Best Manitou Boat Models (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Manitou Boat Models (Ranked)
Manitou builds some of the most performance-minded pontoon boats on the water, and since joining the Brunswick family the brand has leaned hard into its signature V-Toon (VTX) hull that lets a tri-toon corner and plane more like a fiberglass deck boat than a traditional party barge.
This ranking is for buyers who want luxury seating and tow-sports capability rather than a bargain bay boat, and it weighs real on-water handling, build quality, resale strength, and the breadth of available Mercury horsepower. We judged each model on ride, layout flexibility, fit-and-finish, dollar-for-dollar value, and how well it serves families who split time between cruising, watersports, and dock entertaining across a typical season.
Direct Answer
The best overall Manitou is the 2024 Manitou Explore 22 Switchback at roughly $95,000 well-equipped, thanks to its versatile rear-facing lounge, VTX handling, and big-motor capacity. The smartest value is the 2023 Manitou Cruise 22 at around $58,000, which delivers the core Manitou ride at the lowest realistic entry point.
Prices swing widely with engine choice and option packages, so always confirm the as-rigged Mercury horsepower before comparing two listings.
How We Ranked
- Ride and handling — Manitou's VTX/V-Toon center tube defines the brand; the models that exploit it best ranked highest.
- Layout versatility — convertible loungers, switchback seating, and walk-through bows that adapt to cruising or watersports earned points.
- Build quality — welds, furniture stitching, hardware, and panel fit separate a premium pontoon from a commodity one.
- Value for money — what you actually get per dollar at a realistic transaction price, not sticker.
- Resale and reputation — models with strong demand and clean reliability histories hold money better at trade-in.
1. 2024 Manitou Explore 22 Switchback 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Explore 22 Switchback is the model that best captures why people pay a premium for Manitou. Its headline trick is the rear Switchback lounge that flips from forward-facing cruise seating to a rear-facing chaise aimed at the wake, so the same boat serves brunch cruises and afternoon tube sessions without compromise.
On the standard VTX tri-toon package with lifting strakes and the center tube dropped lower than the outer logs, it carves confident turns and stays flat under power instead of leaning like a flat-bottom barge.
Rigged with a Mercury 250 or 300 outboard, a Switchback will run in the high 40s to low 50s mph and pull skiers and wakeboarders with authority. Expect roughly 22 to 23 feet of length, a 8-foot-6 beam, and seating for about 12. At a well-optioned price near $95,000 it is not cheap, but the blend of handling, flexible seating, and resale makes it the most complete pick in the lineup.
- Price: ~$95,000
- Pros: Convertible Switchback lounge, excellent VTX handling, big-motor capacity, strong resale.
- Cons: Premium pricing; options add up fast.
Verdict: The most versatile do-everything Manitou and the one to beat.
2. 2023 Manitou Cruise 22 💎 BEST VALUE
The Cruise 22 is the value sweet spot because it puts you on a genuine Manitou platform at the lowest sensible entry price. It uses the same fundamental tube architecture and quality furniture as pricier trims but trims the option list and motor ceiling to keep the sticker honest.
For families who cruise, swim, and occasionally tube, it covers the core mission without paying for features they will rarely use.
A typical Cruise 22 stretches around 22 feet on a 8-foot-6 beam and seats roughly 11 to 12. Pair it with a Mercury 115 or 150 and you get easy planing, relaxed cruising in the mid-30s mph, and fuel economy that beats the bigger-motor trims. At about $58,000 it is the Manitou that makes the most financial sense for first-time premium-pontoon buyers.
- Price: ~$58,000
- Pros: Lowest realistic Manitou entry, real VTX-family ride, efficient with mid-size motors.
- Cons: Lower top speed; fewer luxury touches than Explore trims.
Verdict: The smartest dollar-for-dollar way into the brand.
