Boat Test Monday: Qwest M24 RLS RTZ SS

First Impression
In 2023, Qwest released its all-new M-Class series and it thrilled consumers. The Michigan-based manufacturer took many of its popular options and made them standard features, which is another reason this series was an instant hit. Heading into the 2024 model year we were excited to see the evolution of this series continue to delight us.

Highlights
At Qwest, all of its furniture is created in-house to give the manufacturer complete control, and it pays off with this versatile layout. The Ultra-Flow seat bases are designed to prevent mold and mildew while facilitating quick drying. We also love the sapphire blue pattern below the seat backs that adds a nice pop of color to the interior. With the Multi-flex furniture accessories you can dial in the customization by rotating seat backs, tables, armrests, and more with its plug-and-play system. This allows you to quickly reconfigure based on how you plan to use your boat that day.




There are two chaise lounges in the bow and two more in the stern that provide a variety of comfortable seats to meet the 14-passenger rating. A major benefit to the RTZ trim package is the dual highback Revo helm chairs for the captain and co-captain: both slide, swivel, and recline. At the fiberglass helm stand with a raised platform and windshield are dual Garmin touchscreens; you can keep your critical information on one and a GPS map pulled up on the other. Keeping the dual theme going, for the captain there is a wireless charging station as well as USB/ USB-C plugs, and directly across for the first-mate is a second wireless charger and ports. The controls to the upgraded JL Audio system are also at the helm, which includes six total speakers plus a 10-inch subwoofer for an amazing sound system.

The optional Sport Graphics and Wake Tower increase the sporty vibe and complete the overall look. Other options worth noting include Luxury Woven vinyl flooring, an entertainment center built into the back of the port chaise, in-floor ski locker, and a high-pressure washdown to spray off dirt and sand after a day of fun on the water. 

Closer Look
The Q3X hull includes three 25-inch diameter multi-chambered pontoons with positive angle lifting strakes on each, a full underskin below, and a premium ski/tow bar. Up top there is 20 feet of usable deck space inside the gates of this 26-footer, and the 1-1/4-inch powder coated railing measures nearly 27 inches tall for the majority of the perimeter, with the lowest being the stern gate at still 24 inches tall. 

Throttle Down
Substantial attention is going to be on the massive dual prop 350hp Suzuki outboard, and rightfully so. After all, we did reach a top speed of over 50 miles per hour after a zero-to-20 mph time of just 4.1 seconds. But we can't overstate how impressive the Q3X hull performs with the Dometic E-Actuator full electric steering. It's not exclusive to Qwest, but we absolutely love the pairing with Dometic. 

Why Buy
While the price as tested might not be for every budget, you could take less power and go with fewer options to help reduce the overall price. However, we like the look and performance as tested and feel this M-Class series pontoon from Qwest has a nice balance of standard and optional features. We feel most consumers will appreciate the complete package, too.   

St. Louis, Michigan
901-496-0231
www.qwestpontoons.com

Number Of Occupants 14
Price As Tested With Power $126K
Maximum Speed 51.7 mph
Wild Ponies 350hp
No. Of Gates              3
0-20 MPH  4.1 seconds
Ladder Measurement 48” deep

Why we love this boat...The modern design and flexible seating, plus the combination of Suzuki power, the Q3X hull, and Dometic's all-electric steering equal an extremely fun and easy boat to drive.

Just being picky...On its 24-foot models you do have to remove the Multi-flex furniture accessories in the mid-seat plug-and-play port before you can gain access to the underseat storage compartments.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
8' 6" Beam, 25" Diameter Multi-Chambered Pontoons, SS Corner Casting, SS Flip-Up Cleats, SS 4-Step Ladder, Snapless Playpen Cover, Wall Mounted LED Navigation & Docking Lights, Dual Garmin MFD w/Engine Data, USB/USB-C Chargers, Raised Helm Platform & Windshield, Rich Upholstery w/Ultra-Flow Seat Ventilation, Multiflex Accessories, Luxury Woven Flooring, Tilt Steering, Oval Table, Furniture Backrest Lighting, Scanstrut Wireless Charger, JL Audio MM50 Bluetooth Stereo & 4 LED Speakers, Side Storage Box, Italian Soft Grip Steering Wheel w/Tilt, Revo Highback Reclining Captain Chair, SS Cupholders and Apex Soft Side Cooler.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Shadow Plank Flooring, Sport Graphic, Q3X Triple Tube Pkg., Dometic E-Actuator Full Electric Steering, In-Floor Ski Locker, Refreshment Center in Layback, Exterior LED Lighting Pkg., Dual Battery Disconnect w/Voltage Sensing Relay (VSR), Wake Tower Upgrade, JL Audio Upgrade (10" Sub, 6 Speakers), Saltwater Pkg., and Suzuki Digital Binnacle Mount.

VITAL STATS
LOA  26’ 1”
Beam  8’ 6”
Hull Design  Q3X Triple Tube
Dry Weight  3,766 lbs.
Fuel Capacity  45 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine         Suzuki 350hp
Cylinder Type             V6
Displacement/Horsepower      4.3L/350hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio           2.29:1
Propeller Twin 15.5 X 21

RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
1000    4.9       76
1500    6.9       82
2000    8.9       87.5
2500    13.25   92
3000    19.35   91
3500    25.6     94
4000    30.7     97
4500    35.8     98
5000    41.35   99
5500    44.9     99.5
6000    49.5     100
6200    51.7     101

Price As Tested $126,388
(Boat & Engine)

Base Price $54,279
(Boat Only)