Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar Review
Type: Pontoon boat
Weight: 2100 lbs (net)
Capacity: 12 people
What we like about it: It offers ample seating areas and a table that can be folded out to create a resting area. The boat also provides plenty of storage space.
What we didn’t like about it: The price may be challenging for those on a tight budget.
Rating (4.8/5)
Founded in 1948, Sylvan has nearly 70 years of boat-building experience, resulting in boats of exceptional quality and performance. They continue to innovate and design unique vessels, and the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar is no exception, packed with exciting features.
The Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar is an excellent choice for large families or groups. Once you experience it, you’ll regret not having it sooner.
Now, let me share my thoughts and impressions after using the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar.
If you want to learn more about similar boat models or are looking for the right vessel, remember to follow us or reach out directly. We’re more than happy to assist you.
Driving Experience
With a big and loving family, planning a trip to Charles Mill Lake has always been a challenge for us. Our previous boat was a bit small, and we had to squeeze my wife and mom, each holding a child, to fit. After much consideration and comparison with my family last month, I decided to upgrade to the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar. As soon as I brought it home, we eagerly decided to have a fun-filled day on the water at Charles Mill Lake the very next day.
The weather that day was perfect for our outing. Stepping onto the boat, my family no longer had to worry about limited seating. Not only did everyone have their comfortable spot, but there was even extra space. Next time, I might even invite my sister and her family along.
Many Comforting Details
Honestly, this boat has the most comfortable seats I’ve ever experienced. The helm seat offers fantastic support with its high backrest, making all the fatigue of life disappear when you sit in it. I don’t have to worry about the higher backrest obstructing my view of the dock when approaching shore because the steering wheel can be adjusted downwards. And when I feel like enjoying the scenery on a smooth ride, I can easily lift the steering wheel. The 360° swiveling seat allows me to adjust to any desired angle with ease.
The large tinted windshield completely covers the dashboard and is made of durable material. I have no worries about it weakening or cracking over time. Additionally, the boat’s sea deck floor beneath my feet is a considerate touch. I no longer have to worry about slipping when my feet get wet. It greatly improves my grip, enabling better control of the boat. Another convenient feature is that I can connect my phone via Bluetooth for music playback. I can place my phone on the console, which has a 12V power source and dual USB ports. Throughout the day on the boat, I don’t have to worry about my phone running out of battery. This is crucial for outdoor adventures.
Riding Experience
My kids were incredibly excited, happily rolling around on the lounge chairs. I didn’t have to worry about them falling off due to lack of space because the lounge chair was incredibly spacious. It is made up of a large table that can be split and assembled, almost like a bed where two or three adults can easily lie down. When they got tired from playing, they could lean back on the cushions and soak up the sun.
Our dog, Max, was also peacefully lying on the floor, and the soft flooring made him naturally lower his head, ready for a nap. I didn’t have to worry about his drool dirtying the floor because the boat’s textured vinyl flooring was easy to clean, with low maintenance costs.
Powerful Storage Capacity
Wonderful moments always fly by quickly, and before we knew it, it was already noon, and we were getting a bit hungry. I smoothly anchored the boat on the lake’s surface, and my wife took out the fruit platter and sandwiches she had prepared in the foldable chairs. With the huge L-shaped sofa and two long sofas, we never had to worry about having enough space to put our belongings. Each sofa had storage space underneath, and it easily accommodated the kids’ surfboards.
Similarly, despite bringing plenty of food, we had enough table space. The loungers the kids had just been playing on easily transformed into a massive table. The chairs initially fixed to the sides of the boat could also be moved and placed around the table, just like having a meal at home. Not only were there four chairs, but each position had its cup holder.
My wife and I chose to go to the back of the boat because the L-shaped sofa also had a table next to it. Although it wasn’t as big as the front table, it was more than enough for the two of us. It was not only sturdy but also had cup holders. My wife lay in my arms as we watched the joyful conversations of the children and parents, savoring our rare alone time. I felt incredibly happy at that moment.
Specification
Storage Features
After finishing our meal, we didn’t have to worry about not having a place to dispose of trash on the boat. Opening a cabinet door below the console revealed a large trash bin. We can temporarily store the garbage there and dispose of it when we reach the shore. Even if we didn’t generate much trash, we could use the large space to store larger items.
