2026 Montara EVO 25
The EVO 25 handles with a light, nimble feel.
Bill Doster
Montara calls its EVO 25 the next “evolution” of the unique pontoon-wakeboat hybrid. The boatbuilder lists Boating’s 2023 Boat of the Year among its accolades. Like the original, the EVO features pontoon-style amenities topside but swaps out aluminum tubes for an aluminum, modified-V hull below that carries its beam well forward. Twelve-foot-long ballast bags are tucked into that hull both port and starboard. Rather than outboard or sterndrive, a PCM V-drive provides the power. The result is a boat that can boost wakeboarders to impressive heights, dish out tasty surf wakes and serve as the ultimate party platform for up to 16 passengers.
Monitor vitals and dial-in all aspects of wake and ballast on the 15-inch touchscreen at the dash.
Bill Doster
The EVO 25 boasts a more luxurious appearance than its identical-hull cousin, the Montara 2.0. Exterior styling has evolved into solid rather than two-tone panels and more sculpted fence lines to create a more refined appearance. Interior hues are richer blends such as mocha, bronze or charcoal. A new fiberglass helm is modern and sleek, and incorporates a sturdy flat seat base rather than a tube-style pedestal. Monitor vitals and dial-in all aspects of wake and ballast on the 15-inch touchscreen at the dash. Bathe nearly every inch of the boat—from twin lounges forward to convertible L-shaped lounge/convertible sun pad aft—with sound from a three-zone, Boston Acoustics, Bongiovi-tuned sound system featuring 12 speakers, two subwoofers and three amplifiers.
Twin lounges forward offer plush seating.
Bill Doster
Though its on-water presence looms large, under way the EVO 25 handles with a light, nimble feel. It’s surefooted in hard-over turns and deceptively agile for a boat of its size. Chalk some of that up to the modified-V hull and an inboard’s combination of prop, rudder and tracking fins but also a switch to hydraulic steering for 2026. A PCM 6.2-liter reached 30 mph in 8.2 seconds and had no trouble pulling our wakeboard/surf rider above the water with ease. Once up, the combo of up to 4,200 pounds of ballast and wake-shaping transom tabs produced a steep wake with a clean face, plenty of push and a lengthy pocket.
Mistake it for a pontoon, or think of it as a wakeboat on steroids, one thing’s for certain. There’s nothing on the market quite like it.
The convertible sunpad is a supremely comfy space.
Bill Doster
High Points
- In-deck “basement” provides huge storage, access to electronics.
- Liquid Propulsion stern thrusters simplify docking.
- Additional standards include high-intensity docking lights, 4-mm-thick aluminum hull, and 35 cup holders.
Montara EVO 25 Certified Test Results
Boating Magazine
How We Tested
- Engine: PCM 6.2 465 hp Inboard
- Drive/Prop: V-Drive/OJ 15.5″ x 16.5″ 3-blade nibral
- Gear Ratio: 1.72:1 Fuel Load: 46 gal. Crew Weight: 525 lb.
Montara Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; montaraboats.com
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