Alera Marine enters the pontoon market in impressive fashion with its 25-foot-6-inch Model M23Q. This tritoon is highlighted by stylish and stout 2 ½-inch extruded perimeter rails, accented by flat two-tone aluminum panels and aluminum billet pods housing navigation and dock lights. Step aboard, and plush furniture along with standard Roswell Marine audio maintain the premium feel for up to 12 friends and family.
Alera’s Quad Chaise layout positions a foursome of couches around the M23Q’s perimeter. Flip-down armrests pair with a rarity—additional armrests cleverly worked into the design of fence-side cushions. Low-maintenance, roto-molded seat bases vanish behind vinyl color-matched seats above and feature divider-free, pass-through storage within. Twin captains’ chairs await to port and starboard. At the elevated helm stand, an ultrawide, 12-inch Simrad touchscreen dominates the dash. Underfoot, foam-backed woven-vinyl flooring promises comfort, durability and easy cleanup.
Details impress. Rather than tethered rubbery lids that may break over repeated use, USB/USB-C charging ports in seatback recesses feature spring-loaded covers. Rather than swing and bang, the boarding gates open and close on friction hinges and secure with an offshore-worthy stainless-steel latch when under way. A clear acrylic gate panel aft will soon be joined by a similar gate forward, giving the captain a view of docks and surrounding water not found on some competitors’ models. Even floor construction merits mention. Routed from a single sheet of fiberglass-covered, closed-cell foam, Alera notes that this deck is half the weight with twice the strength of marine plywood and completely eliminates seams.
Performance packages are standard. Triple 25-inch pontoons with two-step, extruded lifting strakes aid in both rapid planing and in carving aggressive turns. Matched with our test boat’s Mercury 250 Verado, the combo jumped onto plane in just over 3 seconds, reached 30 mph in under 7 seconds, and peaked at 43.6 mph. Power-assist steering added to the boat’s nimble and responsive feel.
High Points
- Construction includes a unique deck made from fiberglass-covered foam that adds strength and saves weight.
- Patent-pending fuel fill is integrated into the ski-tow bar at hip height, gravity-feeding the pressurized tank below and eliminating bending and back strain.
- The power Bimini is recessed into rail design for less flex.
- Additional standards include a Lewmar wide-step boarding ladder; RGBW LED package for interior, exterior, underwater and speakers; dual battery setup with convenient helm disconnect relay.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 250 Verado
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 35 gal.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $137,383 (with Mercury 250 Verado) |
| LOA: | 25’6″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 1’1″ |
| Dry Weight: | 3,400 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 12/1,635 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 70 gal. |
Alera Marine Group – Elkhart, Indiana; aleramarine.com
