First Take

Magnificent and imposing in appearance, size or style is how the dictionary defines the word “grand,” so it’s easy to see how Tahoe came up with this model name. It truly is magnificent, plus having 800hp on the back is kind of grand too.

Kind Of A Big Deal

The new LTD model for 2023 has all of the same standard features as its highest Excalibur flagship model, but instead of a GX fiberglass wall it has the traditional Deco aluminum wall skin with fiberglass inserts. The engineering team worked on a graphic for the exterior that mimics the curves in the fiberglass to ensure the LTD is still eye-catching, plus it saves you a little weight, which increases your top-end speeds.

There is also a new furniture redesign for this year which now features a beautiful tri-colored interior with stunning quilted accents and ULTRAFINE vinyl that is as comfortable as it looks. Another nice added touch is the beautiful Commander windshield helm console with not only the Viper III touchscreen, but touchscreens for the Garmin and Fusion stereo controls as well. The captain has full control of the boat from the comfort of the five-position bolstered helm chair, and the best part is there is an identical chair for the first mate that’s an upgrade from a bench seat. This area is all tied together with a full wraparound windshield, and when paired with the standard GX Power Arch (complete with upgraded Fusion premium canister speakers that increase the number of speakers to eight total on board), you have the right recipe for a fun and sporty-looking boat. Other key features worth noting include a ski/tow pylon, washdown, in-floor ski locker, charging station in the bow and an entertainment center that includes a sink and faucet with a pullout refrigerated drawer below—we told you this boat was loaded.

Closer Look

The triple 27-inch diameter pontoons include lifting strakes on all three tubes, a full aluminum Waveshield and heavy-duty double-bolted hat channel cross members that provide added strength below. Above deck, the rail height is a consistent 24 inches tall for a safe and family-friendly design. Overall, the construction work received high marks, including the craftsmanship and the hidden areas such as the aluminum-constructed seat bases.

Performance

You could argue the jump in popularity for pontoon boats well over a decade ago had a lot to do with the increase in performance capabilities. The evolution to where we are today with this Grand Tahoe that is loaded with two Mercury 400R Verado engines is truly amazing. It’s a 60-plus mile per hour pontoon that turns well in tight turns and is a lot of fun to drive. The twin comes standard with a 100-gallon fuel tank but on this specific model it was upgraded to a 150-gallon tank to increase the range.

Final Thoughts

With a sporty wakeboard tower, a boatload (pun intended) of key features and amenities with 800hp on the back it’s hard not to absolutely fall in love with this thrill ride appropriately named the Grand Tahoe. It is considered one of the manufacturer’s top-of-the-line models so it is priced accordingly, but with Tahoe you never have to worry about the quality or the craftsmanship.