3. 2024 Manitou Explore 24 Switchback
Stretch the Switchback formula to 24 feet and you get a noticeably more stable, more spacious entertainer that still handles like a Manitou. The extra two feet add lounge room and storage while the VTX hull keeps the bigger deck planted in chop.
With a Mercury 300 the Explore 24 runs in the high 40s mph and tows confidently, seating around 13. Pricing lands near $108,000 well-equipped, which is why the shorter 22 edges it for value, but for buyers who prioritize room this is the pick.
- Price: ~$108,000
- Pros: Roomy deck, big-water stability, strong tow power.
- Cons: Heavier and pricier than the 22; needs a larger trailer.
Verdict: The family-room version of the best-overall boat.
4. 2023 Manitou Legacy 25
The Legacy is Manitou's luxury flagship line, and the 25 is its sweet spot. Expect upgraded upholstery, premium helm electronics, and a finish level that rivals far more expensive day boats. The VTX tri-toon under it delivers a planted, quiet ride.
Around 25 feet with seating for 14, the Legacy pairs naturally with a Mercury 350 Verado for effortless cruising and quiet running. At roughly $135,000 it is a genuine luxury purchase, but the build quality justifies the spend for buyers who want the best cabin on the lake.
- Price: ~$135,000
- Pros: Flagship fit-and-finish, supercharged Verado options, big stable platform.
- Cons: Expensive; overkill for casual cruisers.
Verdict: The luxury statement of the lineup.
5. 2024 Manitou Cruise 24
The Cruise 24 scales the value-oriented Cruise line up to a more capable 24-foot footprint. You keep the sensible pricing philosophy while gaining deck space and stability for larger families.
Rigged with a Mercury 150 to 200, it cruises comfortably and seats about 13. At a price near $72,000 it bridges the gap between the entry Cruise 22 and the premium Explore trims, making it a strong middle-of-the-range buy.
- Price: ~$72,000
- Pros: Bigger deck at a fair price, efficient, versatile.
- Cons: Less luxury content than Explore or Legacy.
Verdict: The practical mid-size family Manitou.
6. 2023 Manitou Explore 26 Switchback
For buyers who want maximum deck and the Switchback trick on the largest practical platform, the Explore 26 delivers. The longer tubes plane more big-water capability and a smoother ride in waves than any shorter model here.
Built around a strong VTX package and a Mercury 350, it seats roughly 15 and runs in the mid-40s mph despite its size. Near $120,000 it is a lot of boat; it ranks here because the 22 and 24 offer better value for most lakes.
- Price: ~$120,000
- Pros: Massive usable deck, rough-water composure, Switchback flexibility.
- Cons: Costly; large and heavy to trailer and dock.
Verdict: The big-water entertainer for larger crews.
7. 2024 Manitou Legacy 27
The Legacy 27 is the top of the flagship range, a true luxury yacht-style pontoon with the most premium materials Manitou offers. It is aimed squarely at buyers who entertain large groups and want a commanding helm.
With twin-capable rigging or a single Mercury 400 Verado, the 27 moves its 27-foot hull with surprising authority and seats around 16. At roughly $165,000 it is the priciest pick here, which is exactly why it sits mid-pack on value despite its excellence.
- Price: ~$165,000
- Pros: Top-tier luxury, huge capacity, strong power options.
- Cons: Highest price; demands ample storage and big tow vehicle.
Verdict: The flagship for buyers who want the largest, plushest Manitou.
8. 2022 Manitou Oasis 23
The Oasis line emphasizes open-deck cruising comfort over watersports trickery, and the 23 is a roomy, relaxed family layout. Used examples from recent model years can be strong buys as Manitou refreshed its naming.
A 23-foot Oasis on a Mercury 150 seats about 12 and cruises easily. On the used market around $54,000, it is one of the better-value entry points into the brand for buyers who prioritize lounging over speed.
- Price: ~$54,000
- Pros: Comfortable open layout, value on the used market, easy to own.
- Cons: Less sport-focused; older platform than current Explore.
Verdict: A relaxed used-market value cruiser.
