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Brief Summary
The Manitou 23 X-Plode combines deck boat performance with pontoon boat space and comfort in a family watersports package with room. The boat's bottom design, setting the center pontoon lower than the outside tubes, creates a planing hull that leans into hard turns like a vee bottom, and that also softens waves from ahead.
Key Features
- Powder coated walls
- Stainless steel Bimini top and boot
- Chaise with flip-up arm rests
- Furniture with Diamonte marine vinyl
- 2 portable cupholders with stainless inserts
- Privacy station assembly in chaise
- Ski tow bar
- AM/FM Polk Bluetooth radio with 4 speakers
- Automotive style slider helm chair
Test Results
RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | STAT. MILE | NM | dBa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
550 | 3.2 | 2.7 | 0.25 | 12.6 | 10.96 | 499 | 434 | 65 |
1000 | 5.2 | 4.5 | 0.6 | 8.67 | 7.54 | 343 | 298 | 69 |
1500 | 7.4 | 6.4 | 1.4 | 5.25 | 4.57 | 208 | 181 | 74 |
2000 | 10.1 | 8.8 | 3.05 | 3.31 | 2.88 | 131 | 114 | 81 |
2500 | 16.1 | 14 | 4.6 | 3.5 | 3.04 | 139 | 121 | 82 |
3000 | 19.7 | 17.1 | 6.2 | 3.18 | 2.76 | 126 | 109 | 83 |
3500 | 23.9 | 20.7 | 8.25 | 2.89 | 2.51 | 114 | 100 | 85 |
4000 | 29.9 | 26 | 10.85 | 2.76 | 2.4 | 109 | 95 | 86 |
4500 | 38.9 | 33.8 | 13.65 | 2.85 | 2.48 | 113 | 98 | 91 |
5000 | 45.8 | 39.8 | 16.95 | 2.7 | 2.35 | 107 | 93 | 94 |
5500 | 50.8 | 44.2 | 21.65 | 2.35 | 2.04 | 93 | 81 | 95 |
Specifications
Length Overall | 24' 4'' / 7.42 m |
---|---|
Beam |
8' 6'' 2.59 m |
Dry Weight |
3,100 lbs. 1,406 kg |
Tested Weight |
3,705 lbs. 1,681 kg |
Draft |
14'' 0.36 m |
Deadrise/Transom | N/A |
Max Headroom | open |
Bridge Clearance | N/A |
Fuel Capacity |
44 gal. 167 L |
Water Capacity | N/A |
Total Weight |
3,705 lbs. 1,681 kg |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
Time to Plane | 3.5 sec |
---|---|
0 to 30 | 5.8 sec |
Ratio | N/A |
Props | 19'' Rebel |
Load | 2 persons, 79/100 fuel, no water, 25 lbs. of gear |
Climate | 71 deg., 76 humid.; wind: 0-5 mph; seas: calm |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
1 x 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 H.O. |
---|---|
Std. Power |
1 x 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 H.O. |
Opt. Power |
Not Available |
Captain's Report
Mission Statement
The Manitou 23 X-Plode SHP continues to push the limits of traditional performance, amenities, and design in a pontoon boat. From her V-Toon hull design to her versatile seating options, distinctive graphics and color options, this boat not only looks sharp, but she also appears to be ready to provide a day of excitement and comfort on the water.
Distinguishing Features
- SRS Seating Group: Split rear seats that convert to luxurious loungers
- Powder-coated rails
- SHP Hull: Sport Handling Package
- Aluminum wake tower
- Energy-saving LED lighting
Performance
This 23 X-Plode SHP is engineered to handle an outboard rating of up to 250-hp. At WOT, we reached a top speed of 51.1 mph at 5500 rpm. At that speed, we were burning 21.6 gph giving us a range of 93 statute miles. Best cruise speed came in at 3000 rpm and was 19.7 mph. That produced a sedate ride with a 6.2 gph fuel burn which meant a range of 126 miles, while still maintaining a 10% reserve. We had a quick time to plane of only 3.5 seconds going 20 mph, and continued accelerating through 30 mph in 5.8 seconds.
