“Forward, horseshoe lounges feature flip-
up armrests,” the magazine said.“An L-
shaped bench with a rear-facing portside
backrest begins adjacent to the helm to
enhance conversation. Aft, a nearly 6-foot-
wide sun pad offers room for sun lovers. It
lifts on a gas strut to reveal the ‘toy box,’ an
expansive compartment that will swallow
up skis, wakeboards and the like.
“Captains will appreciate the elevatedhelm,
raised 3 inches off the deck to provide a less-
obstructed view forward. SeaDeck matting
covers the base. The same traction material
is used on the extended, molded-fiberglass
aft deck.”
It’s those design elements and floor plans
that Manitou has pursued in order to
differentiate itself.
Deck furniture is available that transforms
fromloungers to regular seats, and some
pontoon models are available with bars,
galleys, sinks and built-in grills as well,
which allows prospective buyers to have
their rides fully tricked out before unveiling
themon thewater.
The company has six pontoon models – X-
Plode, SES, Legacy, Encore, Oasis and
Aurora – in its 2014 product line, ranging
from 18 to 27 feet in length and between
$17,000 and $75,000 in price. Three more
angler-centric varieties, the Encore Pro
Angler, the Oasis Angler and the Aurora
Angler, go from 20 to 24 feet and $17,000
and$65,000.
June-July 2014
| BusinessWorld | 161
