Top 10 Manitou Pontoon Models 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall Manitou pontoon for 2027 is the Manitou Explore 22, starting around $54,995, which pairs Manitou's signature V-Toon SHP performance package, a roomy family layout, and big outboard ratings up to 300 hp to deliver the best blend of handling and comfort in the lineup.

The Best Value pick is the Manitou LX 22, starting near $39,995, the most affordable way into a genuine Manitou triple-tube platform without giving up build quality. This list is built for families, watersports crews, and serious cruisers who want a sport pontoon that corners like a runabout — whether the budget sits near $40,000 or stretches toward a fully rigged $110,000 flagship.

Every pick below uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs, tube configurations, and MSRPs.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each Manitou model against the priorities pontoon buyers tell dealers they actually care about. We leaned on published data from Boating Magazine, Discover Boating, BoatTEST, boats.com, and Manitou's own model pages. The weighting:

• Build quality and reliability — 25%
• On-water performance and handling — 20%
• Value and price — 15%
• Comfort and layout — 15%
• Features and tech — 15%
• Resale value — 10%

A boat that nails performance but flunks layout, or wins on price but feels cheap, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Manitou Explore 22 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $54,995 | Best for: Families who want one pontoon that handles like a sport boat

The 2027 Manitou Explore 22 is the most complete sport pontoon in the lineup. It rides a 22-foot 2-inch LOA hull on Manitou's V-Toon dual-tube system with 27-inch diameter pontoons flanking a center lifting strake, and it accepts outboards up to 300 hp for true watersports muscle.

The deck carries an 8-foot 6-inch beam, holds a 53-gallon fuel tank, and seats up to 13 passengers. The available SHP (Sport Handling Package) adds the third center tube, ski-tow hardware, and a planing speed that pushes past 45 mpg with the right engine. A standard touchscreen helm with Garmin electronics, premium reclining loungers, and a powder-coated fence round out a deeply usable family cruiser.

Pros:

• V-Toon dual-tube hull with available 27-inch SHP package
• Rated for outboards up to 300 hp for serious watersports
• Seats 13 with premium reclining helm and bow loungers
• Garmin touchscreen helm standard for navigation and audio

Cons:

• SHP and big-power rigging push pricing toward $80,000
• Base power feels modest against the heavy hull

Verdict: The Explore 22 wins on balance — performance, family space, and Manitou's signature handling with no real weak spot.

2. Manitou Cruise 22

Starting MSRP: $48,995 | Best for: Cruising families who want comfort over outright speed

The 2027 Manitou Cruise 22 trades the Explore's sport focus for a relaxed, lounge-forward layout on the same 22-foot 2-inch platform. It runs the V-Toon dual-tube hull with 25-inch tubes standard (27-inch SHP optional), an 8-foot 6-inch beam, and a 53-gallon fuel tank.

Engine ratings reach 250 hp, plenty for tubing and easy cruising, and it seats 13 passengers across wraparound bow and stern lounges. Standard creature comforts include a Bluetooth audio system, plush vinyl seating with extra padding, and an available changing-room privacy enclosure that families love for all-day outings.

Pros:

• Comfort-first layout with deep wraparound lounges
• Same V-Toon hull as the Explore for confident handling
• Optional changing-room enclosure for family days
• Rated to 250 hp for relaxed cruising and tubing

Cons:

• Less sport-tuned than the Explore line
• Top SHP rigging adds quickly to the price

Verdict: A superb easygoing cruiser — pick it when relaxed comfort outranks watersports speed.

3. Manitou Explore 24

Starting MSRP: $59,995 | Best for: Bigger families who want sport handling with more deck

The 2027 Manitou Explore 24 stretches the Explore formula to a 24-foot 2-inch LOA deck for more seating and storage. It keeps the V-Toon dual-tube hull with available 27-inch SHP tubes, an 8-foot 6-inch beam, and a larger 63-gallon fuel tank. Engine ratings climb to 400 hp, making this one of the fastest pontoons Manitou builds.

