The 2585 Cascade ELW is a typical Tahoe top-of-the-line boat, loaded with luxury amenities and sporting excellent performance. Fitted with a Suzuki 250 outboard, it tops out at 46 mph and zips on plane in just 3.9 seconds, hitting 30 mph in 8.4 seconds. For a big boat with big power, it squeezes out the miles, netting 4 mpg at a most economical cruise speed of 15.5 mph and 2,500 rpm, for a range of over 207 miles from its 58-gallon tank (with 10 percent left in reserve). The big Suzuki is quiet too. Even at full pedal, it only hits 82 dB(A), and creates a whispering 67 dB(A) at cruise speeds, which allows for conversation without shouting.

Underneath, 25-inch-diameter triple pontoons (upgradable to 27 inches) are featured in the Waveglider Package, with lifting stakes on all three logs, and a full-aluminum undersheeting for less drag. We advise getting the Waveglider Package.

Twin-facing contoured lounge ­couches dominate the bow, creating a very large gathering place; there’s plenty of storage underneath the loungers for everyone’s gear. The contoured seats create more usable floor space without sacrificing comfort. The upholstery detail is dramatic; there are four colors and a detailed diamond-stitch inset panel, dressing the Cascade to impress. Amidships, dual consoles are topped with wraparound, tinted safety-glass windshields. Twin reclining, high-back captain’s chairs dominate the cockpit. In-floor storage is large enough to fit water toys, a boat cover and more. An optional power wakeboard tower is fitted with an extended Bimini top. An optional high-performance ­Fusion audio system is paired with ­canister speakers on the tower.

Just aft, a portside sink/refreshment center features a countertop, under-­cabinet storage and a trash receptacle. It sits across from a starboard-side L-shaped lounger; there’s a portside access way out to an extended aft deck fitted with a ­LilliPad boarding ladder and a stainless-steel ski tow. The aft storage locker houses the dual-battery setup and power-steering pump under a lift-up hatch supported by gas shocks.

High Points

• Tinted swept-back windshields.
• Commander II helm station with dual Simrad graphs provides full systems-monitoring capability. 
• Twin contoured bow lounges.
• Extended aft deck with a ­LilliPad ladder and stainless-steel tow point.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki 250 four-stroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 49 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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The 2585 Cascade ELW is a typical Tahoe top-of-the-line boat, loaded with luxury amenities and sporting excellent performance. Fitted with a Suzuki 250 outboard, it tops out at 46 mph and zips on plane in just 3.9 seconds, hitting 30 mph in 8.4 seconds. For a big boat with big power, it squeezes out the miles, netting 4 mpg at a most economical cruise speed of 15.5 mph and 2,500 rpm, for a range of over 207 miles from its 58-gallon tank (with 10 percent left in reserve). The big Suzuki is quiet too. Even at full pedal, it only hits 82 dB(A), and creates a whispering 67 dB(A) at cruise speeds, which allows for conversation without shouting.

Underneath, 25-inch-diameter triple pontoons (upgradable to 27 inches) are featured in the Waveglider Package, with lifting stakes on all three logs, and a full-aluminum undersheeting for less drag. We advise getting the Waveglider Package.

Twin-facing contoured lounge ­couches dominate the bow, creating a very large gathering place; there’s plenty of storage underneath the loungers for everyone’s gear. The contoured seats create more usable floor space without sacrificing comfort. The upholstery detail is dramatic; there are four colors and a detailed diamond-stitch inset panel, dressing the Cascade to impress. Amidships, dual consoles are topped with wraparound, tinted safety-glass windshields. Twin reclining, high-back captain’s chairs dominate the cockpit. In-floor storage is large enough to fit water toys, a boat cover and more. An optional power wakeboard tower is fitted with an extended Bimini top. An optional high-performance ­Fusion audio system is paired with ­canister speakers on the tower.

Just aft, a portside sink/refreshment center features a countertop, under-­cabinet storage and a trash receptacle. It sits across from a starboard-side L-shaped lounger; there’s a portside access way out to an extended aft deck fitted with a ­LilliPad boarding ladder and a stainless-steel ski tow. The aft storage locker houses the dual-battery setup and power-steering pump under a lift-up hatch supported by gas shocks.

