Manitou continues to take a new-school approach to the often old-school pontoon market. Rather than staid perimeter fencing, its exterior is fashioned from sleek exterior panels made using an aluminum transformation process inspired by the automotive industry. So, our test boat sported a new-for-’25 matte-black finish, a choice that carries over onto both the rub rail and powder-coated pontoons below. LED docking lights seamlessly integrate into bow corners. Aft, the forward-leaning Sport Bimini arch continues the overall vibe, complemented by smoked acrylic panels inset within the tubing. Thanks to cool-touch vinyl, the interior can be dark, look cool and be cool.
The most new-school feature of the Explore MAX, however, continues to be its expansive aft deck and the unique outboards that make it possible. The appropriately titled MAX Deck adds an additional 6 feet of usable space at the boat’s stern. Use it to hang out, gear up for watersports, or carry copious amounts of extra gear via pop-up LinQ accessory mounts sunk into the platform that can anchor coolers, storage boxes, bags, and even fuel caddies. Where did Manitou find the space? Belowdecks is a pair of stealthy, low-profile Rotax S150 outboards. Together, they pushed our test boat to a 46.5 mph top speed. Perhaps equally important, the engines vastly improved the pontoon’s low-speed handling via iDock joystick piloting. Standard on dual Rotax models, it reduces stressful docking scenarios to almost video-game simplicity, providing intuitive control.
As to our test boat’s sleek, dark exterior, it proved surprisingly inviting. Moving forward off the MAX Deck, a pair of Switchback lounges await to port and starboard, each revealing the clever Trifold Bench midway along their length. Use it in traditional fashion for a comfy couch, pivot the Trifold cushion into the wall and pop up the dinette table below, or leave empty space for passengers to face fore and aft with feet on the floor. Switchback adjustable backrests provide a forward or aft focus. Two more couches await forward, completing the boat’s 10-passenger capacity.
High Points
- Upgraded Fusion audio system with four 6.5-inch XS speakers, two 4-inch underhelm speakers, an amp and a subwoofer.
- V-Toon Technology mimics the feeling of a V-hull’s ride.
- MAX deck and Rotax outboards offer a unique experience.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin 150 hp Rotax S outboards
- Drive/Props: Outboard/BRP Viper 13 7/8” x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 83 gal.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $159,285 (with twin Rotax S150) |
| LOA: | 28’4″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 4,406 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 10/1,410 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 90 gal. |
Manitou Pontoon Boats – Lansing, Michigan; manitoupontoonboats.com
