Why we love this boat… The extended swimdeck combined with the Versatile Rear Bench make the stern where everyone will want to want to be and for good reason.
Just being picky… For peace of mind, a locking glove box for the captain would be nice, keeping smaller items such as keys and wallets secure, but otherwise we love the helm layout.
(Boat and Motor)
Versatile layouts that appeal to every member of the family are a huge trend in the industry right now and pontoons such as this 2485 VRB from Tahoe is leading the way. It’s set up for a wide variety of users as a great all-around model that gives you a high-end feel without breaking your budget.
Highlights
There is a lot of added value to this boat, or in other words, you get a lot for your dollar with this versatile pontoon including the Matrix 50 seat vinyl that is extremely comfortable and made to last. The interior color scheme is nice too and includes light brown, beige and off-white vinyl for a high-end feel. In the bow are two chaise lounges, and with the bow filler cushion in front of the gate, it creates a comfortable U-shaped seating area.
For the captain, the upgraded Sport High Back Recliner is a nice touch, and there is even an identical one directly across for the first mate. As for the actual helm console, the dash is well-organized with multi-function analog gauges in the center with a Garmin GPS map on the right and the Fusion stereo unit on the left. Just below the throttle is a great area to store your phone or keys, but if we’re being picky, we’d like to see some type of lockable storage for the captain.
Moving towards the stern and just behind the dual helm chairs is a rear bench design so versatile that the manufacturer included it as part of the model name. With the VRB layout you can easily convert the rear bench seat into a rear-facing swingback lounger along with additional configurations. Below the sunpad you’ll find two batteries as well as a master power switch plus ample storage space. We really like the security of the stern gate too that helps make this boat extra safe for smaller children.
Out on the extended rear deck or Patio Pad, the larger area is perfect for adding the optional LilliPad Marine diving board, complete with Tahoe’s logo engraved into the board’s padding. Other stern features include a ski/tow bar and a four-step stainless boarding ladder.
The Sport Performance package includes 25-inch diameter pontoons with 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 26 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
Paired with the maximum-sized outboard, the Suzuki 200hp four-stroke delivers on this Tahoe. We just missed the 40mph mark at full throttle with a 0-to-20 mph time of 4.4 seconds, and she holds her own in tight corners. The power-assist steering helps make this a fun and easy boat to drive.
Final Thoughts
There is plenty of room for everyone on board, but we’re guessing the stern is where your family and friends will want to hang out most. The rear-facing swing back lounger is extremely inviting, and having that extra long swimdeck opens up a lot of possibilities. It’s truly sandbar-ready and set up as-is to be a great all-around family boat.
Crew Roto Helmstand w/ Large Dash & Side Storage, 12-volt Power Point, Silver Sound Package Fusion RA-210 Radio w/4 Fusion EL Speakers, Mechanical Tilt Steering, Black Soft-Grip Steering Wheel, Removable Windshield, Courtesy Light on Helmstand, Sport Low Back Driver’s Chair with Arms, Chair Adjustment Slider (Front, Back & Rotate), Riptide Vinyl Rear Deck, SS Cupholders, Rectangle Heavy-duty Greywood Table w/Large Cupholders, USB Charging Ports, Lifetime Aluminum Seat Frames w/Flow-Through Ventilation, Custom Designed Furnishings w/Matrix 50 Primary Seat Vinyl, Deluxe Seat Frame Cladding, Suspension Seating, Lounge Arms w/Storage, Vinyl Non-Skid Strips for Entry Gates, Deco 4 External Multi-Panel Smooth Walls, Bimini Top w/1 1/4-Inch Square Anodized Aluminum Frame, USCG Lights, Mirror Chrome Logos, Gates w/Lift-N-Lay Hinge, Rear SS Ladder.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Buckskin Interior, 4000 Series Furniture Upgrade, Dual Batt. Switch, Dual USB Charging Ports On Dash, LTZ Premium Pkg. (Sport High Back Recliner, Garmin, Mooring Cover, LED Chrome Docklights, Polished Deck Corners, Soft Grip Spoke Wheel), Sport Perf. Pkg., Electric Power-Assist, Washdown, Ski/Tow Bar, Bow Filler Cushion, 4 Quick-release Fender Holders, SS Vent Covers, Privacy Station, Blue Ice Pkg., LilliPad Marine Diving Board.