First Impression
When Manitou first introduced V-Toon technology and its SHP hull to the industry, the idea of this performance hull someday being paired with outboards totaling 900hp probably wasn’t even thought to be possible. Fast forward to 2022 and you have the makings of the ultimate performance dream pontoon, capable of reaching some amazing speeds.

Highlights
Understandably, the focus on this XT is the dual 450hp outboards, but as impressive as those are, this pontoon has a lot more going for it than just an adrenaline rush of power – but we’ll get to that shortly. The SRW in the model name is for the stern recliners with two full helm windshields. You can adjust your lounging position with the press of a button on those stern seats, plus each side converts from a full rear-lounger to a face-to-face seating configuration with the possibility of a table in between.

In the stern there is also a stereo remote, two rear-facing speakers, plus a stainless steel boarding ladder and extended ski/tow bar between the two outboards.

Speaking of the stereo, the JL Audio upgrade is an option for both the base model and the Platinum package with six total speakers, including two on the sporty arch tower, plus two 10-inch subwoofers. The main stereo controls are integrated into the dash which includes two Garmin 743 xs touchscreens and there is even a remote key fob to control lights, stereo and even the raising and lowering of the tower. Also at the helm is Mercury’s Joystick piloting system that makes docking a breeze. We told you this has the makings of a dream boat.

The color-matched interior flows perfectly with the black carbon fiber graphics on the exterior and it is all tied together with full snap-in Marine Mat flooring that only increases its sporty look. Other highlights include a 36-inch deep in-floor ski locker, dual glove boxes for the first-mate, felt liner inside the storage compartments and billet aluminum accent pieces throughout.

Inspection
The “secret” to the performance hull is the Sport Handling Package (SHP) that includes two 25-inch diameter pontoons with an oversized 27-inch diameter center tube that is 5 1/4 inches lower than the outer tubes that mimic a vee hull. There are lifting strakes on both sides of all three pontoons and a full aluminum underskin covers the well-braced cross members. Up top, the rail height is a consistent 26.5 inches tall around most of the perimeter and 23 inches tall in the bow. We also love the grab rails in the stern by the loungers, but if we’re being picky, we’d like to see rails in the bow too.

Performance
Go-fast thrill rides are part of the Manitou DNA and this twin engine beauty did not disappoint. We put the throttle down on the dual Mercury 450hp Racing outboards and went from 0-to-20 mph in 3.3 seconds!! Let that sink in for a minute. She tops out at a blistering speed of 74.3 mph and banks nicely in the sharp turns like a v-hull boat. To say this is a fun boat to drive would be a major understatement.

Final Thoughts
Because it is considered a dream boat, it’s fully-loaded with features and options that won’t be for every budget, but because it is a Manitou you won’t have to worry about the quality. It’s well-constructed with those added touches and extra horsepower capabilities that this manufacturer is best known for.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Power Folding Bimini Top, JL MM105 Bluetooth stereo, JL Audio LED Speakers w/ 10” Subwoofer, 2x Garmin743 xs multifunction displays, MDI Digital Switching, Garmin Quatix Watch, Choice of Woven Vinyl Flooring.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Platinum Package (Power Folding Sport Tower, JL Ultra Premium Stereo & In Tube Storage), Mercury JPO (Joystick Piloting), JL Tower Speakers, Snap-in Marine Mat Flooring, JL Ultra Premium Audio Pkg. (LED Speakers w/ additional 10” subwoofer).