Manitou Pontoon boats launched in Australia

The brand announced last week that it will launch in Australia with three layouts, all powered using the new 150hp Rotax S outboard engine that is designed to greatly increase the amount of space onboard the Manitou.

All three alloy models will be based on the Manitou Explore 22 +4, a 7.4-metre "tritoon" with 6.0 metres of deck length and a 2.56-metre beam. The pontoon’s design features a large central hull on which the Rotax S engine is mounted, and a pair of outrigger tubes.

The entire line-up is heavily influenced by automotive design, with premium styling to help them stand out on the water.

Models include:

The “+4” indicates the boats come with the 150hp Rotax S engine that adds an extra 4.0 feet/1.2 metres of deck space to the aft section of the Manitou.

Both Switchback models and the Bench will be available with an optional Select package that includes LED lights around the recessed cupholders, and a more premium subwoofer and larger helm speakers.

A Signature bundle available for the Manitou Explore 22 +4 Navigator offers a light in the underfloor storage space in the central hull section, a second battery, a dinette table, a changeroom tent, aft remote audio controls, a wireless charging pad and a high-backed helm chair with bolster.

Manitou Pontoons global business strategy manager Garrett Koschak said the brand had established a world-class reputation for innovation and design since it was founded in 1986.

Koschak said Manitou’s legacy would “now be shared with Australia as we endeavour to further elevate the industry, challenge norms, and break ground on a global scale; showcasing the full potential of the boating lifestyle to the world”.

It appears the Australian models will come with a rear deck fitted with the LinQ quick-release system originally built for Sea-Doo jet skis. The LinQ system includes a range of clip-in accessories including iceboxes, cargo boxes and soft bags, and rod holders.

The Rotax S engine will be the only one on offer in the Australian market – the Manitou Explore 22 is sold in the US with the choice of traditional outboard engines rated from 250hp to 400hp.

Manitou’s range of Explore pontoon boats are built from aluminium. BRP bought the brand in 2018 as part of a business expansion that included the acquisition of Gold Coast, Queensland-based boatmaker Telwater, the owner of iconic Australian brands including Stacer, Quintrex and Yellowfin Plate.

Part of the Manitou brand’s introduction to the Australian market includes exploring if the pontoon boats could one day be made here.

Manitou uses the three-hull design as it distributes weight more evenly across the water and makes the pontoon boats far more stable than a traditional twin-hulled craft. The added stability means the design can take more horsepower than a conventional twin-tube pontoon boat.

Several dealers have been appointed for the Australian region.

The Manitou Explore 22 +4 will be the second boat launched in Australia to use the all-new Rotax S engine to power it.

The new pontoon is the second model that will sell in Australia using the Rotax S engine. The other one is the Quintrex Freestyler X, a new line of trailerable bowriders developed in Australia specifically to use the unique outboard engine technology.