PDB Shootout: Sylvan

Quick Glance

This is a new model in the new L-3 series for 2020 with a lot of great features packed into a versatile layout, including an upgraded helm and new furniture designs. This manufacturer knows a thing or two about creative layouts and space-saving ideas so we couldn’t wait to get started with our test.

Highlights

Transforming features are a hot trend right now and clearly Sylvan understands this better than most after earning an NMMA Innovation award in 2019 for its versatile bar lounger. What’s impressive about the versatile lounger on this particular model is that it’s packed into the 23-foot floorplan. Multi-use is one way to describe the rear seating area and it’s also very unique in the variety of ways this space can be used.

For starters, two forward-facing bench seats can be easily converted to a face-to-face conversation layout with a removable pedestal table inserted between the two for a more traditional dining setup. Or remove the table – that stores nicely in its own storage box behind the helm seat – and you can convert this into a wide and plush rear-facing lounger. The possibilities back here appear to be endless.

On a safety note, we appreciate the stainless railing that allows you to safely and legally ride in this area while the boat is underway, but a little more swim deck area in the stern would be nice. There doesn’t appear to be a lot of room on the deck when coming aboard from the water after using the ladder. The trade-off however, is this layout is typically only available on larger floorplans.

Moving forward, the identical dual helm chairs add to the look and the helm console helps tie in the high-end feel Sylvan is going for. Centered in the dash is an optional Humminbird Helix 5 GPS with multi-function chrome bezel gauges on each side with lighted rocker switches below. The Kicker KMC10 Stereo with Bluetooth comes standard and we love the designated area for your phone at the helm that is near USB and 12-volt outlets. A pop-up changing room (5 feet, 6 inches tall when open), countless cupholders, in-floor ski locker, deluxe ski/tow bar and a 10-foot Bimini top round out the highlights and features.

Closer Look

With the SPX package you gain a third middle pontoon and there are lifting strakes on both sides of this center tube as well as strakes on the inside of the outer logs. From a cosmetic standpoint, the exterior panels can be customized to a variety of color choices to dial in your specific tastes for a custom look.

Performance

You can’t go wrong with 300 horses on the back, especially when it’s the Evinrude G2 E-TEC. We comfortably reached speeds in the mid 40 mph range and she banks well in tight turns. The zero-to-20 mph time of just over four seconds showcases just how much torque this Evinrude has when paired with this hull.

Final Thoughts

We love this new L-3 Series from Sylvan that provides a fresh look and perspective to the pontoon industry. As tested, this setup is ready for your next big adventure. It’s comfortable, performs well and it has the versatility buyers are looking for right now.

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

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 12                 
Price As Tested With Power: $78.0K
Maximum Speed: 44.4 mph               
Wild Ponies: 300 hp   
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.61 seconds       
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 9” deep

Why we love this boat…The multi-use lounger in the stern adds a lot of versatility to a beautiful Sylvan pontoon that is loaded with features not typically found on a 23-footer.  

Just being picky…The stainless railing in the stern allows passengers to safely ride in this area, but that rail does limit the space on the swim deck when boarding from the water.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Extended Deck, Verona Steering Wheel, Docking Lights, Concealed Mood Lights, Trim Gauge, GPS Speedo w/Pigtail, Kicker KMC10 Stereo w/Bluetooth, 10-foot Bimini Top, High Back Helm Seat and Lounge Arm Change Room.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

SPX Performance Tubes, Hydraulic Steering, Full Teak Weave Flooring, In-Floor Storage, In-Dash Helix 5, Deluxe Ski Tow and Playpen.

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: E-TEC G2 300
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 210ci/300hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.85:1

RPM     vs.      SPEED    
500                  1.6                                         
1000                3.5                 
1500                6.3                 
2000                8.6                 
2500                12.1               
3000                16.4               
3500                20.5               
4000                24.0               
4500                28.9               
5000                33.5               
5500                38.3   
5600                44.4                

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $78,008
Base Price (Boat only): $31,710

This article originally appeared in our 2020 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.