PDB Shootout: Tahoe

Quick Glance

Nothing is an afterthought on this 25-footer – it is ready for a fun day out on the water soaking up sunshine and carving out wakes.

Highlights

From bow to stern, the Grand Tahoe is loaded with the right mix of standard and optional features as tested, that will have you redefining what a luxury pontoon should be. But to refer to this Tahoe as just a feature-rich pontoon would be overlooking the quality construction and thought that went into its overall design.     

“Over building” its pontoons has been one of the many qualities of this brand for years, as well as the specific features that are tailored toward enjoying your time on the water.

Starting with the helm console, the touchscreen on the right side controls the multi-zone RGB light party as well as the Premium JL Audio sound system with a Humminbird Helix 5 GPS map on the left. In the center is an extremely large touchscreen with all the information a captain would ever need to monitor the vessel and all three screens are protected behind a tall windshield. Part of dual helm setup is an identical windshield and adjustable helm chair for the first mate. The latch to swivel or recline either helm chair is up top so it’s really easy to use and the pedestal mount also adjusts for boaters of all heights.

The Premium JL Audio sound system with six speakers – including two premium tower speakers on the GX Electric Tower – ensures the party never has to end. Besides adding a sporty look and high tow point for water sports, the tower easily raises and lowers with a push of a button for trailering or just a low bridge you may encounter.

Exclusive to the manufacturer, the new Matrix 50 ULTRAFINE Touch seat material not only looks good, but it’s extremely soft. The vinyl also flows well with the Infinity brand BTT grain finish flooring and the rest of the interior.

For some boaters it’s not an issue, but if we had to be picky we would like to see some type of a locking glove box or designated area for loose items. Of course, with 12 cupholders on board you could probably just toss your wallet or keys into one of them.  

Closer Look

On the exterior, the solid aluminum panels (similar to what Ford is doing with its F150 trucks) provide a cleaner look with no rails showing and the redesign of the bow docking lights completes the high-end look. However, the optional Blackout package takes this sporty pontoon to a whole new level. Below deck the three 27-inch diameter pontoons with the Waveglider system include a full splash skin to improve the performance.

Performance

Good news: not only does this Tahoe look the part of a performance pontoon, it backs it up with the Mercury 300hp Verado on the back. We nearly reached the 50 mph mark after a quick zero-to-20 mph time of just over five seconds. She handles well, is extremely responsive and because of those qualities is really fun to drive.

Final Thoughts

This Grand Tahoe Quad Lounge is grand indeed! If you’re looking for the top of the top-of-the-line pontoons with all the bells and whistles, as tested you’re going to want to pay attention to this one.

Alma, Mich.
800-334-2913
www.tahoepontoons.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 14                 
Price As Tested With Power: $146.4K
Maximum Speed: 46.4 mph               
Wild Ponies: 300 hp   
No. of Gates: 2
0-20 MPH: 5.54 seconds       
Ladder Measurement: 3’ deep

Why we love this boat…Being able to control all the RGB lights from the helm as well as the tunes that include tower speakers on the arch will put a smile on your face.   

Just being picky…A locking glove box or a true designated area for your loose items for the captain would be a nice added touch, but that’s all this loaded helm console is missing.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Dual Commander Fiberglass Helmstands w/Full Windshield, Upholstered Automotive Style Stitched Trim, Humminbird Helix 5 GPS, Multiple location USB Charging Ports, JL Audio Mediamaster MM100 Stereo, JL Premium Sound Speakers w/Chrome Grill, LED Speaker Lights, Lighted Speaker Rings and JL Audio 4-Channel Amp, SeaStar Hydraulic Steering, Mazzo Steering Wheel, Admiral High Back Helm Chair, Adjustable Height Pedestal, Matrix 50 ULTRAFINE Vinyl, Suspension Seating, RGB Lighting, Battery Dual Switch, GX Aluminum Walls, Ski/Tow Bar, Waveglider Triple 27 Pontoons, Extended Rear Deck and 58-Gal. Fuel Tank.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Half Camper Enclosure Clear, Buckskin Interior Pkg., Premium JL Sound System, Premium Tower Speakers, BTT Infinity Flooring Upgrade, GX Electric Tower, Bow Bimini, In-Floor Ski Locker, Blackout Pkg. and Transhield & Motor Installation.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 25’ 6”     
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Waveglider Triple
Dry Weight: 4,600 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 58 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 300 Verado
Cylinder Type: V8
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 279ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED    
500                  2.3                 
1000                3.8                 
1500                5.7                 
2000                8.2                 
2500                11.0               
3000                15.7               
3500                20.1               
4000                25.9               
4500                30.6                 
5000                35.1
5500                46.4                  

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $146,434
Base Price: $135,408

This article originally appeared in our 2020 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.