There’s 38 square feet of wide-open aft deck space aboard Manitou’s Explore 24 MAX Navigator. Thank the concealed Rotax outboard for that acreage. Available in 115 and 150 hp ratings, our test boat’s 150 delivered a top speed of 35 mph. Acceleration? We clocked zero to 30 mph in 12.8 seconds. We noted smooth idling and living-room-quiet running from this two-stroke engine. Dynamic Power Steering (electrically assisted) is standard.
Fitted with MarineMat, the aft MAX deck’s hinged center section tilts up as the Rotax outboard tilts for shallow water or trailering. The BRP exclusive LinQ modular attachment system allows a cooler to reside securely on the port side—a nifty, well-placed feature. A telescoping boarding ladder extends from starboard.
The boat’s modern fencing—bulkheading might be a more apt term—also offers unique benefits. Providing sleek looks with integrated LED docking and navigation lights, it’s comprised of removable panels that hide all the boat’s wiring and plumbing within the walls. The top rail, cleverly formed as a handrail, also features the LinQ system. Add fender clips, cup holders, wineglass holders and more as you see fit.
Manitou’s contemporarily styled furniture proved plush and accommodating. Long bow lounges will swallow several guests per side and feature easy-opening seat bases for storage. The reversible aft Switchback loungers allow forward- or aft-facing relaxation. The aft port seats are what BRP calls a Trifold bench, which features facing seats with a flip-out table for dining, or reverses to be a filler cushion for lounging. Seat bases are roto-molded plastic, with recessed toe kicks.
The pilot and navigator sit in matching high-back chairs behind oversize consoles with low-profile Lexan windscreens. The port console features a large locking glove box with USB charging inside. The captain’s console features a phone cubby with an optional wireless charge pad, a Fusion RA-210 sound system powering four speakers, a Garmin 9-inch EchoMap, and light-touch digital switches for accessories operation. It’s well set up for fun and function.
High Points
- Rotax outboard unlocks more functional space.
- Revolutionary wall design is modern, sleek and functional.
- LinQ attachment system allows for quick and secure mounting of accessories.
How We Tested
- Engine: Rotax S150
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/BRP Rogue 13″ x 17″ 4-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.17:1 Fuel Load: 18 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $84,160 |
| LOA: | 26’4″ |
| Beam: | 8’5″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 4,002 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 13/1,833 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 43 gal. |
Manitou Pontoon Boats – Lansing, Michigan; 800-999-9788; manitoupontoonboats.com
