2024 Qwest E-Class Lanai LTZ

The Qwest E-Class Lanai LTZ features a traditional aluminum perimeter enclosure atop the Q3V hull, which designates triple 25-inch pontoons with lifting strakes on the center tube. Rigged with a Honda 200, the Lanai clipped off a solid 41.4 mph top end at 6,000 rpm ­spinning a 17-pitch Honda propeller. It accelerates strong. Hitting 30 mph in just 6.2 seconds, the LTZ makes a good ­watersports towboat. It won’t hurt the wallet ­doing so either; we calculated 4 mpg at 16.4 mph. With the 45-gallon tank full, that’s over 160 miles of cruising with a 10 percent reserve. Running through wakes and lake chop, this boat never balked.

The E-Class Lanai LTZ sports a new helm station for 2024. It’s fitted with a 9-inch Garmin MFD, and topped with a slick flat-panel windscreen with black powder-coated aluminum side frames. Dometic XPA power-assist steering is a worthwhile option to control the Honda ­outboard. A Clarion sound system with four speakers comes standard.

At the bow, a small extended deck helps with docking and boarding. Inside, twin facing sofas create a bow conversation area sized for at least five adults. Across from the helm and high-back reclining and swiveling pilot’s chair, the port side features a long, L-shaped couch that will easily fit five without crowding, and in this configuration, the captain can be included in the conversation. USB chargers are fitted at just about every seating area, so crew can stay ­connected. A table and soft-side cooler are also ­standard equipment.

Out back, the extended aft deck ­features a portside mounted love seat ­ideally positioned for use in getting ready for watersports, or just hanging to watch the action from an aft vantage point.

Underneath is more stowage, ideal for tow ropes and life vests. An in-floor ski locker is optional, to fit even more watersports toys. A beefy ­stainless-steel watersports tow bar complements a stainless-steel folding, telescoping boarding ladder. The Lanai series in LTZ trim is well-equipped and performs at a high level, all for a competitive price of just under $81,000. 

High Points

• Made in America by Apex Marine, the E-Class Lanai LTZ features seat bases made from  proprietary Dura Lite composite. It’s rugged and light in weight.
• Long L-bench aft makes for a great gathering place that seats four comfortably, and includes the captain’s chair for a party of at least five. 
• The Garmin 9-inch dash display offers navigation and engine information.
• “Ultra-Flow” seat-base ventilation helps keep mildew away and contents dry.

How We Tested

• Engine: Honda BF200 200 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Honda 14 1/4″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2:1 Fuel Load: 36 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-qwest-e-class-lanai-ltz-pbbg/