G3 Boats SunCatcher Elite 324 RS

May 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2016 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.

Three Things

High-end quality, comfy seating including the rear-facing loungers, and Yamaha power are the focus of this SunCatcher.

Breakdown

There are plenty of attractive features on this boat that will draw your attention and one of those is the helm console. Recessed into the dash is a large Garmin GPS Echo 53DV map that is centrally located on this symmetrically balanced console and includes large back lit G3 multi-function gauges. Just below on your left is the Kicker media center with lighted rocker switches on the other side of the tilt steering wheel. There are a couple of small storage options for the driver including a nice compartment with a 12-volt receptacle inside so your phone can charge up while staying protected from the elements. At the raised helm platform is a comfortable captain’s chair that slides, swivels, and reclines and directly across is an equally comfortable (if not better) chair for the first mate. With the high seatback, it almost feels like theatre-style seating and there is storage below plus behind it too, so you don’t sacrifice any gear storing space with this layout.

Directly behind this massive chair are two more loungers positioned together that are identical to that first mate one and are rear-facing. We love that small lockable glove box cuddy in the stern area that includes another 12-volt outlet inside as well as the long storage box that doubles as a foot rest for this stern seating area.

On this model there are two different styles of vinyl flooring, which help the transition as you move to the back of the boat. Just outside the stern gate is a stainless boarding ladder as well as a large ski/tow pylon that is extra tall.

Up front are two chaise lounges that are equally as comfortable as the rest of the seating options onboard and built into the back of the portside chaise is a pop-up changing room that stands at 6 feet tall when open, which is quite impressive.

The LED mood lighting throughout the boat, including cupholders and speakers, is one of those added touches that we love to see. Other key amenities include a 19-inch wide in-floor ski locker that stays open with convenient hydraulic hinges and a 38-gallon standard fuel tank.

Inspection

Built on three 23- by 25-inch U-shaped flotation filled pontoons, the hull includes lifting strakes as well as an aluminum performance shield and all-aluminum motor pod. Up top, the railing stands at an impressive 29 inches tall throughout the boat with the rails in the bow a couple of inches shorter. From the bow gate to the rear loungers there is nearly 15 feet of usable deck space and in the stern is a four-step boarding ladder that drops down over four feet into the water. Overall we rate this as a solid, well-built pontoon.

Handling

Paired with a Yamaha 225hp four-stroke—the largest outboard this pontoon is rated for—we nearly reached the 50-mile-per-hour mark at full throttle. As for the acceleration, you can feel the power of this Yamaha as we went from zero to 20 mph in less than five seconds! And because she’s so responsive this sporty boat is fun to drive and easy to maneuver.

Final Thoughts

Pontoon boats are ideal for making memories, but with this SunCatcher those moments are enhanced. The high-end luxury model is loaded with a lot of great features that not only look stylish, but help make it comfortable too.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 13

Maximum Speed 48.2 mph

Wild Ponies 225hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.74 seconds

Ladder Measurement 4’ 10” deep

Why we love this boat…As we sat on the rear-facing loungers with our feet up, we felt like we were on the back porch with the best view of the lake possible.

Just being picky…We didn’t recall seeing a USB/Auxiliary port, which you may not need with the Kicker Bluetooth-enabled stereo, but it would be nice to have options.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Elevated helm platform w/ deluxe console and multi-function gauges, 3 extra-wide recliners, blue LED cup holders, blue LED dual-cone speakers, recessed Garmin GPS Echo map 53DV, Kicker media center and mooring cover.