Boat Test Monday: Montara Naxos

First Impression
We've seen plenty of unique and fully-loaded pontoon models over the years, but nothing quite like this Naxos. There is a lavish vibe to it where normal features have all been enhanced on this model. For example, one wireless phone charger is great, but this one has a total of five. Passengers love staying plugged in and charged up, so the 9 USB ports should do the trick. Have you ever wondered if your boat has enough cupholders? We counted 37 on this 26-footer, which means there are nearly three cupholders per person for the max number of people this pontoon is rated for. Now that's impressive. 





Highlights
The extensive list of standard features includes the power off courtesy light switch, located near the side gate. It automatically turns the lights off after two minutes, even with the battery switch off.

At the raised helm stand, the 12-inch touchscreen is off-set to the right of the dash with push buttons below, a wireless charger cubby and access to the stereo controls. The upgraded premium Polk Audio system sounds amazing and includes six speakers, two subwoofers, four tower speakers and two transom speakers. You're sure to draw a lot of attention at the sandbar with this kind of system.

Speaking of options, the power tower is not part of the included standard features, but is worth strong consideration, along with the tower camera. The two LilliPad Marine products on the swimdeck are also popular options, including the easy-to-use Revo boarding ladder, and the always entertaining diving board.     

Other features include a large in-floor ski locker with bilge pump, digital switching at the helm, dedicated trash storage directly across from the captain, and USBs in each of the four corner seating areas.

Closer Look
Below deck the undercarriage includes standard features such as full length quarter-inch thick M brackets, .100 gauge pontoons, .125 gauge nose cones, five chamber tubes, integrated splash guards, full-length spray deflector, three-sided full-length quarter-inch thick lifting strakes, and quarter-inch cross members using I beams and C channel on 16-inch centers. Simply put, it looks and feels extravagant. Above deck there is nearly 20 feet of usable deck space inside the gates with the rail height varying between 24 and 26 inches tall.

Throttle Down
The pairing with the Mercury 300hp Verado pays off for an extremely responsive and thrilling ride. We nearly reached the 50mph mark at full throttle after a steady and gradual zero-to-20 mph time of 7 seconds. We were able to take some tight turns with complete control and confidence.

Why Buy
At first glance you may not be able to appreciate the thoughtful design and the (pun intended) boatload of both standard and optional features. But once you spend a little time on board this Naxos, you'll begin to see the vision the engineers had in mind when they were designing it. It is remarkable how much is packed into this model, which makes it worthy to be called a luxurious pontoon masterpiece.

Loudon, Tennessee
865-657-5158
www.montaraboats.com

Number Of Occupants                       13                   
Price As Tested With Power               $183.7K
Maximum Speed                                 46.2 mph                   
Wild Ponies                                        300hp
No. Of Gates                                       3
0-20 MPH                                           7.8 seconds   
Ladder Measurement                         60” deep

Why we love this boat…As-tested, this Naxos is loaded with an abundance of standard and optional features that you won't find on most pontoons. The over-the-top approach will impress you.

Just being picky...We wouldn't want to sacrifice any features, but we wish there was a little more space on the stern deck. It's a little tight, although there's still some room to walk around before entering through the stern gate.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
12” Touchscreen, 5” Raised Helm, Billet Accents, Polk Stereo w/4 7.7” Polk Speakers, Ski Locker w/Bilge Pump, Spring Loaded Gate Hinges, Oversized Top Rail, Blackout Rails, Digital Switching, Remote Battery Switch, 4 Sets of Dual USB Ports, SS Ladder, Tilt Steering, Electronic Shift & Throttle Controls, Drop Down Hinges, Rear Deck Buoy Holders w/Cupholders, Premium Vinyl Flooring, LED Compartment Lights, Blue LED Courtesy Lights, 37 Cupholders, Front Bimini, Towable Cover, Extreme Duty Oversized Rubrail, Flip Up Cleats, Depth Finder w/Water Temp, Docking Lights, Flip Down Arm Rests in Bow and Aluminum Front Fence w/Storage Compartments.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Premium Audio w/6 Speakers & 2 Subs, 4 Tower Speakers, 2 Transom Speakers, Clamping Board Racks, Helm Mounted Rear View Mirror, Cast Power Tower w/Blue LED Courtesy Lights, Rear Bimini Top, Full Internal And External RGB Lighting w/Controller, Tower Camera, XS Power Batteries, Quick Connect Fender Clips, Wireless Phone Charger, Ski Pylon, LilliPad Marine Revo Ladder, Transom Remote. Lillipad Diving Board, Billet Kit w/5 Wireless Phone Chargers, Heated or Cooled Cupholder, and Metal Jacket XL Tube Coating.

VITAL STATS
LOA                26’
Beam                 8’ 6”
Hull Design       Triple Pontoon
Dry Weight       4,200 lbs.
Fuel Capacity    74 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                                     Mercury 300 Verado
Cylinder Type             V8
Displacement/Horsepower     4.6L/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio           1.85:1
Propeller                                 Enertia 18

RPM    vs.      SPEED              vs.     DB-A
1000                4.3                   82.5
1500                6.1                   78
2000                8.05                 82
2500                10.3                 84
3000                14.1                 91
3500                17.9                 89.5
4000                23.1                 90.5
4500                28.9                 96.5
5000                36.5                 100.5
5500                41.9                 103.5
6000                46.2                 103

PRICE
Price As Tested                       $183,720
(Boat & Engine)

Standard Package
(Boat Only)                             $99,900