Sylvan M3 CRS Review

The Sylvan M3 CRS is an upscale pontoon boat with enough luxury and performance features to please anyone.

Sylvan Marine raised a lot of eyebrows when the company introduced its futuristic M-Series pontoon boats in the 2017 model year. With their sleek, smooth panelled body panels, premium interior treatments and upgraded performance features included as standard equipment, the M-Series raised the bar on what a top-of-the-line luxury pontoon should be. Not content to rest on its laurels, the company is pushing the envelope again for the 2019 model year with its immaculate Sylvan M3 CRS.

Twin bow lounge seats are spacious enough to seat four adults, or let two stretch out in luxurious comfort.

This is one pontoon boat that’s clearly designed with entertaining in mind. Twin bow lounge seats are spacious enough to seat four adults in comfort, or let two stretch out and put up their feet when riding facing forward. Storage spaces in the Rotocast seat bases stow an impressive amount of gear, while cup holders integrated right into the seats mean a cold drink is always close at hand. Twin stereo speakers in the seat bases provide excellent sound quality, even when underway. Best of all, you’ll also find thoughtful USB chargers located throughout the boat, providing plenty of spaces from which we can keep those portable devices fully juiced.

The L-shaped lounge seat on the port side allows forward-facing, aft-facing or starboard-facing seating around an elegant pedestal-mount table with five integrated drink holders.

Amidships, a versatile L-shaped lounge seat on the port side allows forward-facing, aft-facing or starboard-facing seating around an elegant pedestal-mount table with five integrated drink holders. The Captain’s chair at the helm doesn’t just slide to fit drivers of different heights, it also swivels, allowing the driver to easily join in in the conversation once the anchor’s set. Overhead, a large premium-grade Bimini top shades the center section of the boat. With the top up and the table in place, it’s the ideal spot for drinks or snacks al fresco, all while enjoying a million dollar view.

The M3’s galley includes a solid surface counter top with a sink and faucet. Spring for the optional refrigerator and barbecue grill to make the most of this space.

The driver gets spoiled in the big Sylvan M3 CRS, with a beautifully formed fiberglass helm console on a raised platform for enhanced visibility. The brilliantly designed dash includes all of the expected instrumentation – speedometer, tach, volt meter, trim gauge, fuel gauge and depth gauge – along with an unexpected surprise in the form of a Simrad NSS 7 multi-function display. There’s also a 12-volt power outlet for convenience. The sporty, black-framed windshield does a great job of keeping the wind out of the driver’s eyes in spite of its racy, low profile appearance. Power-assist steering and a sweet Gucci Rondinella steering wheel are thoughtful standard luxuries, as is the standard Kicker KMC 20 AM/FM stereo and its remote touch pad.

The fresh, contemporary helm console centers around a Simrad NSS 7 multi-function display.

Aft of the helm seat along the starboard rear quarter, the Sylvan M3 CRS features a beautifully designed entertaining console complete with a galley, a solid surface counter top, wine storage and a sink with a faucet. Buyers will definitely want to spring for the optional refrigerator and barbecue grill upgrades, making the most of the space and the entertaining options. There’s even an available changing room with a Porta-potti for added comfort and convenience.

The stainless steel retractable boarding ladder and raised ski tow speak to this boat’s playful side.

Step aft through the stern gate and onto the M3’s generously-proportioned swim platform and there’s even further evidence of this boat’s propensity for fun. Apart from offering an oversized swim platform, there’s a deck-mounted ski tow and a retractable boarding ladder. To port, there’s even a large reclining seat that stretches out across the transom, representing the perfect spot for swimmers to stretch out and dry off in the sun.

Throughout the boat, Sylvan’s commitment to luxury and comfort are obvious. A full smart lighting setup with RGB color-changing LEDs include lighted cup holders and courtesy lights, concealed mood lighting, docking lights and Babbito underwater lighting – all standard. So too is its ability to handle outboards of up to 250 horsepower, promising plenty of smiles with every mile.

With its ability to handle outboards to 250 horsepower, the Sylvan M3 CRS doesn’t just look great, it’s a bona-fide thrill ride.

Families looking for an upscale, sporty pontoon with comfortable appointments and every imaginable amenity want to give the Sylvan M3 CRS a close look, as this is one pontoon that’s sure to please anyone.