High Points

• Tinted swept-back windshields.
• Commander II helm station with dual Simrad graphs provides full systems-monitoring capability. 
• Twin contoured bow lounges.
• Extended aft deck with a ­LilliPad ladder and stainless-steel tow point.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki 250 four-stroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 49 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Tahoe’s 1950 is a high-performing family runabout that provides a stable entertainment platform for a good-size group. It’s a near-50 mph family deck boat that retails for just $44,000 and gives solid creature comforts as well as an exciting, smooth ride. This one is a thrifty winner that punches above its fighting weight in price and quality.

With Mercury’s 150 FourStroke outboard, the 1950 proved to us it’s ready for towed watersports and swift family cruising to the sandbar or raft-up cove. It hits 30 mph in just 6.5 seconds and tops out at just under 49 mph. It’ll take a 175 if ­50-plus mph speed is your jam. But at our test boat’s best cruise of 28 mph (3,500 rpm), the Mercury was sipping fuel at just 4.9 gph, giving a 209-mile range with fuel to spare. That’s a weekend of fun for ­maybe $150 in gas.

Tahoe calls its hull design Powerglide, with a reverse chine and HydroStep lifting strakes for increased overall performance. It works—the hull is nimble, carving turns and slicing through wind chop and boat wakes with the sure-footedness of a larger hull.

You might think that as a high-volume builder, Tahoe might skimp on quality; you’d be wrong. The 1950 is 100 percent hand-laid, no wood involved, with a full-length foam-filled stringer grid. Visually, it’s clean and crisp—the full hull and deck gelcoat colors (white, black, blue, red and gray are available) are complemented well by the vinyl interior.

Ten can ride; there’s wraparound bow seating with storage underneath, an aft lounger and a standard Bimini top. Folding stainless-steel ladders fore and aft make boarding easier. The captain sits on a plush swiveling/sliding bolstered bucket seat behind a fully digital dash with toggle switches to control all boat functions. An in-floor ski locker and removable aluminum watersports tow are standard, as is a digital depth gauge and four-speaker Bluetooth sound system. If you’d rather fish, an aerated 11.5-gallon livewell in the bow coupled with optional fishing packages (including a trolling motor, graphs, a livewell, added batteries and chargers) can add even more versatility.

High Points

• Kicker stereo and wakeboard tower options make the 1950 even more appealing to watersports enthusiasts. 
• Aft lounger features removable 25-quart cooler and plenty of storage underneath. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 150XL FourStroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.92:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Buy Tahoe’s 2585 Cascade at a midrange price and you’ll get features, style and construction like those found in the manufacturer’s flagship models. Examples? The stylish, redesigned Commander III fiberglass helm and port consoles, Medallion Smart 80 touchscreen, and sexy wraparound windshield. Below, the Waveglider performance package offers a trio of 25-inch pontoons with a full complement of lifting fins, an underdeck wave shield, an integrated motor pod, SeaStar hydraulic steering and a stainless-steel ski tow bar.

Our test boat had Honda’s new BF350, featuring 302 cubic inches of displacement and the midrange boost of power provided by VTec variable valve timing and lift. BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) advances ignition timing when the throttle is pinned off the bottom, delivering rapid acceleration. During our performance testing, it pushed the Cascade onto plane in 3.9 seconds, hit 30 mph in 6.4, and topped out at 52.2 mph. It also proved noticeably quiet, measuring only 71 decibels at 19.3 mph and 86 dB(A) at full throttle.

Underway, the Cascade handled with confidence, easily cutting across the lake chop we encountered and cornering with an outside lean that was nonetheless quite grippy. The captain will appreciate the comfort provided by a high-back helm seat. The central Medallion as well as an additional offset Garmin touchscreen centralize pertinent info into an easy-to-see location. Bonus points for the phone cubby sporting a wireless charger. Opposite, the port console adds a lockable glove box to stow valuables.

The furniture layout is a Quad Lounge floor plan featuring 5-foot-long parallel couches in the bow with storage below. Add the optional filler gate seat for a continuous U-shaped lounge. Aft, another 5-foot-8-inch pair sit behind console seats. Recline against the aft-facing seatbacks or sit side to side with fellow crew. A unique touch? The entire bottom cushion lifts lengthwise on gas struts to access storage, eliminating the hassle of loose or individual cushions and making it simple to grab or stow gear.

