Check out the Lounge Arm Galley aboard the S5 LZ. This hides a faux-granite countertop with sink, freshwater faucet, cup holders, and even dedicated wine-bottle stowage within the rear-facing aft lounge seat back. Grab the beefy stainless-steel handle adjacent to the seat back, pull, and the galley pivots out of hiding. Later, clear the table, then pivot the galley back out of sight. Clever.
We noted plenty of places to relax or socialize aboard the S5. Forward, matching parallel couches feature forward-facing backrests along with a pair of cup holders. Aft, similar couches offer rear-facing backrests and another pair of cup holders each, recessed, like the bow, to stay out of harm’s way. Retooled for 2019, the vinyl offers a softer touch and three-color accent combos. Below all seating awaits roto-molded stowage compartments, complete with gutters and drains to keep contents dry.
The fiberglass helm console is elevated 3 inches to give the captain a better forward view and features an attractive dash, with billet accents trimming the gauges and optional Simrad display, two rows of lighted rocker switches, and a three-spoke Gucci Verona wheel with leatherlike trim. Storage is located within the console, accessed by a side door. Across, a passenger enjoys the same helm-style chair, both with flip-down armrests and high backs for maximum support. Generous deck space is maintained outside the fence confines both fore and aft, with a particularly deep 3-foot-2-inch aft deck proving welcome when coving or swimming. A wide, four-step stainless-steel ladder makes for easy deepwater boarding.
Our test boat featured a performance slant, with a Yamaha F300 outboard at the stern and a trio of 25-inch pontoons below. Part of Sylvan’s SPX Performance Package, the pontoons feature lifting strakes on the center tube as well as the insides of each outer tube, along with an aluminum below-deck wave shield. The boat powered immediately onto plane with no discernible bow rise, handled with precision, and reached 30 mph in a fraction over 7 seconds. Top speed peaked at 42.9 mph.
High Points
- Covered interior fence panels, stainless-steel rear gate, 10-foot Bimini.
- Pop-up changing room concealed within tail end of forward port bench.
- Optional windshield with beefy frame adds wind protection, as well as a stylish look to the helm.
Low Points
- Four primary couches lack flip-down armrests for those passengers who like to stretch out.
- Helm seat could benefit from a flip-up bolster.
- Single-part hinges prevent cushions from pivoting fully out of the way for stowage access.
Toughest Competitor
Bennington’s 25RSFB ($101,315 with 300 hp Yamaha outboard and ESP Performance Package) features a similar floor plan, with parallel couches fore and aft, a fiberglass console, twin helm seats amidships and a 10-foot-long Bimini. There’s no hidden galley, but Bennington offers additional floor plans with galley options.
Price: $76,199 (with test power)
Available Power: Outboard
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F300
Prop: Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 1/2″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 30 gal.
Crew Weight: 330 lb.
More Information
Sylvan Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; sylvanmarine.com
