Re: Manitou Pontoon Boats
I have a 24 foot 2007 Manitou Osprey pro SHP F2 with underskinning and a 175 HP Yamaha.
The SHP is the Sport handling package. Three toon with the center toon larger and set 5" lower than the outer toons. Give remarkable handling. I can do donuts! The boat banks into the turns. Yet is more stable in rougher seas than most vhulls I've seen (We got caught in a thunderstorm and I had to keep slowing down because the bowrider in front of me was bobbing so much. We had a pretty flat ride. I was very impressed). They've imporved the hull even more since my model came out.
The Osprey is their fishing model. I have fishing chiars on all four corners (This is the F2 model. Can also get with just forwadr chairs), two live wells, tackle box, rod locker. Fishes pretty good. (I just wish I could catch fish as well as my guests always do).
Top speed is about 38MPH light load.
Comfort is very good. My model did not come with a sun pad (traded it for the two rear chairs. but I do have a changing room. I've taken many naps on it and slept very well.
Have the double bimini that covers the center 2/3rds of the boat. Provides plenty of shape and yet lets the fishing happen on the corners.
Have two versa-track ladders. These mount to the side of the boat by the gates and slide into the gates and fold down for use. No storage problems whatsoever and they do not interfere with raftups. I'd suggest getting the 5 step instead of the 4 step as that last step makes boarding much easier. They do have a tendency to swing a little if the boat is taking waves from the side. The ladders extend above the rails when stored but I have seen no interference with sightlines or with the cover.
Fit and finish is very good. I found one sharp spot on the rails under the deck (easily filed smooth). Other than that it's near flawless.
All in all I'm very pleased with the boat (Although I should have gotten a bigger motor. Can never have too much power!!!). With what I have I am just about the fastest pontoon on my lake. And I am definitely the best handling one.
