(above right) The new 1.9-liter three-cylinder, two-stroke powerhead is shared by 115 hp and 150 hp versions is is horizontally designed, rather than vertically, so it can be mounted below the stern deck. Both motors use the E-TEC direct fuel injection system and are equipped with power hydraulic steering. (lower right) Using a special display model, you gain a better perspective on how well the wiring is hidden behind the aluminum panels.

From a distance it can be hard at times to correctly identify certain pontoon brands from across the water as some models tend to share a lot of the same exterior characteristics. For model year 2023 Manitou has broken free with not only a modern and a distinctive fresh redesign, but has paired it with a groundbreaking Rotax outboard engine.

When news broke earlier this summer and phrases such as “industry-disrupting” were being tossed around, an instant buzz of excitement was created as pontoon enthusiasts went on the hunt online in hope of catching a glimpse to see what all the fuss was about. At first glance I liked the updated and timeless modern look, but I couldn’t really appreciate what I was seeing until I had a chance to get behind the wheel myself.

“Today, we rise above and introduce two new boat models that will shake the industry with forward-thinking design,” stated Garrett Koschak, Manitou’s global product manager, at the recent media event. “The new Manitou models are fully optimized and seamlessly integrated so the boat and engine deliver the perfect day on the water. Beyond the progressive and disruptive design cues that we believe will raise Manitou to icon status, we are revealing a boatload of innovations that make the on board experience a game-changer in the industry.”

(top) The new 1.9-liter three-cylinder, two-stroke powerhead is shared by 115 hp and 150 hp versions is is horizontally designed, rather than vertically, so it can be mounted below the stern deck. Both motors use the E-TEC direct fuel injection system and are equipped with power hydraulic steering. (bottom) Using a special display model, you gain a better perspective on how well the wiring is hidden behind the aluminum panels.

From a distance it can be hard at times to correctly identify certain pontoon brands from across the water as some models tend to share a lot of the same exterior characteristics. For model year 2023 Manitou has broken free with not only a modern and a distinctive fresh redesign, but has paired it with a groundbreaking Rotax outboard engine.

When news broke earlier this summer and phrases such as “industry-disrupting” were being tossed around, an instant buzz of excitement was created as pontoon enthusiasts went on the hunt online in hope of catching a glimpse to see what all the fuss was about. At first glance I liked the updated and timeless modern look, but I couldn’t really appreciate what I was seeing until I had a chance to get behind the wheel myself.

“Today, we rise above and introduce two new boat models that will shake the industry with forward-thinking design,” stated Garrett Koschak, Manitou’s global product manager, at the recent media event. “The new Manitou models are fully optimized and seamlessly integrated so the boat and engine deliver the perfect day on the water. Beyond the progressive and disruptive design cues that we believe will raise Manitou to icon status, we are revealing a boatload of innovations that make the on board experience a game-changer in the industry.”

Cruise & Explore

Some changes from year to year are strictly cosmetic or minor tweaks, but the Manitou engineers went all-in from bow to stern on the all-new Cruise and Explore pontoon lines. The new Cruise lineup comes in 20-, 22-, and 24-foot lengths and it replaces the Oasis and Encore lines. The Explore replaces the Aurora LE from Manitou’s previous lineup and comes in 22-, 24-, and 26-foot lengths. Colors include Stone Red and Stone Blue for the Cruise and Carbon, Pearl Ice, Carbon Red and Carbon Blue for the Explore.

The new color schemes are refined and simplified, curated to create a look that will stand the test of time. The crisp color options are further complemented by high-end look and feel including woven vinyl flooring and Simtex vinyl.

Construction

Painted fiberglass walls on Manitou’s high-end XT models have become a signature look for the manufacturer and at first glance you might mistake the sleek and modern aluminum side panels of the Cruise and Explore models as fiberglass. The aluminum transformation process, traditionally only found in the luxury automotive industry, is exclusive to Manitou. It also features a redesigned bow featuring a distinctive new lighting signature for navigation and docking lights to provide even more character. The best part might be how easily one of the sections of the aluminum sidewalls could be replaced if damaged instead of having to replace the entire side.

Beyond cosmetic upgrades, Manitou is going to a single-sheet, 100 percent composite flooring from TranCore. It is not a honeycomb flooring so you can drill into it and the advantages are obvious: it’s 30 percent lighter than traditional marine-grade plywood and it won’t rot.

