Sylvan dubs the L-3 RLZ a midlevel choice that is perfect for just about everything, whether it’s family cruising, beaching at the sandbar, entertaining friends, or towing your crew on inflatables, skis or boards. It’s a do-it-all pontoon.
The boat’s looks go beyond that description. Two-tone fencing features stylish, structural arcs rather than typical boxy rectangles. A gleaming stainless-steel aft rail and swim ladder scream upscale. The helm shows off a modern flair and a dash delightfully devoid of almost all exposed fasteners. And then there’s the furniture. It’s covered in soft-touch vinyl, features multiple accent patterns, and includes thoughtful touches, like speaker and wiring covers in the roto-molded storage bases below. Add an extended rear deck and standard power Bimini top, and you’ve got a boat punching above its weight class.
Step through the bow gate and find the classic parallel lounge combo, with a pop-up changing room in the back of the portside couch. At the helm, a supportive high-back chair awaits the captain, and ditto for the passenger beside. Things get interesting aft. At first glance, the four separate, forward-facing couches resemble school-bus seating, allowing a forward view for up to eight passengers. Flip the forward row’s backrest forward and you’ve got facing lounges waiting for the included dinette table to start that waterside picnic. Or flip the aft seat backrest fully flat and you’ve got an extra-long, aft-facing recliner—or two.
While the boat comes standard with twin pontoons, our test model featured Sylvan’s upgraded PR25 Performance Package, which features a trio of 25-inch-diameter aluminum pontoons fitted with lifting strakes, hydraulic steering, and an aft ski tow for watersports duty. In addition to reducing drag, the lifting strakes help to produce a smoother, more responsive ride. Turn the wheel and the L-3 responds in smooth fashion, tracking through corners without hiccups or a pronounced outboard lean. Outfitted with a 250 hp Yamaha outboard, top speed peaked at 46.2 mph while burning an economical 6.7 gph at a comfortable 20 mph cruising speed.
High Points
- Powered Bimini top lowers at the touch of a switch.
- SPX PR25 Performance Package adds a center tube with a 60-gallon fuel tank.
- Standards include AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth, four speakers, interior mood lighting and more.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha 250
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 151/2” x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 35 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $80,719 (with test power and SPX PR25 Performance Package) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 23’10” |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 2,100 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 12/1,650 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 60 gal. |
Sylvan Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; sylvanmarine.com
