Manitou 25 X-Plode XT SHP

 This article originally appeared in our 2017 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.  

First Impression

Ever wonder what 600hp on Manitou’s performance hull would feel like? Well you don’t have to dream anymore; the latest performance pontoon is here. If we said we weren’t looking forward to testing the only twin-engine pontoon at our test this year we’d clearly be lying. The best part is this thrill ride rocket ship lived up to all the pre-hype and it didn’t disappoint.  

Breakdown

The all-fiberglass top deck was introduced last year and is still just as impressive today because it gives the manufacturer the freedom to get creative with the layout design. As you open the billet aluminum heavy-duty bow gate you’ll find two chaise lounges with great storage options below. Built into the portside bow chaise is a pop-up changing room that stands 5 feet tall when open.

At the helm stand is a sporty console with controls to the JL Audio sound system that includes six speakers, a sub and a JL receiver. Plus there is a Manitou 7-inch Smart Touch Screen that provides digital readouts as well as remote access control to the Sport arch. With the Gussi Evo tilt steering wheel and 12-volt outlet and USB/Auxiliary port 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. Dual binnacle throttles help control the twin engines, but it’s the optional Optimus joystick steering that we truly love. You can easily maneuver this 28-footer by simply twisting the control knob so docking is practically effortless.    

There are two rear-facing loungers in the stern with electric-powered backrests and both can easily transform into a seating area for two with a table in between. The stern also includes a JL Audio remote and as you exit the new stainless stern gate you’ll find a unique ski/tow bar that is extended out with a boarding ladder in between.  

Other key features include the 24-inch-deep in-floor ski locker that is over 6 feet long, vinyl flooring, billet aluminum casing for the docking and nav lights, and Blue LED lights on the interior and exterior that complete the look.

Inspection

The Sport Handling Package (SHP) is a unique hull design that includes two 25-inch diameter pontoons and a 27-inch diameter center log with positive angle lifting strakes on all three. There is nearly 20 feet of deck space from inside the bow gate to the stern and the fiberglass sides stand at over 28 inches tall for the majority of the boat.

Handling

It almost sounds like a riddle if you ask, but what do you get when you combine twin Evinrude G2 300hp E-TEC outboards with Manitou’s SHP hull? The answer: a ride you won’t soon forget. We easily reached the 60 mph mark, but it’s the way this pontoon dives in the sharp corners that makes it so much fun to drive. The combination of Manitou pontoons with Evinrude power has been a winning formula for years and has the rest of the industry on notice.  

Final Thoughts

Clearly the cost of the twin engines are a main factor in the price as-tested, so while we would of course highly recommend 600hp if your finances allow, you could take less power and still be able to enjoy all this Manitou has to offer. Simply put, the complete package is what makes this ‘toon great, including the floorplan and loaded features and it is so much more than just a go-fast thrill ride. 

Boat Specifications 

Number of Occupants            13                   

Maximum Speed                     62.1 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             600 hp

No. of Gates                           3

0-20 MPH                               4.52 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             3’ 6” deep

Why we love this boat…Go ahead and toss words like “dream boat” around because when you combine power and performance with innovation this is what you get.  

Just being picky…We wish the pop-up changing room was a little taller, but really other than that it’s hard to find anything wrong with a pontoon in this price range.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Power steering, dual binnacle controls, raised platform, exterior lights, pop-up changing room, vinyl flooring, ski/tow bar, boarding ladder, JL Audio system, power backrests and SHP hull. 

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Dual engines, sport tower, in-floor storage, and Optimus steering.

VITAL STATS

LOA                  26’8” 

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       Three SHP Pontoons

Dry Weight       4,160 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    90 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Twin Evinrude G2 300

Cylinder Type                                                 V6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           210ci/300hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.85:1

Propeller                                                          14 7/8 X 22

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

500                  2.4                    90

1000                5.0                     85

1500                7.7                     88

2000                12.6                   95

2500                20.5                   98

3000                24.5                   97

3500                29.6                   102

4000                37.9                   103

4500                46.4                   104

5000                52.4                   107

5500                57.7                   107

6000                62.1                   109

Lansing, Mich.

800-999-9788

www.manitouboats.com