Manitou Pontoon Boats for Sale

From Lansing, three owners

Manitou was started in 1985 by Scott VanWagenen, Tom Schupbach and Lanette VanWagenen. BRP, the maker of Sea-Doo, bought Manitou in 2018. In October 2024 BRP said it would sell its marine businesses, and the Manitou business went to the Marcott family, owners of Bentley Pontoons, with the sale closing September 1, 2025. Boats are still built in Lansing.

VP and triple tubes

Manitou made its name with its V-Toon and VP hulls. In the 2010 catalog, the VP was a triple-tube design with 23-inch outer tubes and a 27-inch center tube, lifting strakes on the center tube. A larger center tube sits lower and carries more of the engine's weight, which helps the boat run flatter.

Model names you'll see on the used market include Legacy, X-Plode, XT and LT.

A recent test: Cruise 22 MAX Switchback

Recent Manitous are built around the MAX Deck, a rear deck that sits over a low-profile Rotax S outboard. In its 2025 buyer's guide test, Boating magazine describes the Rotax S 150 as a 1.9-liter two-stroke with E-Tec direct injection, laid on its side in a watertight case so it fits below deck level. When the engine tilts up, it lifts a hinged section of the deck.

For 2025 Manitou brought the MAX Deck to twin-tube Cruise models. Boating tested the Cruise 22 MAX Switchback: 24'2" long, 8'6" beam, 2,767 lbs dry and 24 gallons of fuel. It recorded a top speed of 28.8 mph, about 7 mph slower than a V-Toon model, by Boating's account. Base price was $60,772 and the test boat was $62,877.

The Rotax S matters on the used market. It's a newer engine from BRP, and Manitou is now owned by the Marcott family. Before you buy a MAX Deck boat, ask a dealer how Rotax S parts and service are being handled where you live.

What to check on a used Manitou

Powered arch and bimini. Many later Manitous have a powered sport arch or bimini. Raise and lower it several times, look at the actuators, mounting brackets and bolts for cracks or corrosion, and ask a Manitou dealer to run the hull number for open recalls.

Warranty after the sale. With the change from BRP to the Marcott family in 2025, ask a Manitou dealer what warranty the new company honors on your boat's model year, and file the transfer if one is allowed.

Center tube and strakes. On a VP or other triple-tube boat, check the center tube and its strakes for dents from beaching, and check the engine bracket welds. A high-horsepower Manitou puts a lot of load there.

Engine. Power varies a lot by model. Ask which, and get service records and a compression test.