we found the Veer V13 functional and safe, and it’s offered with your choice of internal combustion or electric outboard power.

Watersports: Montara Surf Boss 2.0

The Montara Surf Boss 2.0 is one the most innovative boats we have ever tested, seamlessly blending the very best of a V-drive towboat with the attributes of a pontoon boat. There’s more: Innovation alone isn’t enough. To win a category, the boat must be built to a high standard and meet ABYC standards, as well as the discerning eye of our editors, each of whom possesses decades of experience evaluating boats for a living. The Montara Surf Boss 2.0 ticked all these boxes.

Runabout: Four Winns H2e

First, this is an exceptionally well-done bowrider. The interior is luxurious, its construction is excellent and its appearance is at once fresh and classic. Performance-wise, it delivered superior speed, handling and ride quality. Finally, this Four Winns H2e bowrider is powered by an electric outboard. It gives boat buyers the choice of electric or internal combustion propulsion with the confidence of a longstanding and well-known—iconic, really—boatbuilder.

Center-Console: Formula 387

Our team tests over 100 boats per year, many of them center-console models. We selected the Formula 387 for its great ride and top-notch construction and pristine finish. But Formula has long maintained those bars high. What really wowed us was that Formula produced two distinct variants of the same boat for center-console buyers—a sport version and a fishing version. Putting a finer point on it, these two variants serve different missions with very little compromise between them.

Deckboat: Tahoe T21

Why did this Tahoe win? First, we found it to be priced lower than similar-size boats. But, a low price alone doesn’t win awards. No less than two members of our Tech Team stated that the Tahoe T21 is equivalent (if not superior) in ride, performance, construction and equipment to other similar boats. A review of our boat-test archive backs those assertions. As such, the T21 represents an outstanding buying experience delivering a higher-quality, higher-performing boat for a lower price than others in its category.

Pontoon: Manitou 24 Explore MAX

The Manitou 24 Explore MAX takes pontoon-boat ownership to another place. Powered by twin 150 hp Rotax S outboards (which themselves won our Marine Power Innovation award last year), which live under the expansive MAX deck aft, this ’toon offers sporty performance and the convenience of a joystick for docking control. But most importantly, the wide-open MAX deck provides pontoon buyers the ability to choose wide-open access to the water, as well as wide-open views.

The post Boat of the Year Category Winners 2023 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Manitou’s Explore 24 represents a cool advancement in design, construction and appearance. Futuristic perimeter fencing gives a clean, automotive look. Integrated LED docking and navigation lights blend into the curved bow walls. Made from individual panels that are removable and replaceable, all the wiring and plumbing for the boat is hidden inside the exterior walls. The top rail features exclusive BRP LinQ attachment points to install accessories, such as fender clips, cup holders and wineglass ­holders.

With Mercury’s Verado 250, we hit 47 mph and raced to 30 mph in 5.8 seconds. Best economy comes at 13 mph, where we recorded 3.8 mpg. Triple pontoons with full-length lifting strakes and an underdeck spray shield combine for stellar performance and rough-water ­capability.

The Explore 24’s furniture features rectangular cushions that look firm, but feel plush and accommodating. With long lounges featuring easy-opening storage, the bow can comfortably handle several riders per side. The aft seats reverse, allowing guests to face forward or aft. Manitou’s Trifold Bench aft features facing seats with a flip-out table, or it can reverse to be a filler cushion for lounging. Seat bases offer a recessed toe kick.

The pilot and navigator sit in matching high-back chairs behind oversize consoles with low-profile windscreens. The port console features a large locking glove box with USB charging inside. The captain’s console features a phone cubby with an optional wireless charging pad, a Fusion RA-210 sound system powering four 6-inch speakers, a Garmin 9-inch digital-control center graph, and digital switches for all boat functions. A 12-foot Sport ­Bimini features a transparent plexi panel that looks solid from the outside and remains rigid at up to 55 mph when fully deployed. It also houses a storage net underneath the top, and lights for navigation and anchoring above. The decking on the ­Explore and Cruise models is composite, so there’s no wood to worry about. Options include lighted center-tube storage, twin batteries with a Smart Switch, and a ­dinette table.

High Points

• Standard Sport Bimini is rated to 55 mph.
• Redesigned helm has four focused sections: audio,  vessel monitoring, switching and charging.
• Trifold Bench folds from a seat to a table or folds away to create more space.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Verado FourStroke 250 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 32 gal. Crew Weight: 260 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Manitou Explore 24 appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Manitou Explore’s trademark MAX Deck returns for 2024—with 2 feet more. The Explore MAX features a wide-open aft deck, ideal for watersports compared to typical pontoons. Additionally, BRP LinQ mounts make it easy to install accessories, like a cooler or a gear box. The hidden, low-profile Rotax S150 outboard that makes the MAX design possible also gets a companion, creating a 300 hp duo that adds nearly 15 mph to top-end performance. Twin engines and digital power steering also make joystick piloting possible, taking the stress out of close-quarters ­maneuvering.