It seats up to 15 passengers, carries a dual-screen Garmin helm, and offers an available ski tow pylon plus premium captain's chairs. The extra two feet add real cargo room without dulling the sharp cornering Manitou is known for.

Pros:

• Rated for outboards up to 400 hp for big watersports power
• 24-foot deck seats up to 15 with generous storage
• V-Toon SHP hull keeps sport-boat cornering
• Available dual-screen Garmin helm and ski pylon

Cons:

• Larger footprint needs a bigger trailer and slip
• Big-power builds climb past $95,000

Verdict: The do-it-all big sport pontoon — ideal when you want the Explore's handling with extra room.

4. Manitou Switchback 23

Starting MSRP: $72,995 | Best for: Watersports families who want a tower and a wake

The 2027 Manitou Switchback 23 is the lineup's dedicated watersports machine, built on a 23-foot 4-inch LOA V-Toon hull with 27-inch SHP tubes standard. It accepts outboards up to 400 hp, carries a 63-gallon fuel tank, and rides an 8-foot 6-inch beam. The defining feature is the integrated watersports tower with board racks, Bimini, and tow point, plus an available ballast and surf system that lets it throw a real wake.

It seats 13 passengers, includes a rear-facing watersports lounge, and pairs a premium JL Audio system with a Garmin touchscreen helm.

Pros:

• Integrated tower with board racks and tow point
• Available ballast and surf system for a real wake
• Rated to 400 hp on a sport-tuned SHP hull
• Premium JL Audio and Garmin helm standard

Cons:

• Watersports rigging makes it one of the pricier models
• Tower complicates low-clearance storage

Verdict: The watersports specialist — buy it for the tower, the ballast, and the wake it can build.

5. Manitou Cruise 24

Starting MSRP: $53,995 | Best for: Large families who want maximum lounge space

The 2027 Manitou Cruise 24 is the comfort flagship of the Cruise line, built on a 24-foot 2-inch LOA deck with the V-Toon dual-tube hull and 25-inch standard tubes (27-inch SHP optional). It runs an 8-foot 6-inch beam, a 63-gallon fuel tank, and engine ratings to 300 hp.

Seating reaches 15 passengers across the deepest, most heavily padded lounges Manitou offers, with an available wet bar, refreshment center, and changing room. A Bluetooth helm audio system and soft-touch helm make long cruising days easy on the captain and crew alike.

Pros:

• Deepest, most padded lounge seating in the lineup
• Available wet bar and refreshment center
• 24-foot deck seats up to 15 comfortably
• V-Toon hull keeps composed handling at cruising speed

Cons:

• Cruising focus means it is not a sport boat
• SHP and bar options raise the price quickly

Verdict: The ultimate family cruiser — pick it when all-day comfort and entertaining top your list.

6. Manitou LX 22 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $39,995 | Best for: First-time Manitou buyers who want the brand without the premium

The 2027 Manitou LX 22 is the smartest value play in the entire lineup and the most affordable way into a genuine Manitou. It rides a 22-foot LOA deck on a triple-tube configuration with 25-inch diameter pontoons for stability and a smooth ride, an 8-foot 6-inch beam, and a 30-gallon fuel tank.

Engine ratings reach 150 hp, ample for cruising and light tubing, and it seats up to 11 passengers. While it skips the V-Toon performance hull, the LX 22 keeps Manitou's welded deck construction, powder-coated railing, and quality vinyl — real brand DNA at an entry price.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any Manitou at $39,995
• Standard triple-tube hull for stability and a smooth ride
• Genuine Manitou welded deck and powder-coated fence
• Easy 150-hp rating ideal for cruising and tubing

Cons:

• No V-Toon performance hull at this price
• Smaller 30-gallon tank limits long runs

Verdict: The value champion — the cheapest way into a real Manitou with the build quality intact.

