Advise on new boat

[Mark W]

Well folks I think I've narrowed down my choice for the new boat. I'm leaning towards a G3 model 175. What I am having trouble deciding is one whether to go with the PF layout or the reguar 175 which has a more conventional bass boat layout. Here are links to the 2 models.


http://www.g3boats.com/EagleSeries/175PF/

or http://www.g3boats.com/EagleSeries/175/

The PF model does have some room to stand in the front but not as much as the 175 bass layout. Each has advantages and I'm not sure which one I'm going to get. I think that Yahaha 60 hp 4-stroke would be OK power for either boat as they have the same hull and weight about 900 pounds (dry hull wt).

I will be multi species fishing but I do have an interest in learning to bass fish. But since I like being able to sit back & put my feet up the PF offers some advantages. Or just get an ice chest with the bass model & use it to prop up the feet.

Any and all comments welcome as this decision is driving me nuts.

Thanks

Mark

 

[Oldman]

go with the bass model.it will do both and no regrets later.

 

[Guest]

Get the biggest boat you can afford, you will never regret it, free room disapears when you start adding gear or accessories. also bigger boats are easier to sell if you need to in the future. I would go with a 16 or 18 foot model if possible and as wide as possible.

 

[Pop-R]

I would prefer the bass model also, for the deck and dry storage.

 

[dragfish]

I agree with Doc- size does matter! I would really research the 4 stroke vs optimax, e-tec or yamaha hpdi. 4 strokes have a lot more moving parts to go wrong an weigh a considerable amount more.
Of course, if you ask 10 different fishermen you will get 20 different opinions. Whatever you get you will love it!

 

[tyler ware]

I'd go with the bass model. Easier to sell if you ever get to that point, plus bigger deck space is huge. You still got a little lip to rest the feet on, but once you start nailing fish, your be on your toes, and appreciate the room. If you ever plan on bass fishing, get the bass one.

 

[foodsaver]

you may also want to check the size on the rod locker. I didn't on my boat and so now I have rods laying in the floor instead of in the rod box where they belong.

 

[Buoy-Master]

Eagle 175. Bass series. Flip has oneandi it fishes great with alot of room!

 

[Mark W]

Thanks to all of you for the advise. Sounds like the bass layout is the way to go. Do you know what size motor that Flip is using? Only question besides the motor is do I go with regular carpet or the vinyl.

 

[Guest]

I would go with a Suzuki 4 stroke motor, they are proven motors and you can't find hardly anyone who has anything bad to say about them, they also come with a 6 year warranty, how can you go wrong? This is my opinion only since I am partial to a Suzuki and this is what I own and I have had zero problems.

 

[Jason F-18]

I would go with the bass version. I have looked at that same boat and really like it. I have a G3 15ft mod v jon with a 20hp Honda 4 stroke. I really like this motor. It is very quite, starts easily, and SIPS gas. My wife and I went for a ride the other weekend and we went from Chester Frost all the way up Soddy Creek to 27 and back stopping in alost every slough along the way, most of the time at 80-100% throttle. It used less than 1 gal of gas for the whole trip! I haven't had other boats to use as comparison, but to me that is hardly nothing.

G3 makes a very solid alluminum boat and I don't think you will go wrong with any of them.

Let us know what you decide.

Happy shopping!

 

[minner]

I've had that boat. It was the 175 "pro" before they changed it to Eagle. It was a great boat but quickly out grew it. It had a 70 yamaha 2 stroke. I wihsed everyday that I would have had a 90. If you go with the 4stroke, definately go with the 90.

Again great boat, go with the bass version.

 

[Buoy-Master]

Mark W - 4/8/2009 12:41 PM Thanks to all of you for the advise. Sounds like the bass layout is the way to go. Do you know what size motor that Flip is using? Only question besides the motor is do I go with regular carpet or the vinyl.

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115 I believe. </p>

 

[Mark W]

Minner, was the boat underpowered with the 70hp? One reason I was looking at the 60hp four stroke was the low weight (237 lb). A 90 hp four stroke jumps to 369 lbs. For several reasons I am trying to keep the weight down....trailering and handling the boat alone. I am not totally set on the four stroke and could go to a 90hp 2-stroke which would weight in at 261 lbs.

But does the boat really need that much power? I duck hunted on Reelfoot last year and the guide had an aluminum boat with a Merc 90 and with 6 hunters plus gear that boat would haul ass. I was amazed and honestly scared as he had that boat overloaded. As for my needs...Most of my fishing will be alone. Maybe 1/3 of the time with 1 other person. The dry hull weight is 920 pounds on the G3 model 175. Length is 17' 5". Beam is 72". And the bottom width is 56". Most fishing will be recreational but I would eventually like to try tournaments mostly to meet and hang out with other fishing folks.

Again, thanks to all of you for the advise. Any additional comments on the engine selection would be appreciated.