Powered by its 4.2-liter, 300 hp Yamaha and measuring less than 24 feet in length, you’d expect the SunCatcher Elite 324 SS to move—and it does. A cat-quick punch launched us from in-gear idle to 30 mph in 4.7 seconds. That’s faster than many 80 mph bass boats. We topped out at 46 mph and 6,000 rpm, twisting a 15-pitch Yamaha stainless-steel wheel. We achieved a best fuel economy of 3.5 mpg at 21 mph. That gives a 144-mile maximum range. Handling is predictable: flat cornering, with no hop or cut.
For 2023, SunCatcher elevated its game. The sporty, blacked-out exterior with red chrome accents complements the red accents in the vinyl-stitched seating. The decking is Sea Weave holly teak vinyl. A center-tube floor locker swallows water toys for outta-sight storage.
In the bow, a small deck extension allows for easier boarding and disembarking; step aboard, and you’re looking at twin facing bow loungers sporting tan vinyl with bright-red, diamond-stitched accents. It’s eye-catching and clean. This bow area can handle a party of four or five without crowding. Swing gates at the bow and the port side amidships allow for easy access.
The helm setup features optional joystick steering, which makes docking and slow-speed maneuvering in tight spaces much easier (once you master it). The dash features a Garmin graph that also monitors all engine performance and output indicators—great for tech heads. Electronic throttle and shift couples with electric drive-by-wire steering for a truly luxurious feel at the helm. Lighted stainless-steel, soft-touch switches control all boat functions. A Polk marine audio sound system with a subwoofer and amp bumps with RGB interior and underwater lighting. A raised helm platform helps the pilot see over the bow. Nifty glove boxes add storage for keys, wallets, phones and the like right where you can grab them. Underseat storage abounds as well and even includes cool little sliding trays that drop in to hold smaller items. The Elite 324 SS is well-engineered, well-built and well-thought-out, with performance that should excite buyers seeking a new pontoon.
High Points
- Twin aft loungers provide a plush vantage point.
- Yamaha electric steering makes handling easy on the arms.
- Blacked-out pontoons, RGB lighting and red chrome logos create a package look we loved.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha 300 hp four-stroke
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series 15.75″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 40 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $141,196 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 23’10” |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 3,200 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 11/2,350 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 46 gal. |
SunCatcher Pontoons by G3 Boats – Lebanon, Missouri; suncatcherpontoons.com
