G3’s Angler series V21 F proves ­versatile, quick and economical. It’s packed with features, and loaded with 250 Yamaha SHO horses for fierce ­acceleration and power at optimal fuel economy. Evidence? The striking, deep-blue V21 hull ripped on plane in a lightning-­quick 2.6 seconds and hit 30 mph in just 3.8; those acceleration results are usually seen on much lighter race-style boats. Top speed is just shy of 55 mph turning a ­Yamaha Saltwater Series 18-inch-pitch stainless-steel prop at 6,000 rpm. The V21 F has a 40-gallon fuel tank. Filled, it provides a 176-mile range leaving 10 percent in reserve, for a best cruise speed of 21 mph and 2,500 rpm, which nets 4.9 mpg at 4.3 gph.

The V21 F is built to last; an ­all-welded hull with an all-aluminum transom is the superstructure of the deep-V design. The hull responds to steering and throttle inputs readily, while the standard tilt helm and hydraulic steering make handling smooth whether carving tight, speedy turns or idling up to the trailer.

Aboard, there’s plenty to review. In the bow, an optional Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor mounts securely to the deck. There are three dry bow-storage boxes, including tackle-specific ones. A ­15-gallon aerated bow livewell complements the 30-gallon livewell in the stern, which also features a bait-bucket insert. 

Four high-back, folding suspension seats can be positioned in the ­cockpit or up on the fore and aft decks. The Captain’s Command Center console is feature-packed and well-­protected, with dual high safety-glass framed windshields that shield riders from the wind. The dash ­features ­Yamaha gauges and optional Humminbird graphs. The portside navigator’s console features a soft-touch vinyl covering, a large lockable glove box, a cellphone holder and lockable underconsole storage. Rod boxes flank the aft part of the open cockpit.

Out back, the optional Flip Deck adds elevated casting deck space in the down position and two jump seats in the up ­position. 

Yamaha reliability and G3 durability make this a lifetime value in boating fun.

High Points

• Stern Flip Deck quickly converts casting space to comfortable cruising seating.
• A 15-gallon baitwell is forward and a 30-gallon livewell aft.
• High-performing hull maneuvers adroitly ­deliver speed and ­efficiency. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 250 SHO four-stroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 15 3/4″ x 18″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel

Pricing and Specs

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SunCatcher’s Fusion 324 RC is a ­decidedly upper-shelf pontoon at a midbudget price point. It’s an affordable package, even when rigged with top-of-the-line Yamaha 250 SHO power. It’s a rompin’ combo, storming to 30 mph in just 5 seconds and topping out at ­nearly 50 mph. All that performance and fuel economy doesn’t suffer: There’s nearly 170 miles of range at 16.4 mph (2,500 rpm) with a full 46-gallon tank. At that sedate gait, the Yamaha sips just 4 gph and nails a 4.1 mpg reading. Engine choices range from a Yamaha 90 up to top-line 250 SHO power. With built-in lifting strakes welded to big 25-inch-diameter pontoons and a full underbelly shield, the Fusion skims across lake chop and cuts turns hard-over without concern.

The Fusion’s interior layout is traditional, with dual conversation pits fore and aft separated by the pilot’s console and dual captain’s chairs amidships. The facing loungers are sculpted to provide more interior space while still giving full-body comfort. The furniture bases are roto-molded and feature rain channels to help keep storage underneath dry. A built-in cooler hides neatly under the starboard bow corner cushion. To keep riders from getting too much sun, a folding contoured Bimini top with a storage boot is standard. Black anodized perimeter railing is an optional upgrade.

The new-for-2025 console features tilt hydraulic steering and Yamaha analog gauges. A Clarion Bluetooth stereo system is standard with four speakers and can be upgraded to a six-speaker system. A Garmin EchoMap graph is standard on the dash for navigation and fish-finding. Navigation, docking and courtesy floor lighting is all LED and all standard; RGB interior lighting is available as an option.     

An extended aft deck gives ample room for sandbar hanging and watersports prep, featuring a standard water-ski tow and curved four-step aluminum boarding ladder. A saltwater package adds protection and more stainless-steel hardware to keep corrosion at bay.

The SunCatcher brings durable construction, luxury appointments and ­stylish looks, making it a top boating value.

