When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Manitou Pontoons 20 X-plode Cruise 2008 and the Manitou Pontoons 24 ft. Encore SHP I/O 2010 are pontoon designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Manitou Pontoons 24 ft. Encore SHP I/O 2010 measures 24,6 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 5,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Manitou Pontoons 20 X-plode Cruise 2008 at 19,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Manitou Pontoons 24 ft. Encore SHP I/O 2010 tips the scales at 468 lbs — 220 lbs less than the Manitou Pontoons 20 X-plode Cruise 2008 at 248 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Manitou Pontoons 24 ft. Encore SHP I/O 2010 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Manitou Pontoons 20 X-plode Cruise 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Manitou Pontoons 20 X-plode Cruise 2008 carries 55 gallons versus 34 gallons in the Manitou Pontoons 24 ft. Encore SHP I/O 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Manitou Pontoons 24 ft. Encore SHP I/O 2010 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Manitou Pontoons 20 X-plode Cruise 2008 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Manitou Pontoons 24 ft. Encore SHP I/O 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Both are 3-tube and 3-tube pontoon designs respectively. Tube diameter and gauge affect stability and load capacity — more so than most buyers realize when comparing on paper.
Bottom line: Choose the Manitou Pontoons 24 ft. Encore SHP I/O 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 24,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Manitou Pontoons 20 X-plode Cruise 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.