This Sylvan is a head-turner loaded with features and advanced styling. It came to us rigged with top-shelf power—a Mercury Verado 400. It rocketed to 30 mph in just 5.3 seconds and a top speed near 55 mph. With all that power, the M-5 handled like a much smaller boat, proving responsive to steering and throttle. Trimming up really makes it fly. Turning was sharp, with defined banking. You pay for all those ponies at the pump: Our most economical cruising speed was 16 mph, where the Verado 400 consumed 4.8 gph for 3.3 mpg. That’s 177 miles of range from the 60-gallon fuel tank, leaving 10 percent in reserve.
Underneath, the tri-toon SPX PR25 Performance Package features triple 27-inch-diameter logs with lifting strakes. The Big Water Edition features an extended aft deck and extruded lifting strakes.
Topside, the new exterior perimeter is the most striking feature, molded from carbon-fiber panels and painted with clear coat for a unique look. The wraparound curved bow panels feature custom lighting pods that hold the navigation and docking lights.
The optional electric carbon-fiber arch with a Bimini top and color-changing dome lighting completes the futuristic appeal of the M-5. The color-changing lights continue on the aft speaker panel, the side logos and underwater.
Flooring is teak weave, with a new gray hue. The deep navy pillow-topped seating surface and diamond-weave inset work together for a plush look and comfortable feel. The bow seating on the M-5 features facing lounges with roto-cast bases and storage underneath.
Dual consoles with safety-glass windshields envelop the cockpit crew; the full-digital dash with digital lighted switching helps the captain keep tabs on the engine and the boat’s electric systems.
The aft portside lounge is L-shaped, with a reversible seatback to allow for forward- or aft-facing lounging in many positions. A stainless-steel railing ensures crew safety underway, even when seated facing aft. An extended aft deck, complete with a tow bar and LilliPad ladder, makes watersports prep easy and accessible.
High Points
- Sleek, styled carbon-fiber surround sets the M-5 apart from other boats, and from any Sylvan pontoon to date.
- A standout performer, this boat executed sharp turns with confidence.
- Dual-console layout keeps crew out of the wind.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 400 Verado FourStroke outboard
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution X 16.75″ x 20″ 4-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 28 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $238,090 (as tested); $184,286 (base with 200 hp) |
| LOA: | 27’8″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 4,350 lb. (without engine) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 14/3,075 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 60 gal. |
Sylvan Marine – New Paris, Indiana; sylvanmarine.com
