We Say: The Elite Series is G3’s top-shelf model, combining the most opulent seating — check the dual aft recliners and capacious forward lounges. An elevated helm keeps the skipper on watch no matter where his friends take a seat.
At the helm we found a powerful Kicker stereo system, and for finding our way in big waters, our boat was equipped with a Garmin GPS.
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.
Who’d Want One: Pontooners seeking single-engine luxury and economy.
Another Choice: The Lowe Infinity 230 WT has gorgeous aft pit seating ($61,312).
