It’s safe to say that G3 has the pontoon formula nailed: The SunCatcher Select 324 SL is a great blend of sturdy construction, fleet-footed performance and luxury amenities. Rigged with a Yamaha 250 SHO outboard, speeds over 46 mph are easy to reach, and acceleration from idle to 30 mph is an impossibly quick 4.5 seconds. This baby rips—watersports towing and hammer-down cruising pose no problem. It’s not bad at the fuel dock either, posting a most economical cruise speed of 16.5 mph at 2,500 rpm, which showed a fuel burn of just 3.9 gph, netting 4.2 mpg. That’s almost 175 miles of cruising from the 46-gallon tank, leaving 10 percent in reserve. Conversations at speed are easy on this quiet boat; decibels barely topped 80 at midrange rpm.
The SunCatcher’s underbelly features triple 25-inch-diameter logs with performance lifting strakes and a full-length undershield to reduce drag. The logs are attached to the deck with heavy-duty extrusions through-bolted 16 inches on center. Flooring choices abound, with many interior and exterior color choices as well. Power options start with a Yamaha 90 and go all the way to the 250 SHO featured on our test boat. Hydraulic steering is standard, with power steering optional.
Topside, the layout is traditional up front, with two facing lounges that extend aft to midship. The pilot’s console and twin captain’s chairs provide plush comfort while underway, or they can swivel around to join the conversation aft; here, a reversible three-quarters lounger on the port side provides different layouts. The stern deck is extended for easy boarding, debarking and watersports activities. A folding aluminum boarding ladder is standard, as is a ski tow bar.
There’s storage everywhere—under the bow loungers, inside the pilot’s console and under the aft lounger. Rain drain channels under the seat cushions wick water away from the storage compartments. A Clarion Bluetooth sound system is standard, as is a contoured custom folding Bimini top with a storage boot.
All the power is there thanks to the Yamaha 250 SHO, and all the luxury is there thanks to the teamwork and clever design and engineering by G3.
High Points
- Aft lounge offers 30-plus square feet of reclining space and an adjustable backrest.
- Hydraulic or hydraulic power steering is optional and advisable for higher horsepower.
- Extended aft deck eases boarding.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha 250 SHO four-stroke outboard
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 15 3/4″ x 15″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 25 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $73,062 (as tested); $68,176 (base) |
| LOA: | 23’11” |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 2,908 lb. (without engine) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 12/4,556 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 46 gal. |