While the deck-outboard combo aft is a game-changer, it’s the Explore’s sleek perimeter design that first draws the eye. Formed from a near-seamless collection of formed aluminum panels, it’s automotive-­inspired and thoroughly modern. Individual panels are removable in the unlikely event of damage. A top rail cap includes LinQ Lite mounts ready for everything from fenders to stemware. The overhead Sport Bimini flows from the design and incorporates a ­sturdy, gas-assisted Bimini top rated for up to 55 mph. Belowdecks, Manitou’s patented V-Toon Technology drops the center tube to create deadrise, mimicking the feel of a V-hull.

Accommodations complete the boat’s modern aesthetic. The Switchback layout pairs forward couches with parallel lounges aft that feature adjustable backrests fore and aft. Recline them back for forward-facing comfort, or pivot forward to switch the focus to a more social setting or to look out onto the water and the MAX Deck. A pair of Manitou’s ­Trifold Benches, concealed in the middle of each aft couch, offers additional three-in-one functionality by converting from seating to a dinette table, or pivoting entirely out of the way to create two facing seats with feet-on-the-floor legroom. 

Discretely tucked within the inwales are speakers and cup holders. A sleek, minimalist helm includes a standard 12-inch Garmin display featuring ­Garmin Boat Switch digital switching, a Fusion stereo head unit and a wireless ­charging cubby.

High Points

• Three available color combos.
• Fusion RA-670 audio with six speakers, a subwoofer and an eight-channel amp.
• Standard composite decking, powder-coated tubes, woven flooring, lit center-tube storage and USB charging.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 150 hp Rotax S outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Rotax Viper 14.5″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Manitou Explore 24 MAX appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Manitou has literally changed the shape of pontoons. The sleek new 24-foot-­​4-inch Cruise 22 MAX Switchback model features curvaceous bodywork, and stealthy and uniquely engineered Rotax outboard power tucked below the expansive MAX Deck aft that unlocks 38 square feet of extra “back porch” space. The MAX Deck is a standard feature on three entry-priced Manitou Cruise and three midrange Explore models equipped with the Rotax S outboard.

Engine

Exclusive to Manitou in the pontoon market, the Rotax S is available in 115 and 150 hp iterations, and features standard digital controls, power steering and ­automatic trim. At both power ratings, the Rotax S utilizes a proven 1.9-liter three-cylinder, two-stroke powerhead—formerly an Evinrude product—oriented horizontally and enclosed in a watertight case so it fits below deck level. The point is to offer outboard power without having to see or play around the outboard.

Because the motor lives in the water, its cast-aluminum cover is secured with 15 bolts and a hermetic seal. Maintenance that requires removing those bolts for access to the powerhead is ­scheduled only after five years or 500 hours. A number of ­internal ­features—probes, small pumps and check valves—are intended to protect the powerhead from condensation forming in the sealed case and water backwashing through the exhaust. BRP says the rigged Rotax outboard weighs about 522 pounds—about 57 pounds heavier than a ­Mercury 150 FourStroke outboard, and a rather significant 150 pounds heavier than a Mercury 115 ­FourStroke.

The patented triple-tube Manitou ­V-Toon hull features 25-inch-diameter outboard tubes and a 27-inch center tube. The bottom of the center tube is 5 inches lower than the outboard tubes, so at speed the boat rides on the center tube with the outboard tubes acting as stabilizers. Initiate a turn and the boat heels over slightly, which helps the Cruise 22 MAX carve neatly and improves passenger comfort. All tubes are equipped with lifting strakes and reinforced nose cones with splash guards. We’ve noted the impressive agility of this hull in past Manitou reviews, and the Cruise 22 MAX upholds this reputation.
The Rotax S150 option ($1,530) powered our test boat to a top speed of 35 mph with a light load, a competitive performance with similar 150 hp pontoons. The motor is smooth, and we noted about 80 dB(A) at cruising speed—not whisper-quiet but not objectionable either. However, we think the higher-pitch tone created by the two-stroke Rotax engine makes it seem louder than a 150 hp four-stroke outboard.

The eye-catching Cruise profile is ­created by forming the sides of sheet aluminum in a process similar to that of pressing automobile bodywork. This technique is exclusive to Manitou and enables forming complex shapes and integrating forward lighting. The look is sleek and modern—the boat looks like a Tesla skimming over the water—and the sides are lighter than those formed from fiberglass. The aluminum panels are finished with a durable powder coat and secured to an inner composite structure that also forms the seat bases and storage ­compartments.