Handling
Manitou has developed its own tube design that provides the sporty handling characteristics for the 23 X-Plode SHP.
The outer tubes measure 23” in diameter each, while the center tube is 27”. The center tube is also 5 1/4” lower than the outer tubes and this creates a pivot point for the boat on which to lean into the turns. Positive angle lifting strakes run down the full length of both sides of all the tubes. This pushes water away from the tubes to enhance the turning ability and get the boat up on plane quickly. At the nose cone, we find an integrated splash fin which is much stronger than a welded fin. This will keep the topside and passengers dry while underway. The nose cones are also thicker than the rest of the tubes.
As for handling, the 23 X-Plode SHP is quick to respond to the helm. She’s clearly acclimated to watersports so break out the skis, tubes, or whatever is most desirable to tow.
And there’s no tendency to lean to the outside of the turn. She accelerates from a nearly level attitude and settles back into the water the same way.
Features Inspection
Appearance
The first thing that we noticed on the 23 X-Plode SHP were the rails, wall panels and deck trim which were powder coated.
Another new feature, which gives the boat a very distinctive sporty look is the aluminum wakeboard arch (with a bikini Bimini) that can be lowered for trailering.
Stern to Bow
Starting off in the stern, and in keeping with the design elements of the boat, Manitou employs a polished stainless steel stern safety bar which is 24” high, as per ABYC standards.
As the pontoon boats evolve, we are seeing more integration of the convenience and safety elements that we have come accustomed to in the fiberglass V-hull boats. For example, the builder has placed the large fuel tank down below inside one of the tubes. This increases the range of the boat, lowers the CG, and provides an additional level of safety.
The SRS floor plan at the stern consists of dual booth style seats to either side of the stern and allow two people to sit opposite one another and even create an aft-facing chaise lounge on each side. This booth/chaise seating arrangement is constructed on its own fiberglass module that drops into place and provides a level of fit-and-finish rarely seen on pontoon boats.
From the chaise lounge position, the center pad is flipped back to create the stern seat. There is storage under the aft-facing seat that houses the pedestal table.
The side mount pedestal table can be installed to enjoy snacks and drinks on the water. This innovative design allows the stern of the 23-X-Plode SHP to be used in several different ways for different occasions. Some will like it for sunning, while others will like its intimate arrangement for a private picnic or even cocktails
Storage is also welcome on a boat and here is some good use of the space forward of the aft seating group.
The captain’s chair sits up on a raised platform for better visibility and is accented with the color scheme to match the boat. The seat has thigh and side bolsters and was comfortable.
The helm has two analog gauges flush-mounted and flanking a new Smart Screen System from Manitou. The leather-wrapped tilt wheel comes standard and is from Italian designer Gussi.
Soft and plush seating at the bow only begins to describe this area of the 23 X-Plode SHP. The quality of the vinyl and workmanship of the seats is noteworthy. Note the curves, multi-colors, red welting and the smooth lay of the material’s round compound curves. Soft to the touch Diamonte all-weather marine-grade vinyl is used throughout the boat.
Engine
Our test boat was equipped with the all-new Evinrude E-TEC G2 250-hp engine, turning a 19 Rebel propeller. Optional power ranges from 200-hp to 250-hp.
Options to Consider
- Barbecue grill, rail Mount or leg Mount
- Center in-tube storage
- Double Bimini
- Porta-Potti
Price
Manufacturer Suggested Retail (as tested, with engine) $87,000
Observations
The design characteristics of the Manitou 23 X-Plode SHP are clearly taking the “toons” to a new level of sporty looks and comfort. But this is only part of the equation. The builder’s attention to detail in every aspect of the boat is impressive. The finish details on the upholstery have been crafted by experts. The powder-coated rails, walls and deck trim add a luxurious, clean look to the boat and should provide added protection against the elements. In all ways, we found this boat at the top of her class.