7. Manitou Explore 26

Starting MSRP: $66,995 | Best for: Buyers who want the longest, most powerful Explore

The 2027 Manitou Explore 26 caps the Explore line at a 26-foot 2-inch LOA deck for the most space and power in the family. It rides the V-Toon dual-tube hull with 27-inch SHP tubes, an 8-foot 6-inch beam, and a large 75-gallon fuel tank. Engine ratings reach 400 hp, and the big deck seats up to 17 passengers.

Standard kit includes a dual-screen Garmin helm, premium captain's and companion chairs, and abundant in-floor and console storage. For buyers who want the Explore's handling but need to carry the whole crew, this is the flagship.

Pros:

• 26-foot deck seats up to 17 with huge storage
• Large 75-gallon tank for extended cruising range
• V-Toon SHP hull with up to 400 hp
• Dual-screen Garmin helm and premium chairs standard

Cons:

• Largest, heaviest Explore to trailer and dock
• Loaded builds top $105,000

Verdict: The Explore flagship — ideal when you want maximum length and power with sport handling.

8. Manitou Switchback Max

Starting MSRP: $94,995 | Best for: Buyers who want the ultimate watersports pontoon

The 2027 Manitou Switchback Max is the no-compromise top of the watersports line, built on a 25-foot 6-inch LOA V-Toon hull with 27-inch SHP tubes. It accepts twin-rigging or a single outboard up to 600 hp combined, carries a 75-gallon fuel tank, and rides an 8-foot 6-inch beam.

The Max adds an upgraded dual-tower setup, the largest available ballast and surf system, a transom surf gate, and a premium JL Audio package with multiple zones. It seats 15 passengers and pairs a dual Garmin touchscreen helm with the most aggressive performance tuning Manitou builds.

Pros:

• Up to 600 hp combined for elite watersports performance
• Largest ballast and surf system plus transom surf gate
• Dual-tower setup with multi-zone JL Audio
• Dual Garmin touchscreen helm standard

Cons:

• Highest entry price in the lineup at $94,995
• Twin-engine rigging adds significant cost and maintenance

Verdict: The watersports flagship — the most capable wake-building pontoon Manitou offers, at a price to match.

9. Manitou Cruise 26

Starting MSRP: $58,995 | Best for: Large crews who want the biggest comfort cruiser

The 2027 Manitou Cruise 26 is the longest cruiser in the lineup, built on a 26-foot 2-inch LOA deck with the V-Toon dual-tube hull and 25-inch standard tubes (27-inch SHP optional). It runs an 8-foot 6-inch beam, a 75-gallon fuel tank, and engine ratings to 350 hp.

Seating reaches 17 passengers across sprawling lounges, with an available full wet bar, refreshment center with sink, and changing room. A soft-touch helm, Bluetooth audio, and abundant cup holders and storage make it the entertaining flagship for big groups and long days on the water.

Pros:

• 26-foot deck seats up to 17 for big groups
• Available full wet bar and refreshment center with sink
• Large 75-gallon tank for all-day cruising
• V-Toon hull keeps composed handling at length

Cons:

• Big footprint demands a large slip and trailer
• Loaded entertaining builds climb past $90,000

Verdict: The grand cruiser — pick it when you entertain big crews and want maximum lounge space.

10. Manitou RF 25

Starting MSRP: $61,995 | Best for: Anglers who want a fishing-ready Manitou

The 2027 Manitou RF 25 brings genuine fishing capability to the Manitou platform, built on a 25-foot LOA deck with a triple-tube configuration and 27-inch tubes for stability when standing and casting. It runs an 8-foot 6-inch beam, a 63-gallon fuel tank, and engine ratings to 300 hp.

The RF (Rear Fish) layout adds dedicated fishing chairs, aerated livewells, rod storage, and a bow casting deck, while keeping enough lounge seating to convert to family duty. A Garmin touchscreen helm with available fishfinder and trolling motor makes it a true dual-purpose boat.

