This pontoon is packed with plenty of luxury and comfort, and has the performance and smooth ride to take you anywhere in a stylish and timely fashion.
Pontoons are great for leisure cruises, but when there is a need for speed, the new Sun Catcher LX3 22 XS delivers that option.
During our testing of this wide-bodied tri-toon, the LX3 topped out at 48.1 mph, nearly double the speed of the other pontoons we’ve tested. Enhancing this boat’s performance was its three jumbo 23-inch-by-25-inch .100-gauge U-shaped logs with closed-cell flotation foam, double-plated .100-gauge nose cones and an upgraded heavy-duty all-aluminum welded motor pod to support the Yamaha 225 SHO engine. Performance lifting strakes and a full-length performance shield also prevented splash underneath the deck. U-tubes are connected directly to the deck cross-members, giving a solid feel underway. With all its power and performance, the LX3 can easily tow a skier or a couple of tubers at a fast clip.
Several other amenities also make the LX3 ideal, whether taking a leisurely cruise or anchoring in a quiet cove for swimming or sunbathing. A Sony satellite-compatible AM/FM CD stereo with four speakers, an iPod/MP3 jack and USB port allows you to plug in and listen to your favorite tunes. For a quick change into your bathing suit, the LX3 features a large privacy enclosure with a padded seat. Sunbathers can catch plenty of rays while lying out on the Sun Catcher’s ample tanning deck.
Besides plenty of storage under the lounge seating, this Sun Catcher has a unique center-log storage area that I could fit my entire body into, along with some skis and probably a few more items.
Extra Points
The center-log storage area has an automatic bilge pump under the removable floor to prevent mildew and keep items dry.
A rear-entry fourstep boarding ladder allows for easy entry to and exit from the water.
A portable table with four cup holders can be positioned anywhere for flexible seating.
The captain’s helm features a fully adjustable chair, tilt wheel, hydraulic steering and flushmounted Garmin 145 fish finder.
Test Drive
» Test Engine: Yamaha 225 SHO
» Test Prop: 15½” X 17″ SS
» Test Load: People (350 LB.); Fuel (40 GAL.)
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» Top Speed:** 48.1 MPH @ 5,700 RPM
» Time to Plane: 3.7 sec.
» Time to 30 MPH: 5.2 sec.
» Most Economical Cruise Speed: 25.5 MPH @ 3,500 RPM
Vital Stats
» Length Overall: 22’6″
» Beam: 8’6″
» Dry Weight: 3,325 LB. (w/ motor); 4,570 LB. (total trailering weight)
» Seating/Weight Capacity: 14/2,800 LB.
» Fuel Capacity: 40 GAL.
» Max HP: 225
» MSRP: $46,995
» NMMA Certified