High Points

• Waveglider performance package features three 25-inch pontoons, an aluminum wave shield and a stainless-steel ski tow bar.
• High-performance Fusion sound package. 
• Attractive matte finish on wall skins.

How We Tested

• Engine: Honda BF350
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Honda 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 65 gal. Crew Weight: 640 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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The styling, colors and appearance of Tahoe’s 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW command attention. Plus, Tahoe loads it with the biggest Suzuki you can buy, the dual-prop 350 APL, topping out at 50 mph while going from zero to 30 mph in 7 seconds flat. The 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW we tested sported the Waveglider performance-package option, adding triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker acceleration. The Tahoe employs power SeaStar hydraulic steering, and response is excellent, from hard-over turns at full speed to spanning lake chop and wakes.

Stepping aboard at the bow, the carbon-fiber wraparound is set back a foot from the forward deck edge, giving room to aid in docking or to cast a line. The custom touches abound, from the pop-up cleats to the styled docking and navigation light pods. Even the front door latch is a custom part. The bow section features twin facing loungers with room for three per side without crowding. There’s abundant storage, thanks to welded aluminum bases. Dual-action hinges make for easy underseat access.

The new Admiral III helm station features automotive styling coupled with futuristic digital instrumentation, with soft-touch control switches and a Garmin digital information center. The framed, smoked-glass windshield creates security amidships, with high-back captain’s chairs for comfortable cruising. A Fusion Premium XL sound system with eight speakers, an amplifier and a subwoofer keeps the beat. A built-in cavernous ­in-floor storage locker is amidships.

Aft, twin facing lounge seats ­create a third conversation pit. A polished ­stainless-steel gate keeps crew safe while underway. The aft deck provides plenty of room for staging watersports or just relaxing near the water. The jewelry back here is a matching polished stainless-steel ski tow and a telescoping, folding boarding ladder.

This Tahoe proved endlessly interesting and entertaining. There was something new and innovative everywhere we looked. Demo a 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW and see if you agree.

High Points

• Bright shark-blue carbon-fiber perimeter enclosure is eye-popping. 
• Dual-prop Suzuki 350 outboard helps the boat move with authority.
• Large party pits fore and aft accommodate big groups for socializing.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki APL four-stroke dual-prop 350 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki (one each right-hand and left-hand rotation) 15.5″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Accessible/Skiff: Veer V13

The Veer V13  won first because we found it to be affordable for a segment of society not typically served by boatbuilders. It’s also offered colors that appeal to a younger, non-traditional demographic. We believe both of these features are great for the future of boating by helping to introduce new participants to the activity and lifestyle that is boating. Finally, we found the Veer V13 functional and safe, and it’s offered with your choice of internal combustion or electric outboard power.

Watersports: Montara Surf Boss 2.0

The Montara Surf Boss 2.0 is one the most innovative boats we have ever tested, seamlessly blending the very best of a V-drive towboat with the attributes of a pontoon boat. There’s more: Innovation alone isn’t enough. To win a category, the boat must be built to a high standard and meet ABYC standards, as well as the discerning eye of our editors, each of whom possesses decades of experience evaluating boats for a living. The Montara Surf Boss 2.0 ticked all these boxes.

Runabout: Four Winns H2e

First, this is an exceptionally well-done bowrider. The interior is luxurious, its construction is excellent and its appearance is at once fresh and classic. Performance-wise, it delivered superior speed, handling and ride quality. Finally, this Four Winns H2e bowrider is powered by an electric outboard. It gives boat buyers the choice of electric or internal combustion propulsion with the confidence of a longstanding and well-known—iconic, really—boatbuilder.

Center-Console: Formula 387

Our team tests over 100 boats per year, many of them center-console models. We selected the Formula 387 for its great ride and top-notch construction and pristine finish. But Formula has long maintained those bars high. What really wowed us was that Formula produced two distinct variants of the same boat for center-console buyers—a sport version and a fishing version. Putting a finer point on it, these two variants serve different missions with very little compromise between them.

Deckboat: Tahoe T21

Why did this Tahoe win? First, we found it to be priced lower than similar-size boats. But, a low price alone doesn’t win awards. No less than two members of our Tech Team stated that the Tahoe T21 is equivalent (if not superior) in ride, performance, construction and equipment to other similar boats. A review of our boat-test archive backs those assertions. As such, the T21 represents an outstanding buying experience delivering a higher-quality, higher-performing boat for a lower price than others in its category.

