Offering versatile layouts has always been a strength for Sylvan, yet its latest offering seems to take things a step further. Boats are used differently based on the number of passengers and/or the activities focused on for that specific day. Luckily, this L-5 SLZ can easily adjust on the fly to meet those ever-changing demands.

Being released for the first time with its 2026 models, Sylvan has introduced a Platinum package that consolidates its best options to simplify the buying process. Instead of having to decide on which specific upgrades would add value to your boating experience, the package removes the guesswork by bundling its most sought-after options together. Highlights of the Platinum package include a LilliPad REVO boarding ladder, in-floor storage with SeaDek, a black see-through bow gate, a raised helm with SeaDek, fiberglass panels, and an upgraded windshield. That’s quite a list!

Also new is the Aurora tan SeaWeave flooring, which complements the dark tan upholstery with a blend of accent colors and patterns. In the bow, there are two chaise lounges with a pop-up enclosure hidden in the back of the port one. The changing room is 5.5 feet tall when open and stows away cleanly when not in use.

A substantial amount of focus is on the helm console and rightfully so. Centered on the dash is a Helix 5 digital screen from Humminbird with multi-function gauges on each side. Below, on each side of the steering wheel are well-labeled rocker switches, and on the far right is a small cubby with a 12-volt and USB port below. The helm chair on the elevated platform slides, swivels, and reclines. Directly across is a co-captain bench seat where the backrest pivots forward to create a rear-facing lounger. This bench seat is part of the brand-new SLZ floor plan, which takes versatility to another level with its long, multi-use bench seats. Swingback backrests in the stern convert to rear- or forward-facing loungers, or you can just as easily convert to a rear-facing bench seat on either side. The possibilities for dialing in comfort with different configurations appear endless.

You can access either side of the swim deck through two stern gates. A nice touch is how the deck-mounted ski/tow bar is integrated into the stern rail as one solid piece.

Three 25-inch-diameter pontoons with lifting strakes on all three are part of the standard SPX PR25 Performance package. Up top, there is over 22 feet of usable deck space from inside the rails, with the rail height varying from over 29 inches tall overall to over 25 inches in the stern, for a nice, family-friendly design.

Powered by a Yamaha 200hp, we reached a top speed in the mid-30s with a zero-to-20 mph time of over 6 seconds. She banks slightly in the tight turns and handles and responds well for a boat with hydraulic steering.

The vibrant burgundy exterior panels grab your attention, but it’s the layout’s versatility that impresses us the most. We see immense value in this model as tested with the Platinum package upgrade. As it stands, this pontoon has a great balance to complement its long list of standard features.

New Performance Power Canopy, Black Powder Coated Rails & Deck Trim (Non-Platinum Models), Courtesy Lights, Fold-Up Deck Cleats, Deck-Mounted Ski/Tow, Docking Lights, Extended Rear Deck, Gauge Pkg., Hydraulic Steering. High-Back Helm Chair, Wet Sounds MC-2 Stereo w/Bluetooth, Wet Sounds Speakers, SPX Performance Pkg., Playpen Cover

Platinum Pkg.: LilliPad REVO Ladder, In-Floor Storage w/SeaDek, Black See-Thru Bow Gate, Raised Helm w/SeaDek, Fiberglass Panels, & Upgraded Windshield), and Audio Plus 225 Pkg.