SunCatcher

Select 324 SL

First Impression

G3 Boats is a top manufacturer best known for its legendary aluminum fishing boats, but the Missouri-based company also produces an impressive lineup of pontoon boats under the SunCatcher brand. The Select series focuses on entry-level or price-point models and this latest version showcases added value with plenty of horsepower to spare. We also took note of the new SunCatcher badging that is both modern and sleek, all distinctive qualities of a Yamaha boat company.

Highlights

The fiberglass command center console includes four analog gauges with a Garmin ECHOMAP 73cv touchscreen offset to the side. Below is a row of rocker switches and on the opposite side of the three-spoke tilt steering wheel is a phone cradle and access to the Clarion stereo controls. Just below is a personal captain’s cubby with multi-USB 3.0 and USB-C 12-volt outlets with LED voltage display.

Directly across from the helm chair is an identical one for your first mate and we love the storage cubby with two cupholders in this section. Behind the dual helm chairs is a rear lounger that is fully enclosed with the exterior aluminum side panels for a family-friendly and safe design. Built into the armrest of the multi-position swingback lounger are two cupholders and a storage compartment with a 12-volt USB charging receptacle inside.

There is just enough room on the swimdeck to towel off before entering the boat through the stern gate, and the platform includes a stainless steel boarding ladder and ski/tow bar.

Up front are two parallel lounges with deep storage areas below for your toys and other gear. The seats and backs are padded for all-day comfort and feature protective coatings for enhanced resistance to stains and abrasion. The lumbar cutouts in the bow benches are ideal for passengers to place their drinks, sunscreen, and cell phones. Additional storage options include the in-floor ski locker, below the helm stand and beneath the rear lounger.

Why we love this boat…The open floor space, dual helm chairs, upgraded helm console, and a 250hp outboard is a solid recipe for a pontoon built for fun on the water.

Inspection

Part of the long list of standard features includes the three jumbo 23-inch diameter by 25 inch diameter U-shaped performance logs with performance lifting strakes and closed cell flotation foam. The heavy-duty deck extrusions are on 16-inch centers and are bolted to the floor with a full-length, under-deck performance shield along with a taller motor pod that can accommodate 25-inch shaft outboards. Up top there is over 20 feet of usable deck space inside the gates on this nearly 24-footer, and the rail height is a consistent 27 inches tall on average around the perimeter.

Performance

Being a Yamaha-owned company has its perks. For example, it’s easy to dial in the specific engine to get the most of the hull design. Paired with a Yamaha 250hp V MAX SHO outboard, we nearly reached the 50 mph mark at full throttle after a blistering zero-to-20 mph time of just over 3 seconds! She’s responsive and handles well in the flat turns, but to maximize the thrill of this maxed horsepower model we’d recommend upgrading to its Xtreme Power Assist electric steering.

Just being picky…We love the multi-position stern lounger but it would be nice if there was a walkway between it and the rear exterior wall. This is something the manufacturer is working on and we expect to see it improved when it’s officially released.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a well-priced boat with plenty of power, thoughtful amenities, and backed by a manufacturer with a proven record of building quality boats.