Pros:

• Dedicated fishing chairs, livewells, and rod storage
• Stable triple-tube hull for standing and casting
• Converts to family cruising when fishing is done
• Available Garmin fishfinder and trolling motor

Cons:

• Fishing focus trades some lounge space
• Not a sport-handling V-Toon performance hull

Verdict: The fishing dual-purpose pick — buy it when you want to fish hard and still carry the family.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Pontoon

• Tube configuration — Two-tube boats with a center performance tube (Manitou's V-Toon) corner and plane far better than basic two-tubes; triple-tube setups add stability and higher power ratings. Confirm tube diameter — 25-inch vs 27-inch changes ride and capacity.
• Engine rating vs intended use — A cruising family is happy at 150–250 hp, while watersports crews need 300–600 hp. Match the rating to how you actually use the boat, not the maximum.
• Real seating and capacity — Check the rated passenger count and how the lounges convert; a 22-footer seats fewer than a 26-footer, and layout matters as much as length.
• Helm electronics — A quality Garmin touchscreen helm with navigation, depth, and audio control is worth far more than a basic gauge cluster on a boat you will own for years.
• Build quality — Welded (not riveted) decks, powder-coated railings, and marine-grade vinyl resist wear and hold resale value. Manitou's construction is a genuine differentiator.
• Storage and slip fit — Confirm the boat fits your slip and trailer; a 26-foot deck needs far more room than a 22-footer.

What matters less than marketing implies: headline top speeds, badge names, and the largest possible engine. A composed hull, sensible power, and a quality helm affect your enjoyment far more than a quoted peak number.

FAQ

Which Manitou pontoon is the best overall for 2027? The Manitou Explore 22 earns our top spot for balancing the V-Toon SHP performance hull, family-friendly seating for 13, a 300-hp rating, and a standard Garmin helm with no major weaknesses.

What is the best value Manitou pontoon? The Manitou LX 22, starting near $39,995, is the most affordable way into a genuine Manitou with welded deck construction, a stable triple-tube hull, and a 150-hp rating ideal for cruising.

Which Manitou is best for watersports? The Switchback 23 and the flagship Switchback Max are the dedicated watersports models, with integrated towers, available ballast and surf systems, and ratings up to 400 hp and 600 hp combined respectively.

Which Manitou pontoon seats the most people? The Explore 26 and Cruise 26 both seat up to 17 passengers on their 26-foot decks, making them the largest-capacity models in the lineup.

Is the Manitou V-Toon hull worth it? Yes for performance buyers — the V-Toon dual-tube system with the center SHP tube lets a pontoon corner and plane like a runabout, which basic two-tube boats cannot match. Cruising-only buyers may be satisfied with the standard triple-tube LX.

Can a Manitou pontoon be used for fishing? Yes — the RF 25 is purpose-built for it, with dedicated fishing chairs, aerated livewells, rod storage, and a bow casting deck on a stable triple-tube hull, while still converting to family cruising.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Manitou Explore 22 is our Best Overall pontoon — starting around $54,995, it wins on the V-Toon performance hull, family seating, a 300-hp rating, and a quality Garmin helm. The Manitou LX 22, from about $39,995, is our Best Value, delivering genuine Manitou build quality at the lowest entry price.

If your needs lean toward serious watersports, maximum seating, or fishing, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Switchback, Explore 26, or RF 25 instead. Buy on hull quality, sensible power, and layout — not headline speed — and you will love your Manitou for years.

Sources

• Boating Magazine — pontoon reviews and tests
• Discover Boating — pontoon buyer's guides
• BoatTEST — Manitou model tests and specs
• boats.com — pontoon listings and reviews
• Manitou Pontoon Boats — official model lineup
• Yachting — boating reviews and buyer advice
• Power & Motoryacht — boat reviews and specs
• Wakeboarding — watersports boat coverage
• Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine — pontoon reviews

*Pontoon boat review — best pontoon 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top Manitou pontoon picks for buyers.*