PDB Shootout: Sylvan Marine L3 DLZ Bar

Published in the January 2021 Issue November 2022 Boat Test Monday

First Impression

While there are plenty of other features that might get your attention on this Sylvan, the most talked-about rear layout in the pontoon industry really draws you in. Being able to dramatically change the look and function of your boat is something we’ll never get tired of seeing.

Details

We first saw the DLZ Bar layout back in 2019 when it earned an NMMA Innovation Award for being one of the most creative ways to incorporate rear loungers and a bar layout together on one boat. We’re guessing other manufacturers have been slapping their foreheads ever since and asking themselves why they didn’t think of it. We’ll continue to give credit where credit is due, as we just love that the DLZ Bar truly gives you the best of both worlds.

The transforming bar layout, which includes two bar stools on each side, easily converts to a rear-facing lounger with just the push of two buttons. The table folds down, revealing the hidden loungers. The bar stools have a designated spot on the side when not in use and stow nicely in individual floor mounts. It’s so well done that when in the lounger position, your guests might question what the stools are for.

From an added safety standpoint, we like that the lounger is perfectly contained with a stainless-steel stern railing that includes two gates that open up to the swim deck. In the stern is a boarding ladder with wide handholds plus a ski/tow pylon.

At the helm the optional Humminbird Helix 5 GPS is located in the center of the dash with multi-function gauges surrounding it. On each side of the steering wheel are rows of rocker switches, and then to the far right of the console there is a place to store your phone with 12-volt and USB ports below. This is also where the captain can control the JL Audio sound system which is part of a six-speaker setup. The only thing that seems to be missing with this helm design is some type of a lockable glove box to store your loose items such as keys and wallets.

Speaking of storage, there are ample places to stow away your gear below the seats, plus an in-floor ski locker that is nearly a foot deep and over 7 feet long, giving it the capability of storing a lot of water toys. Other key features worth noting include a power Bimini top and Infinity Teak Weave vinyl flooring that tie in the high-end look and feel of the interior.

Closer Look

The standard SPX PR25 Performance package includes a third pontoon with lifting strakes on all three tubes. The black painted pontoons are an option, but well worth the upgrade in our opinion because they provide a unique look that flows well with the black exterior rails. Above deck, the railing around the perimeter varies from 24 inches in the bow to 28 inches tall for most of the boat.

Throttle Down

You might do a double-take when you see the 0-to-20 mph time of just over 3 seconds, but don’t forget this pontoon is powered with a Mercury 250hp four-stroke. She comfortably reached speeds in the mid 40s at full throttle and handled very well thanks to the hydraulic steering.

Why Buy

The transforming bar layout/rear lounger will continue to get the most attention on this model, but in reality this Sylvan as tested has a great mixture of options combined with key features to keep everyone on board happy.

New Paris, Ind.
574-831-2103
www.sylvanmarine.com

Number of Occupants: 12
Price As Tested With Power: $73.4K
Maximum Speed: 44.8 mph
Wild Ponies: 250 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 3.5 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 6" deep

Why we love this boat… You can’t argue with an NMMA Innovation Award; the transforming bar layout/rear lounger is truly impressive.

Just being picky… Plenty of deep storage on board, but a lockable glove box to store those smaller items such as keys and wallets would be nice.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

SPX PR25 Performance Package w/Third Tube, Rear Flip-Down Bar, Full Fiberglass Console, Bimini Top and Telescoping Ladder.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Black Tubes, Black Rails, Power Bimini Top, Teak Weave Flooring, Humminbird Helix 5 In-Dash GPS and Lighted Cupholders.

VITAL STATS

LOA: 23’ 10”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Tubes w/Strakes
Dry Weight: 2,100 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 60 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine: Mercury 250
Cylinder Type: V8
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 279ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.85:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

900                  2.4                   73
1000                3.7                   77.5
1500                4.9                   78
2000                7.0                   82
2500                10.2                 91
3000                13.7                 95
3500                20.4                 94.5
4000                22.6                 93.5
4500                27.7                 94
5000                33.3                 97
5500                37.3                 103.5
6000                44.8                 107

PRICE

Price As Tested: $73,454
(Boat and Motor)

Base Price: $57,051
(Boat and 150hp)

This article originally appeared in our 2021 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.