The motor trims below the platform. When tilted clear of the water, it raises a hinged center section of the MAX Deck by simply pushing it up on a pair of plastic sliders. We tried to lift the deck section by hand, and it’s really heavy—not much chance it’s going to bounce around in rough seas. But just in case, Manitou has placed powerful magnets below the deck to hold it down on the boat.

Interior and Accessories

Step aboard and note the clean, modern and integrated interior design. The seats have a new, contemporary shape and crisp colors in premium Simtex vinyl that complement the exterior. Drink holders and speaker enclosures are integrated into molded inwale panels. Switchback aft seatbacks pivot forward and aft, and there is another Switchback seat at the port console. The helm has no traditional instruments—all critical information is displayed on a 7-inch Garmin touchscreen multifunction display that also incorporates GPS navigation capability. Our boat featured the Signature Package ($2,500) that includes lighted center-tube storage, a helm seat bolster, LED docking and courtesy lights, a second battery with a Smart Switch, a privacy station curtain and a dinette table. The optional Sport Bimini ($3,140) is supported by a tubular aluminum arch with a hydraulic assist. This 12-foot-long one-piece top covers the deck from the helm aft and is speed-rated to 55 mph.

There is no question the new Manitou Cruise and its Explorer sibling bring a new level of style and function to the pontoon segment—the MAX Deck is a revelation. But unless you are a rabid early adopter, there will be understandable hesitation to consider a boat with an engine this ­radically different. Bringing the Rotax outboard to market required a determined effort. A few seasons on the water will be the true test of this interesting marine-propulsion concept.

How We Tested

• Engine: Rotax S150
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/BRP Rogue 13.5″ x 17″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 34 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

High Points

• LinQ integrated attachment points can be used to secure an accessory 13.5-gallon LinQ cooler to the MAX Deck.
• Rotax S outboard requires no service for five years or 500 hours and self-winterizes.
• TransCore composite deck resists rot and is 30 percent lighter and 50 percent more rigid than plywood. It is also made from 100 percent recycled materials.

Low Points

• No track record for this new Rotax S outboard—how will it hold up?
• Raised center section of the MAX Deck could be a serious toe-pincher; make sure the kids are clear before lowering the outboard.
• Sound levels are not lower, and its stroke tone contrasts starkly with the newest four-stroke outboards.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Manitou Pontoons – Lansing, Michigan; manitoupontoonboats.com

The post Boat Test: 2023 Manitou Cruise 22 MAX Switchback appeared first on Boating Mag.

There’s 38 square feet of wide-open aft deck space aboard Manitou’s Explore 24 MAX Navigator. Thank the concealed Rotax outboard for that acreage. Available in 115 and 150 hp ratings, our test boat’s 150 delivered a top speed of 35 mph. Acceleration? We clocked zero to 30 mph in 12.8 seconds. We noted smooth idling and living-room-quiet running from this two-stroke engine. Dynamic Power Steering (electrically assisted) is standard.

Fitted with MarineMat, the aft MAX deck’s hinged center section tilts up as the Rotax outboard tilts for shallow water or trailering. The BRP exclusive LinQ modular attachment system allows a cooler to reside securely on the port side—a nifty, well-placed feature. A telescoping boarding ladder extends from starboard.

The boat’s modern fencing—bulkheading might be a more apt term—also offers unique benefits. Providing sleek looks with integrated LED docking and navigation lights, it’s comprised of removable panels that hide all the boat’s wiring and plumbing within the walls. The top rail, cleverly formed as a handrail, also features the LinQ system. Add fender clips, cup holders, wineglass holders and more as you see fit.

Manitou’s contemporarily styled furniture proved plush and accommodating. Long bow lounges will swallow several guests per side and feature easy-opening seat bases for storage. The reversible aft Switchback loungers allow forward- or aft-facing relaxation. The aft port seats are what BRP calls a Trifold bench, which features facing seats with a flip-out table for dining, or reverses to be a filler cushion for lounging. Seat bases are roto-molded plastic, with recessed toe kicks.

The pilot and navigator sit in matching high-back chairs behind oversize consoles with low-profile Lexan windscreens. The port console features a large locking glove box with USB charging inside. The captain’s console features a phone cubby with an optional wireless charge pad, a Fusion RA-210 sound system powering four speakers, a Garmin 9-inch EchoMap, and light-touch digital switches for accessories operation. It’s well set up for fun and function.

High Points

• Rotax outboard unlocks more functional space.
• Revolutionary wall design is modern, sleek and functional.
• LinQ attachment system allows for quick and secure mounting of accessories.

How We Tested

• Engine: Rotax S150
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/BRP Rogue 13″ x 17″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.17:1 Fuel Load: 18 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Manitou Pontoon Boats – Lansing, Michigan; 800-999-9788; manitoupontoonboats.com

The post 2023 Manitou Explore 24 Max Navigator appeared first on Boating Mag.