Manitou 25 Legacy SRS

January 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2015 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 25 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.

What You Need To Know

Yes, this really is a 50-mile-per-hour pontoon that can turn on a dime. While 10 years ago we wouldn’t have even dared dream of such a possibility, the reality is Manitou has continued to raise the performance bar each year. But before you label this Legacy a sporty pontoon, it’s worth taking a closer look at the high-end amenities that truly make it unique.

The Highlights

New for 2015, the rubrail and walls are now being powder-coated for added durability. The carbon fiber graphic is part of the Blackout package that gives the exterior a sporty, high-end look.

Below the snap-in Seagrass flooring is a solid teak vinyl floor, which gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to style and function. In the bow, there are two chaise lounges with flip-up armrests and storage below. There is even a nice space-saving pop-up changing room that stands 5 foot, 3 inches tall when open that is built into the portside bow lounge. Plus we love the blue LED accent lights built into the seat backs in the bow as well as the other LED lighting found along the floor and throughout the boat.

Speaking of comfort, both the helm chair and the first-mate chair slide, swivel and recline and there is even a pop-up footrest on the Aqua Lounger for your passengers to stretch out. At the raised helm is a sporty console with large gauges and the Manitou Smart Screen is in the center for a cleaner, simplified dash. There is even a Gussi wheel, which only adds to the high-end sporty feel. Complete with a Polk Audio sound system that includes a subwoofer and amp, the possibilities for fun on the water are limitless.

Behind the captain’s chair is a unique setup where two rear lounge seats can be easily converted into a seating area by flipping up the cushions on either side. Plus there is spot for a table so the multi-use area can be used for a picnic as well.

In the stern is a large ski/tow bar that is going to see plenty of action with the 300hp E-TEC, but we’ll get to that in a minute. The one feature that tends to steal the most attention is the black wakeboard tower that was color-matched to the side panels. Complete with a full bimini, this feature takes this pontoon to a whole new category of luxury.

Inspection Notes

The Sport Handling Package (SHP) is a unique hull design that includes two 23-inch diameter pontoons and a 27-inch diameter center log with positive angle lifting strakes on all three. As far as family-friendly, the four-step boarding ladder reaches nearly 4 feet into the water for easy access and the railing measures 26 inches tall for the majority of the boat, earning it a high safety score.

Performance Evaluation

This thrill-seeking Legacy is packaged perfectly with the new Evinrude 300hp E-TEC outboard, but it’s more than just a quick pontoon. The unique hull allows it to dive into some very sharp turns like a V-hull. She handles unbelievably well so even though this sporty pontoon is a lot of fun to drive, it’s still extremely safe as we always felt in control.

Our Take

When is a pontoon worth paying over $90K for? When it’s this Manitou Legacy, as tested. While the price tag means it’s not for everyone, the performance and the high-end luxurious feel can easily be appreciated by anyone who comes aboard. Nothing is an afterthought on this model; it’s solid from bow to stern.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 13

Maximum Speed 51.2 mph

Wild Ponies 300 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.79 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 6” deep

Why we love this boat…Not only does it handle like a dream, the high-end look and feel of the interior helps make it extremely inviting.

Just being picky…The rear loungers are great for stretching out and getting comfortable, but with this much power we’d like to see more handholds in this area.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

Best pontoon at the show! Love the feel of the 300 E-TEC with the SHP Hull.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Power steering, blue LED mood lighting, mooring cover, Polk stereo with amp and subwoofer, changing room built-in to chaise, first-mate Aqua Lounger chair with foot rest, ski/tow bar, powder-coated rails and Manitou Smart Screen.