SunCatcher V322 SS

This article originally appeared in our 2017 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.  

First Impression

It’s nice to see a boat loaded with standard features with zero options. It still has a lot of the same great features found on similar mid-range pontoons, but SunCatcher believes that the best amenities should just be included. Plus this boat doesn’t skimp on power either with the popular Yamaha four-stroke on the back.

Breakdown

Artistic is probably the best way to describe the bow gate design that allows wind to pass through the interior. It’s a unique look that quickly allows you to identify the boat from a distance and it’s the focal point for the exterior on this family-friendly model.

Up front are two chaise lounges incorporated into the bow seating area. The helm console includes Faria easy-to-read gauges, a Jensen stereo, 12-volt outlet and a USB/Auxiliary port. Plus there is even an enclosed glove box for the captain to place smaller items in. It may seem like a small detail to some, but having a place for the driver to store things is a key to a successful helm layout in our opinion so we’re glad to see this manufacturer agrees.

Completing the symmetrical look found throughout the boat, the captain’s helm chair is identical to the first-mate one directly across and both slide, swivel and recline.

Further back the dual rear-facing loungers are extremely comfortable and will arguably be the two most popular places to sit. Each side has its own locking compartment as well as a cupholder and both are safely contained inside the railing of the boat. There are just two speakers onboard and both can be found in the stern in the rear lounger area. If we had to be picky, we’d like to see a couple of speakers in the bow to improve the range of the stereo.

As you exit through the stern gate there is plenty of room to towel off after boarding from the water using the fold down, five-step ladder. Note there is a removable ski/tow pylon in the stern that has its own designated storage spot below the rear lounge. With the kind of power this pontoon is capable of we’re guessing that pylon will get used a lot; however, it’s nice to know you have a place to stow it when needed.

Overall the entire boat is carpeted and also has an extremely deep in-floor ski locker that is over a 13 inches deep and nearly 5 feet long inside.

Inspection

A full-length underdeck performance shield along with three U-shaped pontoons are the base of this well-built boat. All SunCatcher pontoons feature the extra protection of heavier gauge aluminum in the nose cones and closed cell foam flotation blocks inside each tube provide extra measure of safety. Another family-friendly design worth noting is the tall rails around the entire boat that stand nearly 27 inches tall, which help earn this boat a high safety rating.

Handling

Pushed to its maximum horsepower rating, the Yamaha 150 VMAX SHO four-stroke outboard is the ideal match for one of SunCatcher’s best-selling models. At wide open throttle we nearly reached the 40 mph mark and she turns nice and flat with a good zero-to-20 mph time of just under six seconds. 

Final Thoughts

For a lot of people this SunCatcher by G3 Boats is a “reality boat” or in other words a boat you could actually see yourself enjoying that you could also recommend to just about anyone. As boat prices continue to climb, it’s nice to know there are still budget-friendly pontoons like this V322 SS with Yamaha power still available to get you out on the water where you belong.

Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants            12                   

Maximum Speed                     38.9 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             150 hp

No. of Gates                           3

0-20 MPH                               5.96 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             3’ 10” deep

Why we love this boat…Loaded with the right power and features while still coming in at a price many can afford, there is a lot to love about this specific model.  

Just being picky…Music is a big part of boating for a lot of people so a couple more speakers would be nice, as well as possibly a 12-volt or two in the rear lounger section for other passengers.  

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Full-length under-deck performance shield, closed cell foam flotation blocks inside U-shaped pontoons, Faria helm gauges, Yamaha controls/key switch, Jensen Marine entertainment system w/ USB/iPod connection, dry storage for small items at the helm, Soft Touch furniture.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

None

VITAL STATS

LOA                  22’ 6”             

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       Tri-log U-shaped  

Dry Weight       2,760 lbs.

Fuel Capacity     38 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Yamaha VF150 SHO

Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 4

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           170ci/150

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   2.0:1

Propeller                                                          14 1/2 X 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

1000                2.7                     78

1500                4.6                     77

2000                5.8                     81

2500                9.1                     83

3000                12.2                   89

3500                18.7                   94

4000                24.8                   92

4500                27.0                   93

5000                31.5                   96

5500                36.9                   101

5700                38.9                   104

Lebanon, Mo.

800-588-9787

www.g3boats.com