PDB Shootout Manitou

First Impression

It’s not a brand-new model for 2019, but with all-new furniture and a new helm design you could have fooled us. Manitou is known for its little added touches and we knew heading into our test we would find plenty that we liked and we were correct.

Highlights

The silver and burgundy exterior panels—along with the grey and burgundy interior vinyl—flow well with the color-matched twin outboards and the grey teak vinyl flooring ties it all together. Even the antique silver powder coated rails complement the look, as nothing is an afterthought with the colors all working well together.

We’re used to seeing real glass on full wrap-around windshield layouts, but it was refreshing to see a tempered glass one on this single helm console. New this year there is a glove box on the side of the helm stand and when combined with the hidden one by the captain’s feet there are plenty of great places to store your loose items like keys and wallets.

At the attractive-looking dash is a Simrad touchscreen in the center with lighted push buttons on each side with access to the Kicker stereo controls below. This system includes four speakers, plus a second stereo remote near the rear-facing loungers. The stern loungers are two of the four chaise lounges onboard and we like the addition of the permanent cupholders added to the side this year. Another new feature is a pop-up table that is built into the back of the portside bow chaise that is easy to use and let’s face it; you can never have enough table space on a boat.

Other great features include a 10-foot Bimini, a large in-floor ski locker and between the two outboards on the swim deck is an extended ski/tow bar with a telescopic boarding ladder below.     

Inspection

The Sport Handling Package (SHP) includes two 25-inch diameter pontoons on the outside with a 27-inch diameter center log and all three have positive angle lifting strakes. Above deck the rails stand a consistent 26 inches tall around the perimeter of the boat, which helped earned it a high safety rating.

Performance

The combination of Evinrude engines on Manitou performance hulls has been a proven recipe for fun for many years, so having twin G2 150 H.O. outboards on the back of this one only added to the thrill ride. Besides the benefit of a zero-to-20 mph time of just over 4 seconds and a top speed of nearly 50 miles per hour, this twin setup also makes it possible to add the optional iDock joystick controls. With a built-in gyro it will self-correct so you can dock like a pro by just using your fingertips and it’s not an upgrade that will break the bank either.

Parting Thought

While the price as tested won’t be for every budget, the complete package you’re getting in return is easily worth the investment considering the added value and all of the amenities packed into this well-built pontoon. Again, it’s all about those added touches and Manitou seems to understand that as well as anyone. 

For More Information: 
Lansing, Mich.
800-999-9788
www.manitouboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 13                   
Price As Tested With Power: $104.7K
Maximum Speed: 48.5 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 300 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.35 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…Known for performance, we love the way this Manitou handles, but the amenities and attention to detail are equally as impressive.

Just being picky…The four chaise lounges are extremely comfortable, especially the long one across from the helm. All that is missing are fold-down armrests for complete bliss. 

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Simrad GO 3 smart screen, mooring cover, LED lights, power steering and raised helm.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

In-tube storage, iDock joystick, two-tone graphics, grey teak floor, LED cupholders, LED exterior lights and entertainment table.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 26’8”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: SHP II
Dry Weight: 4,160 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 90 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Evinrude G2 150 H.O.
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 167ci/150hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.17:1
Propellers: N/A

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
400                  0.9                    77
1000                3.2                     85.5
1500                6.3                     88
2000                9.1                     95
2500                14.5                   95
3000                20.4                   96.5
3500                25.1                   98.5
4000                32.0                   99.5
4500                37.7                   103
5000                42.9                   107
5500                46.9                   109
5600                48.5                   111

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $104,750

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.