Boat Test Monday: SunCatcher AMARA

First Impression
While the AMARA is definitely part of the family, it's a whole different direction from the manufacturer's legendary aluminum fishing boats and traditional pontoons G3 Boats is best known for. For starters, the fiberglass design – with flush mount docking and navigation lights on top of the large painted pontoons  – provides a high-end and luxurious vibe. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the version we tested was paired with the new 450hp XTO outboard from Yamaha.





Highlights
It seems every element of the new AMARA consists of high-end features, including the helm where the Garmin touchscreen anchors the dash. We like the clean look of the console and within reach are the controls for the 8-speaker Fusion sound system with a 10-inch subwoofer. On the other side of the steering wheel is another touchscreen with easy-to-use digital switches.

Another feature we like is Yamaha's single outboard joystick that gives the driver complete control and the ability to easily maneuver when docking. The dual helm consoles are on raised platforms, and are connected together by a full wrap-around windshield. The identical captain and co-captain chairs both slide, swivel, and recline.

Rated for up to 12 passengers, there are plenty of comfortable seats on board including two chaise lounges in the bow and two long benches in the stern. We even found a small storage cubby built into each of the armrests in the rear seats, because you can never have too many places to store your small items.

Outside the stern gate is a massive swimdeck with an S-curved boarding ladder that is stainless with high handholds. The ladder should get plenty of use with the beautiful arch tower that is ideal for water sports. And the in-floor ski-locker can be used to store all those toys.   

Closer Look
Below deck the three Jumbo 23- by 26-inch tall performance logs with closed cell flotation foam include .125 gauge nosecones and performance lifting strakes on each. The heavy-duty deck extrusions are on 16-inch centers and are through bolted to the floor and covered with a full length under deck aluminum shield. Above deck there is 20 feet of usable deck space inside the gates and the rail height varies from 24 to 36 inches.

Throttle Down
The XTO Offshore was recently redesigned and now delivers 450hp while still providing convenience and ease of operation that Yamaha's flagship outboard is best known for. Features such as built-in digital electric steering and thrust enhancing reverse exhaust make it the perfect pairing for this AMARA. We easily reached top speeds over 50 mph with a zero-to-20 mph time of just 5.6 seconds.

Why Buy
The SunCatcher lineup from G3 Boats includes the Select, Fusion and Elite Series of pontoons, but the AMARA is clearly the flagship model. It's truly a beautiful boat from bow to stern with luxurious features designed for consumers looking to break away from the traditional pontoon market. The XTO Offshore V8 from Yamaha is a popular outboard on much larger boats, but because of the over-built construction, it's also a great fit for this AMARA.

Number Of Occupants                       12                   
Price As Tested With Power               $192K
Maximum Speed                                 53.9mph                     
Wild Ponies                             450hp
No. Of Gates                          2
0-20 MPH                               5.6 seconds   
Ladder Measurement             48”

Why we love this boat…The use of fiberglass and the long list of standard and high-quality features all come together to create a luxurious model powered by a massive 450hp outboard.

Just being picky...Plenty of power and fun to drive, but she doesn't turn quite as sharp as we expected based on the sporty look.   

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Molded Furniture w/Rain Drain Channel For Dry Storage, Wrap-Around Lounge Seating, Custom Stern Lounge, Floor Level Courtesy Lights, RGB Mood Lighting, Flush Mount Docking & Navigation Lights, Elevated Helm Platform, Luxurious Adjustable Captain's Chair, Deluxe Console w/Digital Gauges, Garmin GPSMAP 943XSV, Yamaha Binnacle Controls,Wireless Phone Charger, 12-Volt Outlet, Tilt Steering, Fusion 8 Speaker Audio System w/Subwoofer, Siren Marine, Sea Star Optimus Steering, Ski/Tow, Deck Mounted Arch w/Bimini Top, and SS 4-Step Curved Boarding Ladder.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Yamaha Helm Master and Mooring Cover.

VITAL STATS
LOA                  27’ 5”             
Beam                 8' 6”
Hull Design       Triple Pontoon
Dry Weight       3,610 lbs.
Fuel Capacity    59 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                                                 Yamaha 450 XTO
Cylinder Type                                     V8
Displacement/Horsepower                  5.6L/450hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio                       1.79:1
Propeller                                              16 5/8 X 19 XTO Stainless

RPM    vs.       SPEED              vs.      DB-A
1000                4.9                   76
1500                7.7                   81.5
2000                11.2                 86
2500                17.9                 88
3000                23.0                 91.5
3500                28.4                 93
4000                33.1                 96
4500                39.2                 99.5
5000                44.5                 101
5500                49.5                 103.5
5900                53.9                 105.5

PRICE
Price As Tested                       $192,209
(Boat & Engine)

Standard Package                   $181,584
(Boat & Engine)