Pontoon: Manitou 24 Explore MAX

The Manitou 24 Explore MAX takes pontoon-boat ownership to another place. Powered by twin 150 hp Rotax S outboards (which themselves won our Marine Power Innovation award last year), which live under the expansive MAX deck aft, this ’toon offers sporty performance and the convenience of a joystick for docking control. But most importantly, the wide-open MAX deck provides pontoon buyers the ability to choose wide-open access to the water, as well as wide-open views.

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Overview

Tahoe’s 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW commands attention. Its sheer size and art-deco-styled carbon-fiber enclosure and ­tower captivate onlookers.

My tester’s Waveglider performance-package option added triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker ­acceleration. With a Suzuki dual-­prop 350 AP, the boat hit 50 mph and punched to 30 mph in a crisp 7 seconds.

Interior and Accessories

Stepping aboard at the bow, the carbon-fiber wraparound enclosure is set back a foot from the forward deck edge, giving some room to better handle dock lines. Sharp touches include pop-up cleats and stylish docking and navigation light pods. Just about any size party will enjoy room for comfort aboard the Grand Tahoe. The bow features enormously long twin-facing lounges with elbow room for three per side. There’s abundant storage inside the welded aluminum seat bases. Dual-action hinges make stowage access easy and convenient.

The new-for-2024 Admiral III helm station features dramatic automotive styling and futuristic digital instrumentation. It features soft-touch control switches and a Garmin display with an information center. The framed, smoked-glass windshield creates a secure cockpit, with high-back captain’s chairs for comfortable cruising. Fusion’s Premium XL sound system with eight speakers, an amp and a subwoofer provides the sound. Optional canister speakers mount on the tower and point aft for watersports enjoyment. In-floor storage is cavernous.

Aft twin facing lounge seats create a third conversation pit, albeit a bit smaller than the bow section. A polished stainless-steel gate keeps everyone aboard safe while underway. A spacious aft deck provides more than enough room for watersports or just general relaxing near the water surface. The jewelry back here is a matching polished stainless-steel ski tow and a telescoping, folding boarding ladder. A small locker just in front of the Suzuki outboard hides the power-steering system. This Tahoe proved to be endlessly interesting and entertaining. It seems there was something new and innovative everywhere we looked. That bodes well for long-term ownership. With so much to play with, chances are you’ll never be bored with this 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW.

Read Next: 2024 Tahoe 2585 Cascade

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki APL four-stroke dual-prop 350 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki (one each right- and left-hand rotation) 15.5″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

High Points

• Wow appeal is big with a bright metallic-blue carbon-fiber perimeter enclosure and tower.
• It takes big power to move a big boat. This nearly 29-foot Tahoe moves with authority using a Suzuki 350.
• Party pits fore and aft accommodate big groups, while the captain and mate enjoy comfort behind the dual consoles.

Low Points

• While the carbon-fiber enclosure looks incredible, our test boat’s bow-entry door had trouble staying closed in rough chop.
• That power-steering unit could be mounted under one of the loungers, creating more room in the aft cabinet for lines and fenders.

Toughest Competitor

Bennington’s 25 QFXBWA with a 450 Yamaha outboard and arch and windshield comes in at an MSRP of $237,512. Bennington’s Q25 Sport (28 feet long by 8 feet, 6 inches wide) retails for $236,000 with a Yamaha 425 hp XT0 outboard and tops out over 53 mph.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW appeared first on Boating Mag.

The styling, colors and appearance of Tahoe’s 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW command attention. Plus, Tahoe loads it with the biggest Suzuki you can buy, the dual-prop 350 APL, topping out at 50 mph while going from zero to 30 mph in 7 seconds flat. The 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW we tested sported the Waveglider performance-package option, adding triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker acceleration. The Tahoe employs power SeaStar hydraulic steering, and response is excellent, from hard-over turns at full speed to spanning lake chop and wakes.

