Manitou 24 Legacy TT
Author:
Steve Griffin Go ahead, pull a skier behind this three-tube pontoon, and wait for him or her to fall. Then crank the wheel to track back over your path on the retrieve. If you’re like us, you’ll marvel when the boat snaps around with practically no slippage -- more like a runabout than a pontoon. Credit for the quick response goes to the performance lift strakes on each of the three 25-inch tubes that produces better lift and more stability in tight turns. This Manitou has performance stats more like a conventional boat than a pontoon: quick to plane, speed to spare. Many pontoons won’t even get to 30 mph, let alone do it in under nine seconds. Getting from here to there is a lot more efficient at 43-plus mph. It’s the center tube that makes it all possible, allowing for a burly 200-hp Mercury Optimax. Our performance tests were compiled with a typical pontoon load -- five people and enough gas to play from sunup to sundown. This may not be a boat made for skiing, but you won’t find a better pontoon for driving tubers. And it’s clear that you can fish from the entire 24-foot platform. A full-length riser provides strength. Nose cones are crafted in two pieces, a design that disperses spray while providing additional strength. Dock lights are now standard. The sleek fiberglass helm is larger and more spacious than previous models, rigged with a full array of gauges. An automotive-style fuse panel makes it easy to reset circuits and eliminates the frantic search for fuses. The interior of the helm offers storage for fenders, coolers and more. Supple vinyl and Sunbrella acrylic accents provide exterior-quality toughness in interior-style furniture. The bimini top and mooring cover match it. Attractive options on our test boat included performance fins, the Save-A-Life ladder amidships, and a ski-tow bar that on this boat could prove very useful indeed. Nice Touches - Double walled roto-molded seat boxes
- Safety rail on sun deck to help avoid roll-offs
- Windshield is removable for easy cleaning
- Cast aluminum corner caps
- Aluminum underskin for protection and performance
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