Manitou LX 25 RFX Review

Anyone who still clings to the idea that pontoon boats are dull and boring might want to brace themselves for a real shock, as we take a closer look at the eye-popping Manitou LX 25 RFX.

An all-new boat for 2021 designed to update and replace the company’s previous X-Plode and Legacy models, the LX pontoon platform comes in a choice of 23, 25 or 27 foot overall lengths and no less than eight different floor plans. For this review we’ll go middle of the pack and focus on the Manitou LX 25 RFX with dual engines.

Dual engines on a pontoon? You bet, says Manitou, with twins available on all LX models.

Dual engines, say what? Yes indeed. All Manitou LX models are offered in both single-engine and dual-engine versions, and that’s where things get really interesting. Obviously dual engines mean more power, and in the case of our 25-foot RFX, we’re talking 600 ponies strapped to the transom compared to a maximum power of just 400 on the single-engine version. It’s a similar jump on the 23-foot LX models (maximum 500 horses for twins, versus 300 for a single) and the 27-footers (800 ponies, versus 400). More power means greater acceleration and higher top speeds, obviously, but that’s only the beginning.

Twin engines are about more than just raw power – they also allow joystick docking control, making it easy for anyone to dock the boat in even tough conditions.

The Manitou LX 25 RFX is a truly upscale boat, allowing Manitou to take full advantage of the possibilities afforded by twin engines and that starts with its available joystick docking control.

For most people, the most harrowing part of any boat ride is coming back into the dock, especially if the wind has picked up or there’s some slop from passing boat wakes. Joystick control eliminates all of that, offering video game-like control of the boat in a single, convenient interface. Just push the stick the the direction you want the boat to go, and don’t worry about the steering wheel or the throttle. You can go forward, backwards, or you can even go sideways if you like. If the boat’s not straight, just twist the stick to correct it. Going too fast? Push the stick the opposite way to put on the brakes and stop it in its tracks.

Joysticks make it super-easy for non-boaters or even children to skillfully inch a big pontoon into even a tight parking space, and without any concern for current, wind or wakes. But you need two engines to make it work, and that’s where the dual engine Manitou really shines. It’s an optional upgrade, but the joystick makes boating so much easier that anyone who tries it will want it – period.

Twin engines on a pontoon? You bet, says Manitou, offering twins on every LX model.

Dual engines also mean a lot more fun in the way of rocket-like acceleration. Manitou says the boat will top 60 mph at wide-open throttle with a pair of Mercury Verado 300s on the back, and accelerate from zero to 30 mph in just over six seconds. If that won’t make the kids say “Do it again Dad!!” then nothing will.

The RFX floorplan provides comfy lounges in the corners and Captain’s chairs amidships. The loungers have tapered seat bases, allowing more leg room when the removable cockpit table is being used. There’s plenty of storage space for gear in the seat bases.

The RFX floor plan follows a fairly traditional pontoon layout with twin lounge seats front and back, and a pair of Captain’s chairs amidships. The loungers sit on fiberglass bases with storage compartments under the seat cushions, and are tapered to allow greater leg room when using the removable pedestal-mount cockpit table.

The driver and co-pilot get comfy Captain’s chairs, with the passenger seat adding a swing-out leg rest. Also note the gunnel console with drink holder.

Amidships, the driver and navigator enjoy swiveling high-back Captain’s chairs, with a delightful fold-out leg rest on the passenger seat. There’s an in-floor storage locker for wakeboards and other bulky gear, while above, boats with the Platinum trim level get a sporty fiberglass sport arch, complete with a wakeboard tow point and an integrated Bimini top. There’s also a spot to mount a rear-facing camera for watersports fans.

The available sport arch makes a terrific spot to mount tower speakers, or a rear-facing camera.

The sport arch also provides a great anchor point for optional aft-facing speakers. It folds down for added clearance when passing under low bridges.

As a boat made for enjoying the water, the Manitou LX 25 RFX comes with extended bow and stern swim platforms. There’s an extension between the engines with a retractable, stainless steel boarding ladder.

The Manitou LX 25 RFX is designed for enjoying the water.

The stern in the RFX floor plan follows a similar layout to the bow, with twin aft-facing lounges. Other floor plan options provide aft-facing sun pads or other seating variations, allowing buyers to get exactly what they want.

Even the boarding gates get a fresh, new design that speaks to this ride’s sporty intentions.

All floor plans share core features like LED interior and exterior lighting, power-assist steering and a color-matched mooring cover, among others. An optional Sport Handling package adds further goodies to really make the most of what’s already a fun ride to begin with.

Be forewarned – all it takes is one ride and you’re going to want to bring this boat home.

Still think of pontoons as dull and boring? You’ll change your mind after one ride in the new Manitou LX 25 RFX. This pontoon isn’t just fast and sporty, but adds the latest digital technology like joystick control to make it super-easy to drive and enjoy. But be forewarned – one drive is all it takes, and you’re going to want to bring this bad boy home.