V-Toon Hull

When I first heard about the new redesign I was hoping it didn’t include the actual hull. Why? Because Manitou’s proven V-Toon hull is legendary to say the least and we’ve always been impressed with its capabilities. I’m happy to report the new models have been completely redesigned from the deck up, meaning 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 remained untouched. The performance hull includes six lifting strakes and it pairs nicely with the new Rotax outboard.

Rotax Details

BRP completely rethought, reimagined, and redesigned the engine for its new boats. The Rotax Outboard Engine with Stealth Technology is currently offered in 115hp and 150hp configurations, with plans to expand its lineup coming soon. It delivers the same advantages of a traditional outboard engine such as price, performance, handling, ease of maintenance, and full trim, etc., but with additional benefits.

For starters it’s partially submerged underwater so it’s hidden under the boat. The advantage of this outboard is it doesn’t block the stern and provides a clean and unobstructed view off the swim platform. Not only do you not see the outboard, but the deck is free of fuel lines and wiring found on pontoons with traditional outboards.

It’s also quiet as well as efficient at any speed and the Rotax engine has up to 20 percent improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional outboard engines. What’s more, it is the cleanest combustion outboard engine in its class, with a 12 percent reduction in reportable emissions, and a 98 percent reduction in carbon monoxide at idle compared to leading outboard engine brands.

Finally, the outboard is hassle-free, meaning you don’t need to remove the 15 bolts to access the engine for up to 5 years or 500 hours for scheduled maintenance. The oil-fill for the two-stroke direct inject engine is separate from the outboard, so again there is no need to remove the engine cowling that includes a positive seal with a water detection probe and enclosed bilge pump to remove all worries. The direct inject technology is something BRP has been perfecting for years and the proof can be found in its powerful Ski-Doo snowmobiles.

The pairing of the Rotax engine works great on the new models, but if you’d prefer a higher horsepower engine than the 150hp Rotax you can go up to 400hp but it would then come with a traditional stern deck.

MAX Deck

Speaking of the stern deck, the sleek new MAX Deck platform simply doesn’t exist on any other pontoon. Exclusively available when equipped with Rotax outboard engines, the MAX Deck unlocks 38 square feet of additional usable space, meaning more comfort for boaters and more possibilities for recreation at the stern. Since it also includes LinQ attachment points for accessories, it’s just up to you to add the options and one must-have or one that should at least be at the top of your wish list is the cooler. On board coolers often block seating or gate entries but this system ensures it’s safety mounted on the back deck and out of the way.

From the boat you step up onto the platform of the MAX Deck and when the Rotax engine raises up the platform doesn’t interfere with the mounted cooler. The boarding ladder is even angled away from the engine for added safety.

Variety Of Layouts

The all-new switchback seating and trifold bench with 3-in-1 functionality and hidden table is a great addition. The trifold bench is an option and it gives you three functions in one in the starboard rear behind the captain’s chair. The bench section can be converted to include a table or completely fold up to free up additional space. There are other swingback options and configurations to allow you to dial in exactly what you’d prefer for your layout.

For The Captain

The helm area has been completely redesigned with ergo-specialists and design experts to convey functionality, simplicity, and modernity. A 7-inch Garmin digital dashboard comes standard on the Cruise and on the Explore it comes with a 9-inch Garmin digital touchscreen. Both models come with Fusion stereo systems with optional upgrades and a phone storage cubby with optional wireless phone charging that is easily accessible by the captain.

Options vs. Standards

Designed to create an elevated visual appearance, the forward-folding Standard and Sport Biminis offer up to 12 feet of coverage and are easy to use and to fold, compliments of two gas-powered shocks requiring less than 5 pounds of pressure to open or close. Also, with the Sport Bimini version, customers can run their boat up to 50 miles per hour with the Bimini up; now that’s impressive.

The Sport Bimini top is standard on the Explore, but available as an option on the Cruise. Other options, such as the in-house powder-coated pontoons, are only available on the Explore line.

Transparent Pricing

For 2023 Manitou has also simplified the ordering with online pricing that is transparent and consistent no matter where you order your boat. The upgrade packages are offered a la carte, which simplifies ordering for both the customer as well as the dealer.

For example, the starting prices of a Cruise and Explore are $53K and $66K, respectively, before options.

Competitively priced within its segment, these new models are truly doing what Manitou hoped they would: shaking up the pontoon industry.

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