Stepping aboard at the bow, the carbon-fiber wraparound is set back a foot from the forward deck edge, giving room to aid in docking or to cast a line. The custom touches abound, from the pop-up cleats to the styled docking and navigation light pods. Even the front door latch is a custom part. The bow section features twin facing loungers with room for three per side without crowding. There’s abundant storage, thanks to welded aluminum bases. Dual-action hinges make for easy underseat access.

The new Admiral III helm station features automotive styling coupled with futuristic digital instrumentation, with soft-touch control switches and a Garmin digital information center. The framed, smoked-glass windshield creates security amidships, with high-back captain’s chairs for comfortable cruising. A Fusion Premium XL sound system with eight speakers, an amplifier and a subwoofer keeps the beat. A built-in cavernous ­in-floor storage locker is amidships.

Aft, twin facing lounge seats ­create a third conversation pit. A polished ­stainless-steel gate keeps crew safe while underway. The aft deck provides plenty of room for staging watersports or just relaxing near the water. The jewelry back here is a matching polished stainless-steel ski tow and a telescoping, folding boarding ladder.

This Tahoe proved endlessly interesting and entertaining. There was something new and innovative everywhere we looked. Demo a 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW and see if you agree.

High Points

• Bright shark-blue carbon-fiber perimeter enclosure is eye-popping. 
• Dual-prop Suzuki 350 outboard helps the boat move with authority.
• Large party pits fore and aft accommodate big groups for socializing.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki APL four-stroke dual-prop 350 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki (one each right-hand and left-hand rotation) 15.5″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Buy Tahoe’s 2585 Cascade at a midrange price and you’ll get features, style and construction like those found in the manufacturer’s flagship models. Examples? The stylish, redesigned Commander III fiberglass helm and port consoles, Medallion Smart 80 touchscreen, and sexy wraparound windshield. Below, the Waveglider performance package offers a trio of 25-inch pontoons with a full complement of lifting fins, an underdeck wave shield, an integrated motor pod, SeaStar hydraulic steering and a stainless-steel ski tow bar.

Our test boat had Honda’s new BF350, featuring 302 cubic inches of displacement and the midrange boost of power provided by VTec variable valve timing and lift. BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) advances ignition timing when the throttle is pinned off the bottom, delivering rapid acceleration. During our performance testing, it pushed the Cascade onto plane in 3.9 seconds, hit 30 mph in 6.4, and topped out at 52.2 mph. It also proved noticeably quiet, measuring only 71 decibels at 19.3 mph and 86 dB(A) at full throttle.

Underway, the Cascade handled with confidence, easily cutting across the lake chop we encountered and cornering with an outside lean that was nonetheless quite grippy. The captain will appreciate the comfort provided by a high-back helm seat. The central Medallion as well as an additional offset Garmin touchscreen centralize pertinent info into an easy-to-see location. Bonus points for the phone cubby sporting a wireless charger. Opposite, the port console adds a lockable glove box to stow valuables.

The furniture layout is a Quad Lounge floor plan featuring 5-foot-long parallel couches in the bow with storage below. Add the optional filler gate seat for a continuous U-shaped lounge. Aft, another 5-foot-8-inch pair sit behind console seats. Recline against the aft-facing seatbacks or sit side to side with fellow crew. A unique touch? The entire bottom cushion lifts lengthwise on gas struts to access storage, eliminating the hassle of loose or individual cushions and making it simple to grab or stow gear.

High Points

• Waveglider performance package features three 25-inch pontoons, an aluminum wave shield and a stainless-steel ski tow bar.
• High-performance Fusion sound package. 
• Attractive matte finish on wall skins.

How We Tested

• Engine: Honda BF350
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Honda 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 65 gal. Crew Weight: 640 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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It’s hard not to get excited when you get on a new boat and you want to punch the throttle, and that’s exactly what we did on this Tahoe T21. We made 57mph at top speed with this boat, which is pretty sweet for an 11-passenger carrying capacity. You get an extremely fast hull shot, thanks to the Mercury V8 which is ideal for when pulling skiers. Nearly 2 years of R&D went into this before they built the first one.

It’s all composite construction and Tahoe was one of the first brands to do this. It has complete level flotation, even though the Coast Guard only requires boats under 20 feet to have it. The dashboard is entirely touch screen, the boat has great storage, and even better stability. There’s a big story here to tell you and we’re here to walk you through it on the Tahoe T21.

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