Manitou Explore 24 MAX Switchback being driven on the water
MANITOU
Explore 24 MAX Switchback
First Impression
While the MAX deck with the partially submerged twin outboards below will most likely grab your attention (and rightfully so), the blackout look of jet black exterior walls and powder-coated matte black pontoons is a stunning look for this Explore 24.
Highlights
Rotax integration completely unifies the engine and boat, allowing the 6-foot MAX Deck to provide 55 square feet of additional, usable space at the stern. Included are two LinQ accessory points on the MAX deck, which is ideal for the optional LinQ 13.5-gallon cooler. We love that this location frees up space inside the boat.

As you step down into the boat from the stern deck you’re greeted with dual swingback lounges for either forward- or rear-facing seating, as well as dual trifold benches that provide adjustable seating and table configurations to match your needs.

Continuing with the double vibe, the dual helm consoles tie in the symmetrical look with the captain having a high back helm chair while the first mate chair is the third swingback lounger on board. At the helm console is a massive 12-inch Garmin touchscreen, a wireless phone charging pad and controls to the Fusion sound system. Plus, the standard iDock joystick piloting puts control at your fingertips to simplify docking and close quarters maneuvering.

The Bimini top extension is a popular new option for the 2025 model year that provides 12 feet of coverage and is rated for up to 35 mph when deployed. Other than the accessory upgrades that include the LinQ Lite fender kit, cooler, cupholder, stemware holder, modular cargo boxes and insulated tote bag, the double Bimini is the only other option. The majority of the features including the in-floor ski locker, LED lighting, cool-touch Simtex vinyl seats and the upgraded Fusion sound package are all part of the long list of standard features. Simply put, everything you see is included, direct from the factory.

Why we love this boat…It’s hard not to focus on the massive MAX Deck because it truly is unique and unlike anything else out there. Having this much additional free space is priceless.
Inspection
The V-Toon hull with a 27-inch diameter center tube that reaches 5 and 1/4 inches lower than the 25-inch diameter outside tubes are the base of this Manitou. The performance hull includes six lifting strakes, which pairs nicely with the dual Rotax Stealth outboards. The floor is made of 100 percent composite decking and again, is not an upgrade but is included as a standard feature.
Performance
With dual Rotax engines that total 300hp on the back, the twin S150 partially submerged outboards offer the same key benefits of a single Rotax S. According to the manufacturer, the dual Rotax S150 engines provide 12 percent average reduction in reportable emissions and 98 percent reduction in CO at idle when compared to other leading outboard engine brands. At full throttle we reached a top speed in the mid 40s, and with the V-Toon hull we were able to dive into some sharp turns with ease.
Just being picky…The switchback seating adds versatility, but the actual seats felt a little stiff and were slightly rigid-looking.
Final Thoughts
The modern-looking Explore 24 MAX Switchback has a timeless design with the dual theme that goes beyond the twin engines and carries over to the helm consoles, swingbacks, and double Bimini tops.

The jet black exterior aluminum panels complement the blackout look, and when paired with the Rotax engines and MAX Deck, this Manitou really is unlike anything else currently being offered in our industry.

rear end of Manitou Explore 24 MAX Switchback
aerial top view of Manitou Explore 24 MAX Switchback
passenger seat of Manitou Explore 24 MAX Switchback
rear seat of Manitou Explore 24 MAX Switchback
Manitou Explore 24 MAX Switchback steering wheel
RPM
vs.
SPEED
vs.
DB-A
650
3.1
80.5
1000
4.9
78.5
1500
6.7
80
2000
8.0
86
2500
9.5
90
3000
11.9
93
3500
15.1
98
4000
20.9
99
4500
30.8
97.5
5000
39.5
104
5250
44.5
107.5
Stats
  • Number Of Occupants10
  • Price As Tested With Power$164K
  • Maximum Speed44.5 mph
  • Wild Ponies300hp
  • No. Of Gates2
  • 0-20 MPH8.3 seconds
  • Ladder Measurement46” deep
Vital Stats
  • LOA28’ 4”
  • Beam8’ 6”
  • Hull DesignV-Toon
  • Dry Weight4,518 lbs.
  • Fuel Capacity90 gals.
Test Drive
  • EngineRotax S150XS & S150XP
  • Engine Type3 Cylinders
  • Displacement/Horsepower1.9L/150hp
  • Lower Unit Gear Ratio2.08:1
  • Propeller13 7/8 x 21
Price
  • Price As Tested$164,327
(Boat & Engines)
  • Base Price, No Options$159,285
(Boat & Engines)
Options on Test Boat
Bimini Top Extension, LinQ Lite Fender Kit, LinQ 13.5 Gal. Cooler, LinQ Lite Cupholder, LinQ Lite Stemware Holder, LinQ Modular Cargo Boxes (2.6 Gal. & 5.2 Gal.) and LinQ Insulated 8.5 Gal. Tote Bag.
Notable Standards
MAX Deck w/2 LinQ Attachment Points, iDock Joystick Piloting, Dual Trifold Benches, High Back Helm Chair w/Bolster, Navigator Helm, USB Charging, Wireless Phone Charger, 12” Garmin Digital Display, Garmin Boat Switch Digital Switching, Fusion RA-670 Stereo, (4) 6.5” Fusion XS speakers, (2) 4” Fusion XS Under Helm Speakers, Fusion 8-Channel Amp, Subwoofer, Powder-Coated Matte Black Tubes, Gas-Assisted Sport Bimini, Mooring Cover, LED Docking Lights, LED Interior Flooring Lights, LED Backsplash Lights, Privacy Station Curtain, Matte Black Pop-Up Cleats, 100% Composite Decking, Plastic Windscreen, Full Length Lifting Strakes, Reinforced Nose Cones, Center In-Tube Storage, Rear Stereo Remote, and Saltwater Pkg.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lansing, Mich. – 800-999-9788
www.manitoupontoonboats.com