PDB Shootout Tahoe

First Impression

You know those pontoons displayed at the boat shows that are fully loaded and designed to attract attention to the manufacturer’s booth? Well, that is exactly what this elegant Tahoe is all about as it lured us in for a closer look.

Highlights

It’s hard to even know where to start with a high-end model such as this one, so let’s just begin at the helm where the dual touchscreens only add to the luxurious feel. In the center of the dash the wide digital screen provides the driver with a lot of great information. To the right there is a second touchscreen and this one controls the JL Audio stereo and the six speakers and on the left is the Garmin GPS map. On the raised platform is the tall back Admiral helm chair that flows perfectly with the Admiral helmstand that comes standard with a faucet and sink, wine rack, refrigerator and beautiful stainless steel drawers. If you love to entertain, this Tahoe is for you!

You could make a strong case as to why the helm or the galley would be considered the main focus feature on this particular model, but we were equally impressed by the rear-facing lounges in the stern and feel they might just steal the spotlight. For starters the electric backs raise or lower with a press of a button and there is even a stereo remote back here. Translation: this is where everyone is going to want to sit when they come onboard. And like all of the furniture, the exclusive Matrix 50 soft-touch vinyl only adds to the inviting layout. Then just past the stainless rails is the swimdeck on the stern that includes a stainless steel telescoping ladder as well as a ski/tow bar.

Other added touches include Mangrove vinyl flooring, lighted in-floor ski locker and a pop-up changing room that is hidden below one of the rear-facing lounges and stands over 5 1/2 feet tall when open.

Inspection

There are lifting strakes on both sides of all three tubes with the exterior pontoons being 25 inches in diameter and the center tube 27 inches. With the blackout package a lot of components are powder-coated such as the Bimini frame, built-in docking lights, rubrail, deck corners and the wall railings, and when combined with the exterior heavy-duty ATI walls it really creates an attractive look. Up top the rail height ranges from 25 inches tall in the bow to over 29 inches tall for the majority of the layout.

Performance

The Waveglider triple high performance package is part of the standard features and it pairs nicely with the Mercury 250 Verado. This fully-loaded pontoon has a little extra weight to it but that didn’t keep it from reaching a quick zero-to-20 mph time of less than 5 seconds! She turns well and with the hydraulic steering she’s easy to maneuver.

Parting Thought

While the price as tested might not be for every budget, the amenities included on this high-end model are something any boater will appreciate. The layout welcomes you in and those features keep you onboard.

For more information:
Alma, Mich.
800-334-2913
www.tahoepontoons.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 16
Price As Tested With Power: $105.2 K
Maximum Speed: 39.1 mph
Wild Ponies: 250 hp
No. of Gates: 2
0-20 MPH: 4.98 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 9” deep

Why we love this boat…The added touches like electric-powered back rests on the rear loungers and the dual touchscreens at the helm make this a very inviting boat.   

Just being picky…With the galley that includes a fridge all that is really missing on this family-friendly layout is a standard built-in trash receptacle.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Admiral’s helmstand with sink, wine rack, fridge and SSD drawers, JL media stereo, Garmin GPS, Waveglider triple high performance pkg., heavy-duty ATI walls, LED accent dock lights, JL Premium speakers (6) with chrome grill, LED lights and JL Audio 4 channel amp, SeaStar hydraulic steering, Mangrove vinyl flooring, Admiral high back reclining helm chair, interior mood lighting, lighted cupholders, ski/tow bar, exclusive Matrix 50 soft-touch vinyl, ss telescoping ladder and 58-gal. fuel tank.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Verado digital throttle, touchscreen dash w/touchscreen stereo, blackout pkg., and in-floor storage.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 28’ 6”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 5,000 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 58 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 250 Verado
Cylinder Type: V8
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 279/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Propeller: 15 1/2 X 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
500                  1.1                     69
1000                3.1                     76.5
1500                5.7                     80.5
2000                7.8                     82.5
2500                10.0                   89.5
3000                15.2                   93
3500                18.9                   101
4000                24.1                   104.5
4500                28.1                   107
5000                32.4                   109.5
5700                39.1                   114

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $105,257
Base Price (Boat Only): $70,680

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