High Points

• Streamlined new helm features contoured fiberglass construction and an acrylic windscreen. 
• Interior upholstery selections are richer, including saddle brown with chocolate accents and deep gray with charcoal accents.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 250 SHO four-stroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 15 3/4″ x 15″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 38 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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It’s safe to say that G3 has the pontoon formula nailed: The SunCatcher Select 324 SL is a great blend of sturdy construction, fleet-footed performance and luxury amenities. Rigged with a Yamaha 250 SHO outboard, speeds over 46 mph are easy to reach, and acceleration from idle to 30 mph is an impossibly quick 4.5 seconds. This baby rips—watersports towing and hammer-down cruising pose no problem. It’s not bad at the fuel dock either, posting a most economical cruise speed of 16.5 mph at 2,500 rpm, which showed a fuel burn of just 3.9 gph, netting 4.2 mpg. That’s almost 175 miles of cruising from the 46-gallon tank, leaving 10 percent in reserve. Conversations at speed are easy on this quiet boat; decibels barely topped 80 at midrange rpm.

The SunCatcher’s underbelly features triple 25-inch-diameter logs with performance lifting strakes and a full-length undershield to reduce drag. The logs are attached to the deck with heavy-duty extrusions through-bolted 16 inches on center. Flooring choices abound, with many interior and exterior color choices as well. Power options start with a Yamaha 90 and go all the way to the 250 SHO featured on our test boat. Hydraulic steering is standard, with power steering optional.

Topside, the layout is traditional up front, with two facing lounges that extend aft to midship. The pilot’s console and twin captain’s chairs provide plush comfort while underway, or they can swivel around to join the conversation aft; here, a reversible three-quarters lounger on the port side provides different layouts. The stern deck is extended for easy boarding, debarking and watersports activities. A folding aluminum boarding ladder is standard, as is a ski tow bar.

There’s storage everywhere—under the bow loungers, inside the pilot’s console and under the aft lounger. Rain drain channels under the seat cushions wick water away from the storage compartments. A Clarion Bluetooth sound system is standard, as is a contoured custom folding Bimini top with a storage boot. 

All the power is there thanks to the ­Yamaha 250 SHO, and all the luxury is there thanks to the teamwork and clever design and engineering by G3.

High Points

• Aft lounge offers 30-plus square feet of reclining space and an adjustable backrest.
• Hydraulic or hydraulic power steering is optional and advisable for higher horsepower.
• Extended aft deck eases boarding.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 250 SHO four-stroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 15 3/4″ x 15″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 25 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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G3’s SunCatcher Elite 326 SE is luxurious and well-equipped. It boasts enough muscle to power a family with friends aboard for watersports or a day of cruising. With its ­Yamaha F300 outboard, the Elite 326 SE hustles to 30 mph in just 5.5 seconds and storms to a 46 mph top speed. It reaches its most economical speed at a stately 16 mph at 2,500 rpm, squeezing out 3.5 mpg. If you want to shave some money off the price, a 200 hp motor would still make around 35 to 40 mph, but why mess with the ­excitement factor?

The Elite 326 SE is as comfortable as it is sporty. At the bow, extra-long twin loungers create the forward conversation pit, generously seating six. The captain’s console is elevated for better visibility from the helm and features SeaDek mat flooring for a sharp, finished look. The Diamond package on our test rig features a 9-inch ­Garmin GPSMap 943xsv graph and a Siren ­Marine telematics system. Both monitor and display all boat functions, engine data, and water, map and depth information, with remote activation for docking and courtesy lights. The latter does so via an app so you know where your boat is and what it’s doing even if you’re not on it. A Fusion audio system is also included, featuring six 6.5-inch speakers, two amplifiers and a 10-inch subwoofer—boom!

The standard Bimini top can be optionally powered for easy raising and lowering—a feature that belongs on this top-shelf living-room cruiser. Black painted side rails and pontoon logs give a crisp, stealthy look. There’s also RGB mood lighting via the stereo ­speakers and courtesy lighting, as well as a wireless phone-charge pad, tilt hydraulic steering, and a watersports tow bar. A four-step curved boarding ladder is mounted at the transom for easy access.

The Elite is built to last; the deck is through-bolted to extrusions at 16-inch centers. Underdeck aluminum sheathing and lifting strakes on the logs enhance performance. The Elite is a solid value in luxury pontooning and ­family fun.

High Points

• Two comfy bar stools add relaxing seating.
• Yamaha Helm Master controls include joystick control, an RFID key fob and a digital display.
• Underdeck center-log storage swallows skis, water toys and a boat cover.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300 four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 133/4″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 46 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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The Angler series is designed to fish, cruise and play. An available tow pylon means watersports can be a sideline to fishing. Its deep-V design is ideal for big waters and deep rivers. ­Yamaha’s peppy 115 VMax SHO outboard gave it a sassy hole shot—7.8 seconds to 30 mph. And it maxed out at nearly 47 mph. Fuel economy is a strong suit; the SHO squeezed 6 mpg at 24.5 mph. Even at full bore, we recorded nearly 4 mpg, so let those ponies have their reins when ­conditions ­allow. A 19-gallon tank gives the Angler V178 F a 100-mile range while leaving 10 percent in the tank in reserve. 

