2023 Sylvan M5 LZ

A powerful and impressive looking pontoon.

By: Captain Chris Kourtakis

Sylvan’s M5 series takes extravagance to a whole new level with five unique layouts to choose from.  Whether you want a dual console with a windshield or an overabundance of seating, the M5 series has something to offer everyone. One of my personal favourites is the M5 LZ layout as it has a little something for everyone and the lines on these boats are head turners. Stylish designs that make you look twice to see whether that was an Italian sports car or a sleek pontoon. Using a combination of fiberglass moldings and aluminum extrusions the M5 series doesn’t look like your average pontoon.

Many pontoon designers forget about the swim platform area, and it is almost an afterthought for many.  Not on the M5. The permanently mounted four-step stainless steel telescoping swim ladder that is permanently mounted on the starboard side allows for quick deployment. Midship is the permanently mounted stainless-steel tow bar. There is even a stereo remote mounted on the transom so that you don’t have to go into the cockpit dripping wet to crank up the volume.  

The seating throughout the entire boat is wrapped in high-end high-grade vinyl. Stainless-steel cup holders have been designed into each seat to make sure that every single person on the boat has somewhere to set their favourite beverage. Bring almost as much gear as you want as under each seat there is ample storage for your life jackets, portable grill and more.

The helm station has a sleek Italian sports car look and feel to it. The fiberglass helm station has a sporty low profile black framed windshield that wraps around the dash. The standard Simrad multi-function display is surrounded by the Yamaha factory gauges on either side. Just below the gauges are the push button switches for all your electronics. The custom sport tilt steering wheel shines proud from all the stainless-steel on the wheel. The throttle is mounted at the perfect angle to give the captain complete control and performance of the vessel. The stereo remote is to the port side of the wheel and easy to access.

The port side passenger configuration is like the helm station. Mounted on a raised fiberglass platform that provides additional 360° views. The seat itself is just like the captain’s chair with movable armrests on either side of the seat. The seat also slides, swivels, and reclines so that you can find that perfect comfort point.  

With several trim packages to choose from, my two personal favourites are the artic white and midnight trim packages. Each of them makes your eye pop and your jaw drop. They are head turners and do not blend in with the rest of the boats at the dock or at the sandbar.    

With a Yamaha F300 the M5 had a top speed around 42 mph. I would love to try a larger motor on this to see how much more top end speed we would get and to see if it would be worth the upgrade in cost and performance. Even with the 300 HP, the time to plane was a mere 3.3 seconds.

There is no better looking or better built pontoon on the water than the M5 series. Put this pontoon at the top of your list when you hit the boat shows this year! The M5 is a must see! 

Specifications

Length: 27’8”
Beam: 102 in
Dry Weight: 4350 lbs
Dry Weight: 4350 lbs
Tube Diameter: 25 in
Interior Depth: 27”
Tube Gauge: .100 in
Fuel Capacity: 60 gal
Third Tube Max Horsepower: 450 hp
Max Horsepower: 450 hp
Max Persons: 12 / 1690 lbs

MSRP: $181, 305 USD w/ 400 hp Mercury Verado

For more information: www.sylvanmarine.com