Manitou 25 SES (2014-)

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Brief Summary

Manitou recently introduced four new layouts for its 25 SES triple-toon which specializes in being an entertainment platform. Now a full galley, a bar complete with table and stools, a convertible aft-facing bench seat which makes into a sun pad -- or all of the above -- are all available on a mix-and-match basis. These new designs are available for both the VP (max 150-hp) and SHP (max 300-hp) models. Further both models can be decked out in optional blue lights for night-time running, making this what will probably be the coolest boat of any type on the lake.

Base MSRP for the 25 SES is $37,300. Add $22,200 for the 250 Evinrude E-TEC engine.

Key Features

Anodized rub rail with stainless steel dock guard
Aluminum Bimini top & boot,
Limited lifetime warranty, deck
Comfort Touch marine vinyl furniture
Stern entry stainless steel, deep, wide-step ladder
Master ON/OFF battery switch
Hands-free loading seat hinges
Privacy station curtain kit
Built-in swim platforms

Specifications

Length Overall	26' 4'' / 8.03 m
Beam	8' 6'' 2.59 m
Dry Weight	3,280 lbs. 1,488 kg
Tested Weight	3,820 lbs. 1,733 kg
Draft	N/A
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	44 gal. 167 L
Water Capacity	N/A
Total Weight	3,820 lbs. 1,733 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	3.0 sec.
0 to 30	6.3 sec.
Ratio	N/A
Props	17 Rebel
Load	2 persons, 5/11 fuel, no water, 50 lbs of gear
Climate	85 deg., 72 humid.; wind: 0-5 mph; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC HO
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	Not Available

Captain's Report

Mission Statement

Without a doubt, the Manitou 25 SES is designed to appeal to the premium-quality boat buyer looking for a serious entertainment platform. She’s got a host of standard features to help her achieve that goal, and she does it in a good looking platform that will have any owner be the envy of the lake.

There’s no mistaking the mission of this boat. It’s entertaining, pure and simple. The blue lighting effect comes standard.

Major Features

• Full Bar
• Galley
• Refrigerator
• Grill
• Wrap around bow seating
• SES (Stern Entertainment Seating) Package
• SHP Performance Package

The Standards in Entertaining

Typically, we see a boat in this class billed as “great for entertaining” but that only applies if a boat load of options are purchased. Not so with this 25 SES. She’s loaded with standard features that leave little to be desired.

A freshwater sink with a stainless steel drawer and cooler storage underneath. To the left of the sink is a switch for the water pump, plus breakers for the pump, a 12V power supply, and refrigerator.

An electric grill with plenty of counter space for preparing meals for cooking and eating.

A refrigerator/freezer with pull out drawers. This will not only keep everything properly chilled, but the drawers will keep items from dumping out onto the deck every time the door is opened.

A household-sized 13 gal. (49 L) bin style trash receptacle is over to the side of the grill station. Notice the stainless grab rails which are in front of a storage shelf. What a convenient space for condiments, etc…

A bar with four stools and notice the lower level to the outboard side of the bar. It even has storage underneath. Not the premium solid surface counters.

The bar stools all have telescoping pedestals, and a stainless footrest wraps around the bar supports. Another kicker speaker is mounted to the bulkhead. To the right of the speaker is a stainless storage area.

LED Lighting Standard

It’s one thing to add courtesy lights around the deck. It’s another matter entirely to add LED lighting all around the boat to completely change the look and mood of the 25 SES. That’s the mindset with Manitou, which really went all-out to bring nighttime boating to the forefront of entertaining.

Rope lighting is under the upper seat cushion on the couches.

… and under the exterior decking…

… and under the bar…

Even the drink holders are all internally lit with LED lights.

Comfort Features

Aside from being a premium entertainment platform, the appeal to the upscale buyer also comes from the comfort level seen throughout the 25 SES. Heavily padded seats with different density foam and comfort and soft touch marine grade vinyl make for a warm and inviting atmosphere. And that’s just the start.

SES stands for Stern Entertainment System and includes this aft facing bench seat. It’s thickly padded and upholstered in the same soft touch marine grade vinyl.

The armrest includes a remote to the premium sound system that also features Bluetooth streaming audio.

The back of the aft seat doubles as a seat back for the aft bar stools.

The aft seat has a flip down seatback that converts the bench into a sun pad.

The seat backs lift vertically to allow access to the entire storage opening. Notice the flip up armrest to the side.

All hinges are designed so that the storage can be accessed without having to hold the cushion with one hand.

Just look at the amount of stainless steel across the stern, including the four-step reboarding ladder with wide treads.

After swimming, a changing room is concealed under the aft seatback of the port side couch for getting out of wet swimsuits and into fresh clothes for the waterfront restaurant.

Notable Options

While she’s pretty well loaded with standard features, there are some options that were on our test boat that we think are worth considering.

Carpeting is standard in the 25 SES, with vinyl decking on the aft swim platform deck. This sea grass flooring is optional and remains relatively cool to the touch on bare feet. Great feature on those hot sunny days.

Platinum Package Options Include…

The helm is on a raised platform to aid in seeing over the head of the occupants in the forward couch.

The high backed helm seat swivels, slides, had a flip-up bolster, and reclines with self leveling arm rests.

The Lowrance Elite 4 GPS with moving map display.

The six Jensen speakers are replaced with six Kicker speakers.

Performance

The Manitou 25 SES has a length overall of 26'4" (8.03 m) and a beam of 8'6" (2.59 m). With an empty weight of 3,280 lbs. (1,488 kg), half fuel and two people onboard we had a test weight of approximately 3,820 lbs. (1,733 kg).

The helm console is simple and functional with the recessed tray at left for "stuff," and accessory switches easily at hand between the wheel and controls.

WOT.

With an Evinrude E-TEC 250-hp HO turning a 17 Rebel propeller we reached a top speed of 46.6 mph at 5650 RPM. At that speed we were burning 25.75 gallons per hour giving us a range of 72 miles.

Best cruise

came in at 3500 RPM and 24.3 mph. That speed reduced the fuel burn to 9 gallons per hour giving us a range of 107 miles and an endurance of 4 hours and 24 minutes while still maintaining a 10% reserve.
We had a time to plane of 3 seconds, reached 20 mph in 4.1 seconds, 30 mph in 6.3 seconds and continued accelerating through 40 mph in 10.5 seconds.

Our test boat was powered by an Evinrude 250 E-TEC HO outboard.

Handling

The 25 SES remains level throughout the acceleration curve. Once at cruise speed she just takes a small amount of trim, and that causes no change in the cruise attitude, but allows the prop to operate at a more efficient angle. She turns well with a lean into the turns of up to 10-degrees and she comes fully around in nearly 1 ½ boat lengths. For a toon, this is "turning-on-a-dime" handling which is impressive and somewhat unusual. When taking power off she settles back into the water at the same attitude.

Thanks to the triple tubes of the SHP performance package, the 25 SES leans up to 10-degrees into the turns, which keeps everyone on board comfortable.

Observations

As entertainment platforms go, the 25 SES is a hard one to beat. She comes fully equipped for the mission at hand, and meets her goal with grace and poise. With her SHP handling package she also can convert to watersports with her nimble handling characteristics.

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