The Angler handles tough ­conditions too. G3 calls the hull GX2; it has ­riveted 0.080-gauge aluminum ­reinforced with double plating in critical wear ­areas. The hull’s heavily reinforced deep-V bottom corners crisply and handles rough-lake and wind chop well. 

At the bow, the forward casting ­platform features a small-item storage compartment, with a spot for an optional trolling motor; our boat featured a Minn Kota Terrova. Storage compartments plus a deep center rod-storage box dominate the deck forward of the cockpit. A tall walk-through windshield protects boaters from rain and spray in cooler weather, keeping the crew comfortable and ready to fish. The pilot’s console features Baystar hydraulic steering, ­Yamaha instruments and a standard side-­mounted Yamaha control. Storage boxes in the cockpit coamings hold gear on the starboard, with additional rods to port. Pilot and navigator seats are pedestal-­mounted, with fore-aft adjustments and rotating bases. The aft deck features twin jump seats that fold to extend the deck. G3 does a clean rigging job; the under-transom wiring, hoses and cables are all well-routed and supported.

The package price of $46,000 includes an aluminum trailer with radial tires and a spare. Our test boat had high-gloss, deep-blue paint with custom graphics; it’s available in a white or charcoal color scheme as well. The G3 V178 F is competitively priced and ready for fun and fishing.

High Points

• Dual cellphone pockets serve both anglers.
• Tall windshield closes for a dry ride in snotty water.
• Stern jump seats fold down to extend the aft ­casting deck.
• Deep freeboard reassures families with small children.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 115 hp VMax SHO four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 13¹/8″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.15:1 Fuel Load: 14 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 G3 Boats Angler V178 F appeared first on Boating Mag.

G3’s SunCatcher Elite 326 SE is luxurious and well-equipped. It boasts enough muscle to power a family with friends aboard for watersports or a day of cruising. With its ­Yamaha F300 outboard, the Elite 326 SE hustles to 30 mph in just 5.5 seconds and storms to a 46 mph top speed. It reaches its most economical speed at a stately 16 mph at 2,500 rpm, squeezing out 3.5 mpg. If you want to shave some money off the price, a 200 hp motor would still make around 35 to 40 mph, but why mess with the ­excitement factor?

The Elite 326 SE is as comfortable as it is sporty. At the bow, extra-long twin loungers create the forward conversation pit, generously seating six. The captain’s console is elevated for better visibility from the helm and features SeaDek mat flooring for a sharp, finished look. The Diamond package on our test rig features a 9-inch ­Garmin GPSMap 943xsv graph and a Siren ­Marine telematics system. Both monitor and display all boat functions, engine data, and water, map and depth information, with remote activation for docking and courtesy lights. The latter does so via an app so you know where your boat is and what it’s doing even if you’re not on it. A Fusion audio system is also included, featuring six 6.5-inch speakers, two amplifiers and a 10-inch subwoofer—boom!

The standard Bimini top can be optionally powered for easy raising and lowering—a feature that belongs on this top-shelf living-room cruiser. Black painted side rails and pontoon logs give a crisp, stealthy look. There’s also RGB mood lighting via the stereo ­speakers and courtesy lighting, as well as a wireless phone-charge pad, tilt hydraulic steering, and a watersports tow bar. A four-step curved boarding ladder is mounted at the transom for easy access.

The Elite is built to last; the deck is through-bolted to extrusions at 16-inch centers. Underdeck aluminum sheathing and lifting strakes on the logs enhance performance. The Elite is a solid value in luxury pontooning and ­family fun.

High Points

• Two comfy bar stools add relaxing seating.
• Yamaha Helm Master controls include joystick control, an RFID key fob and a digital display.
• Underdeck center-log storage swallows skis, water toys and a boat cover.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300 four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 133/4″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 46 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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One of the best features of a sleek aluminum bass boat such as G3’s Sportsman 1710 PFX is it is easy to trailer with most midsize family SUVs. It runs swiftly on lower horsepower too. Both features save cash while delivering a ton of fun. The 1710 PFX fishes like an 18-footer, and G3 promotes it as a multi­species rig. We think it would make a great buddy tournament competitor too, whether you chase crappie, bass, walleye, pike or muskie. Its sleek lines and shallow draft make it ideal for treacherous rivers. In calmer ­weather, we’d chase walleye and pike on big waters. The 1710 PFX is spirited, planing in 3.9 seconds and reaching 30 mph in 6 seconds. With a top speed of just over 40 mph, it’s plenty fast, especially when you pass just about every fuel dock. The best-cruise mileage of 8.6 mpg at 4,000 rpm and 29 mph means you won’t need to stop often to refuel and can run all weekend on one tank. 

