Boat Test: 2025 Sylvan M-5 CLZ DC

Overview

Sylvan’s target with the new M-5 CLZ DC is to offer a true high-level, ultra-luxury performance pontoon as the top choice for boat buyers seeking the epitome of pontoondom.

We think Sylvan hit the bull’s-eye with its aim for the high-end pontoon market. This ­tri-toon dual-console model brings the Sylvan brand to a new level. It features head-turning styling, and its build execution is top-shelf in our view. The M-5 CLZ DC is loaded with features and advanced styling. 

Consider the futuristic appearance of the M-5 CLZ DC for a moment. This comes courtesy of a brand-new aluminum and carbon-fiber perimeter fencing, which is highly detailed and styled for a forward-leaning appearance that promises luxury, speed and acceleration. In plain speak, this Sylvan looks like it’s moving even when it’s tied to a dock.

Engine

The M-5 CLZ DC really does accelerate. It came to us for testing rigged with top-of-the-line power: a Mercury Verado 400 hp V-10. That’s the most powerful mill available for this boat. While we hit a top speed of nearly 55 mph, it rocketed us to 30 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Remember that while speed is fun and cool, all that power will also help you deliver confident performance when you’re loaded up with a dozen or more family members and friends. (It’s rated for 14 people.) 

With all that power, the M-5 handled like a much smaller boat. It proved very responsive to steering and throttle, and the power trim “up” button really makes it fly. We deemed the turning capability sharp, with defined banking. Fuel economy suffers just a bit when hard on the throttle with 400 ponies on tap, but you already know that if you’re seeking this kind of boat and power combination. In fact, Sylvan will rig it with engines as small as 25 hp if, for some odd reason, you desire it or are one who boats on a power-restricted lake. 

Our best cruise was at 2,500 rpm and 16 mph, where the Verado 400 was drinking 4.8 gph, achieving 3.3 mpg. But that calculates to 177 miles of range from the 60-gallon fuel tank, leaving 10 percent in reserve—plenty for most users, who will likely put the M-5 CLZ to weekend family watersports and cruising duty.

Comparison shoppers should consider Bennington’s 25QFBA, if seeking similar performance and amenities. It’s an ultra-luxury 28-footer that sells for $227,593 well-equipped with a potent Yamaha 350 hp V-6 outboard.

Underneath the Sylvan, the tri-toon SPX PR25 Performance Package features triple 27-inch-diameter logs with lifting strakes on the insides of the outer ’toons and both sides of the center ’toon. The optional Big Water ­Edition features an extended aft deck and extruded lifting strakes. This is a ­worthwhile option, even if just for the extended aft deck, which makes watersports and sandbar ­gatherings much more family friendly.

Interior and Accessories

Topside, the new exterior perimeter fence is the most striking feature, molded from carbon-fiber panels and painted with clear coat over the carbon-fiber pattern for a unique look. The wraparound curved bow panels feature custom lighting pods that hold the navigation and docking lights.

The optional electric carbon-fiber arch with Bimini top and color-changing dome lighting really completes the futuristic appeal of the M-5. The color-changing lights continue in other places such as on the aft speaker panel, the side logos, and underwater.

Flooring is teak weave, with a new gray hue. The deep-navy pillow-topped seating surface and hex diamond-weave inset is stitched from Cool Touch vinyl, so the dark colors are cool to the touch even on hot days. The piping is cognac, which contrasts the deep navy blue. Together, the deck and furniture team up to provide a plush look, long-term utility and ­durability, and, of course, a comfortable feel.

The bow seating on the M-5 features ­facing lounges with rotocast bases, with storage underneath. The extended loungers are contoured inward toward the center of each seat base to create more space in the cockpit ­without sacrificing comfort.

Dual consoles with safety-glass windshields envelop the cockpit crew; the helm station features a full Simrad digital dash with digital lighted switching (with traditional switch backups), which helps the captain keep tabs on navigation as well as the engine vitals and the boat’s electrical systems. High-back contoured captain’s chairs for pilot and navigator both swivel, slide, and have foldable armrests for comfort and easy egress. The consoles sit on raised platforms 3 inches above the deck for better visibility, and are fitted with Marine Mat nonskid for comfort and cool touch on feet. A JL Audio system with multiple speakers, subwoofer and amp is featured in the cockpit within easy reach of the captain. Power ­hydraulic steering helps the captain control the big Verado outboard.

Abaft, the portside lounge is L-shaped with a reversible seatback to allow for forward or aft-facing lounging in multiple positions; the seatback is gas-shock-assisted for easier ­adjustment.

A stainless-steel safety railing surrounds crew while underway, even when seated ­facing aft. An extended aft deck, complete with ­watersports tow bar and Lillipad boarding ­ladder, makes boarding and watersports prep easy and accessible. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 400 Verado FourStroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution X 16.75″ x 20″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 28 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

High Points

• Sleekly styled carbon-fiber perimeter fence sets the M-5 apart from other boats, and from any Sylvan pontoon to date.
• Cool Touch vinyl is truly a marvel. The rich appearance and plush feel make this furniture more comfortable than many other higher-end luxury craft.  
• Rotocast seat bases feature recessed toe-kicks wrapped in vinyl for a highly finished appearance, while the insides are easy to clean.

Low Points

• We’d like to see a larger fuel tank offered. Even a 75-gallon tank would make a -significant improvement in range. 
• The Extended Deck is such a useful addition that it should be a standard feature. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation