G3 Boats?

[kjackson]

I'm thinking that after the summer is over, I'll be looking for a new boat. I will likely to stick to aluminum. I'm fairly certain that I will want a vee-hull. Rather than a bass boat style, I am looking at a "multi-species" design with a raised casting deck and enough open transom that I can mount a small kicker and be able to mount downriggers. While I like tiller boats (and have one now), I'm thinking a side console will be more user friendly.

I've owned several Lunds, and run both a Crestliner and an Alumacraft. I've also owned a Smokercraft and an Alumaweld (the West Coast version). I currently own a Star/Smoker/Sylvan Sportsman sled style that is OK, but it's not quite what I want.

I've been looking at G3 boats (did run one for a week or so), but I have no knowledge of any issues with that brand. However, the company is owned by Yamaha, and that means the boat will be rigged with one. As I don't know any of the shops in the Rogers/Springdale/Eureka Springs area, I don't want to commit to a brand that may not have decent service relatively close.

So--what are your thoughts or experience with G3 boats?

What about Yamaha service within an hour or so of NW Arkansas?

What is the best shop for repair in the area, and what brand motors do they handle?

Thanks.

[fishinwrench]

G3 are well built boats IMO and hold their value well.

I'd avoid a 4-stroke outboard myself, but I know the whole "quiet" thing is of ultimate importance to some folks....which is the only plus to owning a 4-stroke.

[rps]

I owned an Xpress immediately prior to my current boat. I looked long and hard at the G3 and my research showed it enjoys a good reputation for the quality of the build. I rode in a 16/17 foot semi-V model and liked the ride.

Ultimately, I did not buy the G3 as I did not want another Yamaha engine. I am in an Alumacraft with an Evinrude Etech. Look at the Navigator 165 and 175 series.

[tho1mas]

I have A G-3 16/52 duck & or fishing boat. No problems yet but it does not have a lot of storage. Don't know about dealer repair in the area because I have had no issues with the 4 stroke Yamaha motor.

[Guest]

Ive had serious issues with the current G3 boats its a panfish model though, and with their lifetime hull warranty.

I do like the 4 stoke Yamaha motor and their V-hull design looks solid.

My suggestion would be to test drive all available V-hull makers. Lund, Tracker, Xpress, G3, Alumacraft, etc

These guys on OAF know their stuff, so their advice is sound.

Ive made the mistake of not shopping around and sticking with my favorite brand,

I had a 98' G3 and it was the best boat Ive ever owned and it was a V-hull.

However the current G3 model and its bear trailer have issues.

You might google to find out more.

Its too bad that buying boats is much harder to research than cars.

I use Edmunds and KBB for that.

NADA has some good info on boats, RVS, 4 wheelers, etc.

[Dutch]

G3 is in the same family as the Lowe. They are the 3rd generation of boat builders in that family. The only drawback that is see is having to have a Yamaha motor if one would prefer something else.

If you want a good ride similar to a glass boat take a ride in an Xpress. It is the only tin boat I have ever driven that lifts like glass and rides smoothly.

[kjackson]

Thanks for the information. If I were looking for a truck, I could drive west into the Bentonville Triangle and drive everything I wanted to in an afternoon. But as for boats-- it's a bit more complicated. I used to work for Bass & Walleye Boats magazine until just before it folded, so I got to drive and evaluate a number of hulls. I also owned a few boats myself. As a result, I can look at a Lund and figure out if I want the boat or not. I also feel pretty confident about Crestliner and Alumacraft (a brand I think is highly undervalued).

But I've got very little experience with G3 and none with Lowe, Xpress, or some of the other brands I see kicking around in ads. And trying to find dealers with something other than pontoons or jon-style hulls is a bit of a challenge. Since this is going to be my retirement boat--not that I'll be able to retire, mind you--I want to make sure it is a good one that will serve my needs for the next 20 years or so. I'll want to test drive brands I'm not familiar with, and I'll want to find a good service shop for the brand of motor I choose.

So--any and all help is much appreciated.

[Phil Lilley]

We have 2 G-3's in our rental fleet plus I used them as my own when they weren't rented. First I love Yamahas - have used them for 10 years and have had little trouble with them. The G-3 is great for the money. I like how the handle and fish. I'd get at least a 90 hp or you'll have problems getting out of the hole with more than one person in the boat.

I do use 2 strokes. The 4 stroke may create problems with weight but not sure.

[Dutch]

Louey Bruton handles Xpress down at Golden MO if you are in this area.

[jeb]

I'd avoid a 4-stroke outboard myself, but I know the whole "quiet" thing is of ultimate importance to some folks....which is the only plus to owning a 4-stroke.

Why specifically do you say to avoid 4 strokes? When I got my skeeter, I had them pull off the Vmax and install the 4 stroke (not the SHO). I bought it for the quietness, much better fuel economy, no constant cost of 2 stroke oil and long term durability. Like the OP, this is my retirement boat and I was much more concerned with cost of operation and durability than I was with anything else, and I've been very happy with my decision. 450+ hours on it now and it runs as good as the day I bought it.

The Yamaha website says Rainbow Marine, Cableas and Roger Outdoor Sports are all Yamaha dealers, so I'd guess/hope one of them would have a good service dept. I've not had to get any Yamaha service since Waymack has closed, so I don't know for sure. I guess I'd hit Rainbow first, though, if I needed service on something I couldn't handle.