Before long, our fun activities began. I retrieved the swim boards and life jackets from the storage area beneath the rear seats, opened the adjustable door, and helped my kids put on their gear. They couldn’t wait and rushed outside. The spacious swim platform ensured that all four of my children could stand comfortably. They didn’t have to wait one by one to get into the water; instead, they could all jump in together.
Detail Layout
They happily splashed around in the water, while my parents watched them contentedly from the boat. To prevent them from getting too much sun, I took off the Bimini Top boot and returned to my seat, turning on the electric switch. Within two minutes, it completely raised, very quickly. At that moment, I realized that I had bid a final farewell to the days of manually pulling up the Bimini Top.
And it was so large that even when I sat in my helm, I didn’t have to worry about it not providing enough shade. It seemed that when the weather got hot, I wouldn’t have to worry about getting sunburned.
When my kids got tired of playing, they climbed back up using the spacious five-step ladder. And there was an additional step at the bottom, making it easier for them to get on and off without having to take a large step at the end.
One great thing was that we didn’t have to store the wet life jackets and swim boards in the storage compartments, which could potentially lead to mold. Because we could put them in the storage compartment at the bottom of the boat. It was not just a simple storage compartment but also perfect for damp items. It had a pump inside that would extract the water from the bottom of the boat when wet items were placed there, making it very convenient and thoughtful.
Other Versions
Of course, when purchasing this boat, I also looked at other models in the same series. I think the Sylvan L5 DLZ Bar, with a similar layout, could also be worth considering. Let me briefly analyze it for you, hoping it will be helpful.
Simply put, the Sylvan L5 DLZ Bar is an enlarged version of the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar. It has the same layout as the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar. If you’re looking for more speed or more space and have a larger budget, the Sylvan L5 DLZ Bar would be your preferred choice.
What we like about it
- Sufficient seating areas on the boat, perfect for groups needing ample space.
- Sturdy tinted windshields and easy-to-clean vinyl flooring that I find very thoughtful.
- Sufficient storage space, making my trips more convenient without worrying about not having enough room for essential items on the boat.
- Electrically operated Bimini Top that opens and closes quickly, providing peace of mind.
- Drained storage area in the boat’s bottom, preventing wet items from being poorly stored on the boat.
- Comfortable high-back helm seats that won’t leave you feeling tired even after long periods of sitting.
- Not only two sturdy tables but also a convertible space that can be folded to create a large resting area.
What we don’t like about it
- The lack of railings on the armrests, although it allows for better airflow, can make things accidentally fall off the boat.
- The price is somewhat expensive and may not be suitable for all customers.
FAQ
- How to clean this boat?
If you purchase this boat, you won’t have much trouble with cleaning. Sylvan boats are relatively easy to maintain, and a simple cleaning after a few uses should be sufficient. However, if you have been operating it in saltwater or brackish water areas, it’s advisable to rinse the hull with fresh water. Also, make sure the boat is dry before covering it, which won’t take much of your time.
- How much does a pontoon boat weigh?
The weight of a pontoon boat varies depending on the model. This boat is a medium to large-sized vessel, with a larger hull length and fuel capacity, resulting in a net weight of 2100 pounds. However, a heavier weight ensures better stability when carrying more people, and its configuration also determines that it can’t be too light.
- Is Sylvan’s pontoon boat good?
Sylvan has a history of over seventy years, and their boats are known for their superior quality compared to competitors. So when you purchase one, you’ll find it well worth the investment. The flooring, furniture, and steering wheel all have excellent tactile sensations, and after using this boat, I feel like I hardly need to consider switching to another one in the future.
Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar SPECS
Standard
Length | 24’8″ |
Max Persons | 12 / 1650 lbs |
Dry Weight | 2100 lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 60 gal |
Max Horsepower | 300 hp |
Beam | 102 in |
Tube Gauge | .080 in |
Tube Diameter | 25 in |
Video
Comparison Table
Boats | Total length | Maximum horsepowerLimits | Maximum personnel capacity limit |
Premier Sunsation RL 250 | 25′ 5″ | 300 HP | 12 persons |
Barlett ULTRA-ENTERTAINER 25UE | 27′ 6″ | 450 HP | 14 persons |
Harris Solstice 230 SL | 26′ 2″ | 300 HP | 13 persons |
Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar vs Premier Sunsation RL 250
Compared to the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar, the Premier Sunsation RL 250 offers higher quality, but it does come with some inconveniences. It has minimal tabletop surfaces on the boat, with only a small table at the rear. However, all the seats are L-shaped sofas, and the two L-shaped sofas at the stern can be combined to create a larger lounge area, similar to the table in the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar, providing convenient views of different directions. This boat also features a co-pilot helm chair, allowing the first mate to assist the captain when they’re feeling tired, ensuring the captain can relax appropriately.
It’s worth mentioning that this boat has many superior features compared to the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar. The Lowrance® HOOK display with a built-in fishfinder provides great help when you want to go fishing with friends or family. The Clarion® stereo and four speakers enhance the music ambiance, allowing you to enjoy every trip with perfect sound quality.
If you prioritize higher quality and the placement of tabletops is not a crucial factor for you, then this boat can be an excellent choice. However, it’s important to note that it requires a higher budget.
Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar vs Barlett ULTRA-ENTERTAINER 25UE
Compared to the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar, the Barlett ULTRA-ENTERTAINER 25UE prioritizes the comfort of the crew. However, if you want to have a game night or an onboard bar with your friends or family, seating comfort is indeed crucial.
It also features two long seats at the bow, but the design at the stern is very unique. There is a large lounge chair directly placed at the stern, and it can be transformed into three different forms. If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery while riding the waves, you can fold up the sofa near the helm. When you want to be closer to the captain, you can also fold up the sofa at the stern. If you have many friends joining this wonderful waterside gathering, you can fold the middle sofa into two backrests facing opposite directions. Additionally, each piece can be opened to reveal storage compartments beneath the fold-out sofas.
The captain driving this boat will never feel lonely. On their left side is a bar-style table where everyone can gather and have conversations easily. However, the position of the two tables on the boat is indeed quite close, which may cause some inconvenience for those sitting at the stern.
The stern of the boat also features a “Yeti-Ready” cooler with its bilge pump, so you don’t have to worry about water accumulation. Barlett is truly a consumer-centric manufacturer, and I believe that with such a brand, you will not be disappointed after your purchase.
Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar vs Harris Solstice 230 SL
If you have a higher budget and are looking for high quality and versatility, the Harris Solstice 230 SL will not disappoint you. It boasts a whopping twenty cup holders, making it easy to place your cups almost anywhere you go. Despite accommodating 13 people, you don’t have to worry about your phone running out of battery due to selfies. It features two USB ports in each of the two lounging areas and the helm, with the helm even having a wireless charging pad.
One drawback is that, to provide more spaciousness, this boat doesn’t have as many tables as the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar. It only has one removable table that can be stored in the storage compartment at the stern when not in use. It is also great for nighttime excursions, as it has customizable cool lighting on all cup holders and under-seat areas. The Bimini Top also has plenty of lights, making it look cool under the night sky.
If you enjoy fishing, it offers more convenience than the Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar. It comes with a touchscreen console display that includes a fish finder, allowing you to detect the location of fish schools. When you want a romantic date or need lively music on the boat, the ten speakers and a subwoofer on board will make you stand out on the lake.
However, it must be admitted that despite its near-perfection, it does come with a hefty price tag. If you are looking for a boat of the same type but at a lower price, consider this Buoyant Bar model of a pontoon boat. We would be happy to recommend boats that offer excellent performance at a more affordable price.
Summary
Dear friend, after providing you with these introductions, do you already have an answer in your mind? The Sylvan L3 DLZ Bar is a great choice for both enjoying time with friends and going on family trips. Its storage areas, lounging spaces, and usability greatly enhance the joy of your outings.
However, if you still have any dissatisfaction with it, that’s okay too. Our website features more types of boats and is regularly updated. Of course, if you decide to make a purchase, we would be happy to assist you.