Boating

2485 LTZ QUAD LOUNGE

- TAHOE PONTOON BOATS Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; tahoeponto­ons.com

SPECS: LOA: 24'6" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: 1'6" DRY WEIGHT: 2,800 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 12/2,580 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 38 gal.

HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury FourStroke 150 hp DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15" x 15" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.92:1 FUEL LOAD: 22 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 250 lb.

Tahoe’s 2485 LTZ Quad Lounge shows off Tahoe quality and features at a bargain price. It bristles with higher-end constructi­on, materials and amenities, yet the as-tested price is just $54,012 with a Mercury 150 FourStroke outboard. With that compact and fuel-miserly engine, the 25-foot Tahoe hit a top speed of 38 mph at 5,400 rpm, accelerate­d from zero to 30 mph in 7.6 seconds, and recorded a best cruise speed of 17 mph at 3,000 rpm, where the Mercury sipped 87-octane regular fuel at 3.6 gph (4.7 mpg). At that pace, normal room-level conversati­ons were easy—the engine and hull noise level recorded was a whisper-quiet 72.5 decibels. Range from the 38-gallon tank is just over 161 miles while leaving 10 percent in reserve.

Despite the great price, Tahoe doesn’t skimp on constructi­on. The optional triple 25-inch Sport performanc­e pontoons are mated to the deck with heavy-duty, double-bolted hat-channel crossbeams. An aluminum underdeck Wave Shield helps improve airflow and efficiency. The deck is ¾-inch PTP marine flooring that has a lifetime warranty, with optional in-floor storage. A 3-inch-tall perimeter rub rail caps the deck, with a black rubber insert to cushion docking. Our test boat featured the valuable in-floor storage option. Tahoe seat frames are all aluminum, which gives excellent storage room underneath, along with ventilatio­n to minimize moisture. A 10-year bow-tostern warranty and lifetime hull-andfloor warranty are standard.

The LTZ features a full-surround bow seating arrangemen­t with tri-tone Matrix 50 premium-cushioned vinyl. A removable bow seat connects the twin facing loungers; it’s removable for beaching or docking access through the bow door. The captain’s console is positioned forward, making the bow conversati­on pit best suited for two. A removable snack table fits neatly between. Abaft, twin facing loungers create a larger gathering area for up to four. Behind the aft perimeter fencing is an extended deck with a storage canister center-mounted in front of the Mercury outboard. The installed optional ski-tow bar is a must-have.

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Price: $56,985
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