PDB Shootout Sylvan

First Impression

The S3 Cruise was built to entertain with a lot of innovative designs that provide a fresh layout that goes well beyond outside the box thinking. It’s a stylish and futuristic look at where high-end pontoons are heading.

Highlights

Even though it’s an option, after seeing the sleek and stylish billet windshield we can’t imagine anyone not wanting this upgrade. It sets the tone for not only the full fiberglass helm console but the entire boat as well. Another must-have option is the Simrad touchscreen that anchors the dash that is centrally located between two multi-function gauges so it’s easy to keep an eye on.

Just below the gauges on each side is a row of lighted rocker switches as well as auxiliary ports and a 12-volt outlet for your tunes that all run through the six-speaker KMC20 Bluetooth Kicker stereo system. And for the captain, just below the steering wheel is a shallow shelf for keeping smaller items like wallets and keys, which is something we always like to see.

Just behind the tall-back helm chair on the raised platform is a galley with a sink and electric faucet, wine bottle storage, bottle opener and room for an optional refrigerator if you prefer. Directly across is a beautiful table that ties in perfectly and is shaped to flow with the non-traditional rear bench. While the typical 90-degree L-shaped lounge is common, with the fiberglass base the engineers decided to mold a slight angle to the bench, which freshens up the look, but also lends itself to a great rear lounger on the extended swimdeck.

By sliding the stainless gate that tucks away behind the rear bench seat, you gain access to the stern deck and four-step boarding ladder. When you lift up the molded and angled rear-facing fiberglass lounger there is a changing room hidden inside that stands about 5 1/2 feet tall when open. Also inside is the main battery switch, which is still accessible but maybe not be in the most ideal location.

Other amenities worth noting include the in-floor ski locker, Sea Weave flooring, tall ski/tow pylon and the good news on the soft-touch vinyl seats is they’re as comfortable as they look.

Inspection

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. The grey interior flows perfectly with the dark exterior panels that can be customized to a variety of colors to dial in your specific tastes. The rail height ranges from over 27 inches tall to 24 inches in the bow for a safe, family-friendly height. 

Performance

At wide open throttle we reached speeds over 40 miles per hour with the Yamaha 250 four-stroke on the back. With that much power we weren’t surprised by the impressive 4.47-second zero-to-20 mph time as she jumped up on plane quickly. The third pontoon improves the handling and overall she performed well.

Parting Thought

We’re seeing a lot of innovative designs coming from Sylvan lately and this S3 C showcases the new approach from this manufacturer that appears to be taking pontoon layouts to a whole new level.

For more information:
New Paris, Ind.
574-831-2103
www.sylvanmarine.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 11                   
Price As Tested With Power: $64.5K
Maximum Speed: 44.1 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 250 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.47 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 7” deep

Why we love this boat…The stylish floorplan and layout is refreshing and the added touches make it a great entertaining pontoon and that’s only one reason to love it.   

Just being picky…To access the main battery switch you have to go out on the swim deck and raise up the rear lounger, which works, but it’s not ideal.    

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Full fiberglass helm console, extended deck, soft-touch vinyl, rear changing room and LED interior lighting.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Full Sea Weave floor, SPX Performance Package (third tube, ski/tow, performance strakes and 60-gal. fuel tank), Simrad in-dash GPS, upgraded windshield and playpen cover.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 24’ 10”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 2,425 lbs.
Fuel Capacity    60 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Yamaha 250
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 256ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Propeller: 15.6 X 13

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
1000                2.0                   67.5
1500                3.6                   74
2000                6.6                   84
2500                14.5                 83
3000                13.7                 93.5
3500                19.7                 91.5
4000                24.8                 94
4500                29.3                 93
5000                33.0                 97
5500                36.2                 99.5
6000                42.0                 102.5 
6100                44.1                 107.5

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $64,545
Base Price (Boat only): $39,174

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.