Manitou 23 X-Plode XT SHP

June 2016 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2016 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.

Three Things

Sporty, innovative and powerful best describe this latest Manitou that blurs the line between pontoon and runabout.

Breakdown

To help celebrate its 30th anniversary, Manitou went all in with this X-Plode XT. Everything from the deck up is crafted from fiberglass—other than the billet aluminum heavy-duty bow gate—so the engineers were able to design a unique and innovative floorplan. For the side gate, a fiberglass door with a friction hinge allows it to stay open at any angle so it won’t automatically close like a traditional gate would.

In the bow are two chaise lounges that incorporate different colors and vinyl patterns and below the fiberglass seat bases are storage compartments lined with felt. Built into the portside bow chaise is a pop-up changing room that stands 5 feet tall when open. It’s great to have one onboard, but the average size does limit the number of uses.

For the captain, a sculpted sporty helm console includes large gauges, plus a Manitou 7-inch Smart Touch Screen that provides digital readouts as well as remote access control to the radar arch. With the Gussi Evo tilt steering wheel you’ll feel at home in the comfortable captain’s seat that is on a raised platform, and directly across is an identical helm chair for the first mate.

Behind the helm seat is another great multi-use area that can transition from two chairs on both sides with a table in between to two very comfortable rear-facing stern loungers. By simply removing the table and lowering the backrest the transition is practically effortless. There is even a second stereo remote in this area so everyone has a chance to control the music. Speaking of tunes, with the Kicker Bluetooth-capable stereo, 6 LED-lit Kicker speakers and a 800-watt amp with a 10-inch subwoofer, this ‘toon is set up for a great time on the water. Your music deserves to be played on this boat.

Two moving stainless steel safety bars help secure the stern area as you transition to the back of the boat that also includes a four-step telescopic stainless ladder and a tall ski/tow bar. Other key features include the 23-inch deep in-floor ski locker that is over 7 feet long and teak vinyl flooring throughout the boat. Both are listed as options on this particular model as-tested.

Inspection

The Sport Handling Package (SHP) is a unique hull design that includes two 23-inch diameter pontoons and a 27-inch diameter center log with positive angle lifting strakes on all three. There is over 19 feet of deck space from inside the bow gate to the stern and the fiberglass sides stand at 24 inches tall for the majority of the boat.

Handling

With the SHP hull and the Evinrude G2 250 E-TEC outboard you better be holding on when you put the throttle down. At just over four seconds, this performance ‘toon had one of our fastest zero-to-20-miles-per-hour times at our test as it “X-ploded” out of the hole. And because she banks beautifully in the sharp turns it truly is a blast to drive.

Final Thoughts

From a style and innovation perspective, this was one of our favorites. While the as-tested price might not be for everyone, you will at least be able to appreciate the well-built construction and the overall sporty design. They say you get what you pay for and that’s the case with this Manitou as you get a lot in return.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 12

Maximum Speed 53.3 mph

Wild Ponies 250 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.17 seconds

Ladder Measurement 4’ deep

Why we love this boat…This is a sporty, multi-use performance model with a lot of style that truly breaks free from the traditional-looking pontoon.

Just being picky…It’s nice to have a pop-up changing room, but at just 5 feet tall when open it’s limited on who can really use it.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

I like the machined aluminum front gate. The fiberglass door was solid/thick, everything felt sturdy and well-built! It has high-end fit and finish, a clean fiberglass look, and amenities galore.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Anchor light, LED CARPET, 24 can hard-side cooler, dinette table, docking lights, LED accent lighting, blue LED track lights, wide 4-step ladder, blue LED cup holders, exterior blue LED lights, color-matched mooring cover, LED nav. lights, 2 portable cupholders, privacy station, Sport Hybrid ski tow bar tower, waste basket, USB port/aux jack w/ cell phone holder, AM/FM Kicker Bluetooth radio, 6 Kicker speakers w/ LED lights, 7-inch Manitou Smart Touch Screen, raised fiberglass helm, Gussi Evo steering wheel, power assist steering and GPS.