G3 employs an all-welded hull made from 0.100-gauge aluminum. The hull is rigid and sure-footed as a result. We tested it on varying conditions, from 2-inch wind chop to rough wakeboard and ski-boat wakes, and the 1710 responded affirmatively with a solid, unrattled ride. Heavy helm input delivered sharp turns, with some moderate banking and a little side-slipping to make it fun. G3 offers a variety of paint and graphics packages. Ours was a crisp, high-gloss white with an offsetting textured gray vinyl ­interior—easy to clean and keep tidy. It’s also available in charcoal and midnight-blue schemes. For the waterfowler, there are two mossy-oak camo choices: ­Shadow Grass and Breakup, enticing ­options for the fall hunter.

A 19-gallon bow livewell and a ­33-gallon stern livewell ensure your team catch will remain healthy on the way back to the dock. Locking dry-storage compartments feature rain-seal-molded lips around the openings to keep contents dry. The console features an ­in-dash Humminbird Helix 5.

The 1710 is compact, but its wide beam offers good stability, and its trim weight on a custom trailer makes it ­easily trailerable with the family vehicle.

High Points

• The 33-square-foot bow casting deck means plenty of room to fish.
• Fit-and-finish is excellent, ­especially at this price point. 
• Built-in three-bank battery charger (two batteries is standard) is mounted for easy access.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F90 four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 131/2″ x 16″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.33:1 Fuel Load: 21 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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G3’s Angler series earns a Bachelor of Science in serious deepwater lake and river angling, with a minor in family fun. Rigged with Yamaha’s peppy 115 Vmax SHO outboard, performance was solid; we accelerated from a dead idle to 30 mph in 7.8 seconds, and maxed out at nearly 47 mph. Fuel economy is a strong suit, for sure; at a best-cruise speed of 24.5 mph and 3,500 rpm, the SHO drank at a miserly 4.1 gallons of fuel per hour, giving a frugal 6 miles per gallon. Even at full bore, we recorded nearly 4 miles per gallon, so when ­conditions ­allow, let those ponies have their head. With a 19-gallon tank, the Angler V178 F has a 100-mile range while leaving 10 percent in the tank for reserve. 

The Angler handles tough ­conditions too. G3 calls the hull GX2—it’s ­riveted 0.080-gauge aluminum reinforced with double plating in critical wear ­areas. The hull corners crisply and handles rough lake and wind chop well.

At the bow, the forward casting ­platform features small-item storage, with a spot for an optional trolling motor; ours featured a Minn Kota Terrova. Storage compartments plus a deep center rod-storage box dominate the deck forward of the cockpit. A tall walk-through windshield protects from rain and spray in cooler weather, keeping the crew comfortable and ready to fish. The pilot’s console features Baystar hydraulic steering, Yamaha instruments and a standard side-mounted Yamaha control. Storage boxes in the cockpit coamings hold gear on the starboard and additional rods to port. Pilot and navigator seats are pedestal-­mounted, with fore-aft adjustments and rotating bases. The aft deck features twin jump seats that fold to extend the deck. G3 does a clean rigging job; the under-transom wiring, hoses, and cables are all well-routed and -supported.

The package price of $46,000 includes an aluminum trailer with radial tires and a spare. Our test boat had a high-gloss deep-blue paint with custom graphics; it’s available in a white or charcoal color scheme as well. The G3 V178 F is competitively priced and ready for fun and fishing.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 115 hp Vmax SHO four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 13 1/8″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.15:1
• Fuel Load: 14 gal.
• Crew Weight: 250 lb.

High Points

• Dual cellphone pockets serve both anglers.
• Tall windscreens with closable center panel plus high freeboard mean a dry ride in snotty water, and a safer environment for your crew.
• Stern jump seats fold down to extend the aft casting deck.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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G3’s Sportsman 1710 PFX fishes like an 18-footer and is nicely powered by Yamaha’s F90 outboard. G3 promotes it as a multispecies rig, and we think that it proves to have a knack for bass, crappie and, in most Northern lakes, walleye, pike and musky. Its sleek lines and shallow draft make it ideal for treacherous rivers, and in calmer ­weather, we’d chase walleye and pike on the big waters. It was originally designed as a crappie and panfish boat, G3 overshot the mark; it’s ready for buddy and club ­tournament competition as a bass hunter.

