Tahoe really outfitted this 2785 Vision Rear Electric Lounge for families and the party/watersports crowd. Start with plenty of power combined with crowd-friendly amenities and big, comfy seating, add in a tow pylon and rear deck space for watersports, and top it off with electrically adjustable aft-facing loungers — that’s a recipe for all-day excitement and the ability to entertain all age groups.
The 2785 Vision Rear Electric Lounge we tested arrived fitted with Mercury’s new V-8 250 hp FourStroke beast. With this power plant providing the push, our top speed maxed at just under 43 mph with a 16-inch-pitch Enertia three-blade wheel spinning at 5,500 rpm. Acceleration was plenty adequate for big loads; we reached 30 mph from a dead idle in 7 seconds flat. The new Mercury is quite thrifty as well; our thrifitiest overall speed occurred at 2,500 rpm and 14 mph, where we were cruising at 3.4 miles per gallon.
For such a big craft, the Tahoe steers, turns and moves with impressive nimbleness. The response from the big-diameter (27-inch) logs was satisfying, and the ability to span big wave sets without fore-aft pitching is a great asset for crowded rough-weather weekends on bigger lakes.
From the outside, the Tahoe really commands second glances. Its clean look comes from smooth-side perimeter fencing, with a bronze metallic finish that matches well with the plush sand and copper interior. In the bow, seating is in a traditional pontoon layout with facing loungers. They’re good to carry two passengers apiece, so a cozy conversation pit is formed. Just behind that, there’s a nifty kitchenette equipped with a sink, mini-fridge, cutting board, wine-bottle rack and stainless-steel storage drawers. A changing room folds out just behind the driver’s station. At the helm, the pilot and copilot chairs have multiple adjustments for comfort and position. They’re secure and stable yet quite plush. The helm itself is well-equipped with a Garmin EchoMap, Mercury VesselView monitor and JL Audio sound system. But the real treat is for sun-worshippers and those watching watersports — the twin aft-facing loungers raise and lower electrically for the most comfortable position and angle.
High Points
- Twin aft-facing electric loungers and spacious rear deck with tow pylon define a craft geared for sunbathing and watersports.
- With a sink, fridge and changing room, this family and/or party barge is well-equipped for a full day on the water.
- Flow-through ventilated aluminum seat frames won’t hold water and will discourage mold and mildew.
- External wall skins provide a sleeker look than other pontoon boats.
- Covered nose cones
Price: $105,257
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 250 FourStroke
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.7″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 44 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Tahoe Pontoon Boats – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2913; tahoepontoons.com
