Tahoe 2385 Cascade RJ

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First Impression

Factoring in the fit and finish, color, style lines and overall design, we were very impressed with the cohesiveness of this Cascade model. From bow to stern, this boat flows very well and is loaded with features to ensure your day on the water is a great one.  

Breakdown

The standard Deco 3 monochrome exterior panels come in a single color, but as tested this model includes the upgraded two-tone panels plus the optional side vents that not only look good, but offer extra ventilation for your storage under the aluminum frame seat bases inside. The interior has also been upgraded to BTT soft vinyl flooring that looks as good as it feels on your bare feet. Speaking of comfort, the exclusive Matrix 50 Soft Touch seat vinyl with pillow tops invites you in and you won’t want to leave. Below the color-matched kick panels you’ll find indented speakers that have been upgraded so they light up with a blue color along with the cupholders for a nice added touch. We also like the composite interior wall coverings which cover up your railings for a cleaner look.

At the Ensign II fiberglass helm stand is a simplified console with two multi-function gauges that include a GPS speedometer/trim combo and access to the upgraded JL Audio stereo controls. The 12-volt outlet and USB/Auxiliary port provide a way for you to transport your own tunes and take advantage of six powerful JL Audio speakers positioned perfectly around the boat. It’s also worth noting that the full 10-foot Bimini provides a lot of great shade to a large section of the boat for those hot summer days when you need a break from the sun.   

Behind the helm is an L-shaped seating area that is very unique and not like other configurations. By simply inserting a small pedestal, a filler cushion transforms this space into a large sundeck that offers yet another roomy place to stretch out.

Outside the stern gate is a large swim deck with an optional ski/tow bar plus a solid four-step stainless boarding ladder. There is even a large fiberglass storage trunk in the stern, perfect for storing your wet items. If we had to be picky, it would be nice if the lined compartment inside was a little deeper so it could hold more items easier.     

Inspection

One of the performance options is the Triple Waveglider 25-inch diameter pontoons that include high performance lifting fins on both sides for a total of six, SeaStar hydraulic steering, ski/tow bar and a 45-gallon center fuel tank.

Onboard there are three gates and from the bow gate to the rear bench seat there is over 14 feet of usable deck space. The rail height varies from 24 inches tall to over 26 inches for the majority of the boat.

Handling

The Triple Waveglider hull with strakes provides more lift, resulting in an impressive zero-to-20 mph time of just over five seconds. With the Mercury 150hp four-stroke we just missed the 40 mph mark on this responsive and fun-to-drive pontoon.

Final Thoughts

A lot of options were added to this boat, which isn’t a bad thing. The boat (and price) as tested is what you’re going to want to focus on because the complete package is what impressed us most. Tahoe does a great job of providing consumers with a wide variety of options to help customize each pontoon, but other than maybe an in-floor ski locker, we’re happy with the layout and combination of options and standards on this particular Cascade RJ and we feel a lot of other people are going to agree.

Boat Specifications 

Number of Occupants            12                   

Maximum Speed                     39.1 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             150 hp

No. of Gates                           3

0-20 MPH                               5.29 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             3’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…Nothing appears to be an afterthought on this particular model as the layout and overall look flow extremely well with a lot of great optional upgrades.   

Just being picky…Great trunk storage in the stern, but we just wish it was a little deeper so you could store your items easier without worrying about something possibly falling out.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Ensign II fiberglass helm stand, Infinity PRV250BT stereo, black soft-grip steering wheel w/ chrome spokes, tilt steering, Deco 3 external multi-panel retro monochrome walls, interior composite wall coverings, SS wall-mounted navigation/dock light combo, helm stand courtesy light, curved grey wood table, smoked glass round cocktail table, exclusive Matrix 50 Soft Touch seat vinyl, suspension seating, lounge arms w/ storage, lifetime aluminum seat frames, decorative color-matched seat frame cladding, 2 removable stainless steel cupholders, SS fixed cupholders, 29-gallon remote fill transom-mount fuel tank and 5-year bow-to-stern/lifetime limited hull and floor warranty.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Waveglider triple 25-inch high performance pontoons w/ 6 lifting fins, SeaStar hydraulic steering, ski/tow bar, 45-gallon center fuel tank, Premium sound system, full BTT soft vinyl floor, silver vinyl pkg., chrome hardware pkg., two-tone walls, interior mood lighting, lighted cupholders, rub rail blue lighting, LED accent dock lights built into walls, mooring cover, quick-release fender holders, SS seat cladding inserts, side protector keels, heavy-duty double-bolted hat channel crossbeams, extended rear deck platform, polished aluminum deck corner impact protection, pontoon double full risers, 3/4-inch PTP lifetime marine flooring, GPS speedometer, 12-v power point, 2 front-facing and 2 rear-facing benches, long portside bench w/ J curve and filler cushion, and bow/aft/portside boarding gates.

VITAL STATS

LOA                  24’ 6”              

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       Three Waveglider Pontoons

Dry Weight      2,900 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    45 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Mercury 150   

Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 4

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           183ci/150hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.92:1

Propeller                                                          15  X 15 SS

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

500                  3.1                     78

1000                3.9                     81

1500                6.8                     87

2000                9.5                     82

2500                13.1                   86

3000                18.5                   89

3500                22.6                   93

4000                27.9                   93

4500                31.0                   101

5000                35.0                   106

5500                39.1                   108

Alma, Mich.

800-334-2913

www.tahoepontoons.com