G3’s SunCatcher Elite 326 SE is luxurious and well-equipped. It boasts enough muscle to power a family with friends aboard for watersports or a day of cruising. With its Yamaha F300 outboard, the Elite 326 SE hustles to 30 mph in just 5.5 seconds and storms to a 46 mph top speed. It reaches its most economical speed at a stately 16 mph at 2,500 rpm, squeezing out 3.5 mpg. If you want to shave some money off the price, a 200 hp motor would still make around 35 to 40 mph, but why mess with the excitement factor?
The Elite 326 SE is as comfortable as it is sporty. At the bow, extra-long twin loungers create the forward conversation pit, generously seating six. The captain’s console is elevated for better visibility from the helm and features SeaDek mat flooring for a sharp, finished look. The Diamond package on our test rig features a 9-inch Garmin GPSMap 943xsv graph and a Siren Marine telematics system. Both monitor and display all boat functions, engine data, and water, map and depth information, with remote activation for docking and courtesy lights. The latter does so via an app so you know where your boat is and what it’s doing even if you’re not on it. A Fusion audio system is also included, featuring six 6.5-inch speakers, two amplifiers and a 10-inch subwoofer—boom!
The standard Bimini top can be optionally powered for easy raising and lowering—a feature that belongs on this top-shelf living-room cruiser. Black painted side rails and pontoon logs give a crisp, stealthy look. There’s also RGB mood lighting via the stereo speakers and courtesy lighting, as well as a wireless phone-charge pad, tilt hydraulic steering, and a watersports tow bar. A four-step curved boarding ladder is mounted at the transom for easy access.
The Elite is built to last; the deck is through-bolted to extrusions at 16-inch centers. Underdeck aluminum sheathing and lifting strakes on the logs enhance performance. The Elite is a solid value in luxury pontooning and family fun.
High Points
- Two comfy bar stools add relaxing seating.
- Yamaha Helm Master controls include joystick control, an RFID key fob and a digital display.
- Underdeck center-log storage swallows skis, water toys and a boat cover.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha F300 four-stroke
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 133/4″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 46 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $122,195 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 26’5″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 1’2″ |
| Dry Weight: | 3,280 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 14/2,800 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 46 gal. |
G3 Boats – Lebanon, Missouri; suncatcherpontoons.com
