Take a power brand like Yamaha, renowned for its reliability, and combine it with a boat brand like G3, built with the “show me” grit of this Lebanon, Missouri, pontoon manufacturer, and you have a machine that will deliver fun and pleasure for a decade or more.
The Elite Series is G3’s top-shelf model, combining the most opulent living-roomlike seating — like dual aft recliners — plus the skipper’s companion recliner seat to have mancave luxury that can be enjoyed by both sexes and all ages. Forward lounges give the SunCatcher Elite 324 RS the capacity to entertain full-size crews. An elevated platform raises the helm above the crowd, keeping the skipper on watch no matter where his friends take a seat.
At the helm we found a powerful Kicker stereo system, and, for big waters, our boat was equipped with a Garmin GPS with onboard data of marinas and restaurants, so it’s easy to find fuel or spots to hang out with the crew.
This comfort wouldn’t be so remarkable if it weren’t tied together with such beauty. The soft, gray vinyl of our test boat is all the rage this year, and it’s lavishly complemented by the teak-and-holly, woven-vinyl deck surface. The look fuels pride in ownership, plus it includes the maintenance-free benefits of a quick-drying, easy-cleaning surface.
The Elite’s triple-tube design is a performer too. If it were a V-bottom, its lifting strakes would be called proud chines, and, with them, it gets up to speed quickly, holds rock steady in washboard wakes, and makes for an excellent reason to add wakeboards and ski jackets to its onboard gear package. And yes, there’s a standard tow pylon.
Yamaha has been in the business of pleasing outboard customers since 1980, and the G3 makes it clear that this Show Me State builder knows what boaters want in performance, luxury and durability.
High Points
*Standard watersports tow pylon
*Power steering eases handling, especially in sharp turns and around the dock.
*Media system offers Bluetooth streaming and controls.
*U-shaped tubes connect firmly and directly to the deck.
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F225
Drive/Prop: Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15¾” x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 20 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Price
$59,395 (as tested)
Contact
G3 Boats Lebanon, Missouri; 800-588-9787; g3boats.com