9. 2023 Manitou Cruise 20
The Cruise 20 is the smallest practical Manitou, ideal for tighter lakes, smaller storage, and buyers who want the brand's quality in a more manageable size. It keeps the core ride character in a lighter package.
At about 20 feet with a Mercury 90 to 115, it seats roughly 9 to 10 and is the easiest model here to trailer and dock. Near $49,000 it is the budget door into Manitou ownership, though the small deck limits group capacity.
- Price: ~$49,000
- Pros: Compact and easy to handle, lowest sticker, real Manitou quality.
- Cons: Limited capacity and motor ceiling; tight for big groups.
Verdict: The right-size starter Manitou for small lakes.
10. 2024 Manitou Explore 22 RFL
The Explore 22 RFL (rear-facing lounge) is a sportier sibling to the Switchback, configured for buyers who want a dedicated wake-watching layout without the convertible mechanism. It is a clean, focused tow-sports entertainer.
On a Mercury 250, the 22 RFL runs in the high 40s mph and seats about 11. Priced near $88,000, it costs a touch less than the Switchback but gives up the flip-seat versatility, which is why it closes out the ranking rather than topping it.
- Price: ~$88,000
- Pros: Sport-focused rear lounge, strong VTX handling, good tow power.
- Cons: Less flexible than the Switchback; still a premium price.
Verdict: A focused watersports Manitou just shy of the top picks.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Hull and tubes: confirm whether the boat has the full VTX/V-Toon tri-toon package versus a basic two-tube setup; the center tube and lifting strakes are what define the Manitou ride.
- Engine hours and rigging: verify the Mercury horsepower as-rigged and check hours; a 250 to 350 transforms handling and tow capability versus an underpowered 115.
- Furniture and welds: inspect stitching, vinyl seams, and pontoon welds for cracking; premium furniture is a Manitou selling point and should still look sharp.
- Trailer and survey: budget for a properly rated tri-toon trailer and get a marine survey on any used example to confirm tube integrity and electronics function.
FAQ
What makes Manitou pontoons different from other brands? Manitou's signature is the V-Toon (VTX) hull, which drops the center tube lower and adds lifting strakes so the boat planes and corners more like a fiberglass deck boat than a flat-bottom barge. That handling, combined with premium furniture and Mercury power, is the core of the brand's premium positioning.
Which Manitou is best for watersports? The Explore 22 Switchback and Explore 22 RFL are built for tow sports, with rear-facing lounges and big-motor capacity up to Mercury 300. Rigged with 250-plus horsepower, they pull wakeboarders and skiers with ease.
Are Manitou boats worth the higher price? For buyers who value ride quality, build, and resale, yes; Manitou holds value well and the VTX hull delivers a measurably better ride. Budget shoppers who only cruise calm water may be better served by a cheaper two-tube brand.
What is the cheapest way into a Manitou? The Cruise 20 at roughly $49,000 new or a used Oasis 23 near $54,000 are the lowest realistic entry points, while the Cruise 22 near $58,000 is the best balance of price and capability.
Bottom Line
Across the lineup the 2024 Manitou Explore 22 Switchback is the best overall pick, blending VTX handling, convertible seating, and strong resale at roughly $95,000, while the 2023 Manitou Cruise 22 near $58,000 is the smartest value entry into the brand. Match the model to your budget and how you actually use the lake, and confirm the as-rigged Mercury horsepower before you sign.
Sources
- Manitou Pontoon Boats (manufacturer model lineup and specifications)
- Discover Boating (pontoon buying guidance and segment overview)
- Boat Trader (current and used Manitou listings and pricing)
- Boating Magazine (Manitou VTX hull and on-water performance reviews)
- Mercury Marine (outboard horsepower options and performance data)
- NADA Guides / J.D. Power (used pontoon valuation and resale trends)
- NMMA (recreational boating market and pontoon segment data)
*Keywords: Best Manitou Boat Models (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*