Pontoon boat design hasn’t changed much in the last 30 years, so I was curious what would stand out with the 2023 Manitou Explore Pontoon prototype.
Leaving Eau Gallie Causeway in Melbourne, Florida, I settled in for a few relaxing hours test-driving the Manitou Explore prototype. Cruising at a top speed of just under 30 mph, it was not an adrenaline rush like my previous 2 days test-riding a new touring Sea-Doo. That’s not what pontoon boats are for. Instead, if you want a leisurely ride with the family or the most comfortable way on earth to fish from a watercraft, you’re all set with the Manitou Explore.
We put in some tunes on the fusion RA-60 stereo and headed out on calm waters.
In short: The Manitou Explore was like bringing my living room out onto the water. I could recline and put my feet up, or pop out my laptop on the three-way functional table. With its sleek luxury-sedan-like design, the boat certainly commands attention. If you’re looking for heads to turn, they will. I did find myself wanting to go faster, especially when the water was flat and there was some distance to cover. Adding power is an available upgrade.
2023 Manitou Explore Pontoon: Switching Things Up
![2023 manitou explorer review switchback seating 2023 manitou explore review switchback seating](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-2-of-23.jpg)
As soon as I came aboard, I wanted to try all the seating options, like Goldilocks. I was intrigued by the Switchback Seats. These adjustable backrests can be easily switched around to face forward from backward or vice versa. Especially nice when you’re cruising with minimal wake and want to face the water, but don’t want to give up your seat when the speed picks up.
Each seat has been modeled to fit each cockpit section. We were on the water for about 3 hours, and I found the seating relaxed and cozy. However, with the flat seatback design, I’m not convinced I’d think that after being out there all day. The navigator and captain’s seats do have more of a car seat shape for support, which I’ll talk a little more about below.
![2023 manitou explore review 2023 manitou explore review seating](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-23-of-23.jpg)
![manitou pontoon trifold bench manitou pontoon trifold bench](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/manitou-my23-alpha-rec-expl-22-swibktb-s150-shp-carbon-shark-grey-34bk-na-table-18-feature-raw-rgb.jpeg)
Manitou 24′ Explore Quick Look
![2023 manitou explore review 2023 manitou explore review bimini shade leaving dock](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-20-of-23.jpg)
- Length overall (LOA): 23′ 8″
- LOA with Max Deck: 26′ 4″
- Dry weight with Max Deck: 4,002 lbs.
- Fuel capacity: 43 gal.
- Display: Garmin 9″ touchscreen digital display
- Vessel switching: Digital switching with preprogrammed buttons
- Stereo system: Fusion RA-210 w/4×6″ Fusion Speakers
- USB Charging ports: 10-12
- Formed aluminum walls
- High back helm chair
- Woven vinyl flooring
- LED navigation lights
- LED interior flooring lights
- Ski tow bar
- 12′ Sport bimini, gas assisted
- 100% composite decking
All Feet on Deck
![manitou explorer decking Manitou Explore decking](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-Tim-10-of-12.jpg)
Luxury Automotive-Inspired Styling
![manitou explore LED docking lights 2023 manitou explore review: LED docking lights](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-21-of-23.jpg)
![2023 Manitou Explore review 2023 Manitou Explore review side view](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-Tim-3-of-12.jpg)
Made in the Shade: Gas-Assist Sport Bimini
![manitou explore review 2023 manitou explore review 2023 bimini shade](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-8-of-23.jpg)
View this post on Instagram
Max Deck Gives Another 4 Feet of Space
![manitou explore max deck manitou explore review max deck](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-6-of-23.jpg)
![manitou explore review max deck manitou explore review max deck](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-16-of-23.jpg)
Hidden Rotax S Engine
Hauling & Driving the Manitou Pontoon
![manitou explore towing manitou explore review towing on trailer](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-1-of-23.jpg)
![manitou explore captains chair manitou explore review captains chair](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-10-of-23.jpg)
Smooth Pontooning
![2023 manitou explore review driving 2023 manitou explore review driving](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-13-of-23.jpg)
Manitou Explore Additional Features
![manitou explore review driving manitou explore review driving view of captain behind wheel](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-11-of-23.jpg)
![manitou explore review entry door manitou explore review entry door](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-mine-5-of-23.jpg)
2023 Manitou Explore Pontoon: Pricing & Availability
![Manitou Explore docked Manitou Explore review docked](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/11/Manitou-Tim-12-of-12.jpg)