The 1710 PFX is spirited, planing in 3.9 seconds and reaching 30 mph in 6 seconds. With a top speed of just over 40 mph, it’s plenty fast—especially when you’ll be passing just about every fuel dock. The F90 Yamaha barely feeds itself, with best-cruise mileage of 8.6 mpg (!) at 4,000 rpm and 29 mph, consuming just 3.4 gallons per hour. At that rate, the 21-gallon tank will take at least a weekend to empty. 

G3 employs an all-welded hull made from 0.100-gauge aluminum. The hull is rigid and sure-footed as a result. We tested on varying conditions, from 2-inch wind chop to rough wakeboard and ski boat wakes, and the 1710 responded affirmatively with a solid, unrattled ride. Heavy helm input delivered sharp turns with some moderate banking and a little side-slipping to make it fun. G3 offers a variety of paint and graphics packages. Ours was a crisp, high-gloss white with offsetting textured gray vinyl interior—easy to clean and keep tidy. It’s also available in charcoal and midnight blue schemes. For the waterfowler, there are two mossy oak camo choices: shadow grass and breakup.

A 19-gallon bow livewell and ­33-gallon stern livewell ensure that your team catch will remain healthy on the way back to the dock. Locking dry-storage compartments feature rain-seal molded lips around the opening to keep contents dry. The console features an ­in-dash Humminbird Helix 5.

The 1710 is compact, but its wide beam offers good stability, and its trim weight on a custom trailer makes it ­easily trailerable with the family vehicle.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F90 four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 13 1/2″ x 16″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.33:1
• Fuel Load: 21 gal.
• Crew Weight: 250 lb.

High Points

• The 33-square-foot bow casting deck means plenty of room to play fish.
• Fit-and-finish is excellent, especially at this price point. 
• Built-in three-bank battery charger (two-battery is standard) is mounted for easy access.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post 2024 G3 Boats Sportsman 1710 PFX appeared first on Boating Mag.

SunCatcher, the pontoon arm of Yamaha’s G3 boat company, has come out with an all-new Fusion 324 SL, a family pontoon with plenty of amenities and several upgrades for 2023. Black-painted rails are a stylish option and give this boat an eye-catching look. The faux-teak flooring is easy to clean and feels super-comfortable underfoot. This pontoon features one of the most popular options: a couch storage system that allows you to customize the boat the way you want to use it. The all-new insulated cooler built into the forward starboard sofa adds more family-friendly amenities. Now you don’t have to take up precious deck space with a carry-on cooler. There’s also tons of storage underneath the couches in the roto-molded plastic seat bases fore and aft.

Seating is the name of the game aboard the Fusion 324 SL, especially the stern lounge that gives the boat its “SL” designation. Located aft of the portside passenger captain’s seat (which matches the captain’s chair at the helm), the stern lounge features adjustable backrests that can change the layout to multiple configurations, from a rear-facing or forward-facing lounge to a full-on sun pad. It will easily be one of the most popular places to hang out on the boat, whether having a chat or catching some rays. The bow is another great socialization point, with opposing couches and a pedestal-table insert that make it a great conversation pit. All told, the Fusion 324 SL can hold up to 12 passengers, so it’s a great platform for a cruise with friends or extended family.

The Fusion 324 SL is available with Yamaha engines from an F90 to a VF250. We don’t have performance numbers for this model yet, but another Fusion 324 model we tested recently (the 324 SS) broke the 40 mph mark and felt smooth and predictable from the helm. The triple-toon package features three 25-inch-diameter tubes that provide a stable, solid platform. The captain will enjoy the view from the helm, which features an inset Garmin EchoMap display, a Jensen stereo system and Yamaha digital gauges. There’s definitely something for everyone in your crew aboard G3’s new SunCatcher Fusion 324 SL.

High Points

• Stern lounge has several combinations for crew comfort, including an adjustable rear- or forward-facing backrest and a fully reclined sun lounge.
• Handling is exceptional thanks to Yamaha electric steering.
• Tons of storage space swallows up all the gear you’d want to bring aboard.
• Insulated built-in cooler in the starboard bow sofa keeps food and refreshments chilled all day.

Pricing and Specs

G3 Boats – Lebanon, Missouri; 800-588-9787; suncatcherpontoons.com

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