Looking for feedback

[rsimms]

I'm boat shopping... I'm going with an aluminum jonboat-style, side-console... but not a stripped down version. I want one that's got some amenities. I was initially hot on Triton 170 DS with a 50 hp Honda 4-stroke. However I just looked at some G3's (1756 side-console Deluxe) and really liked what I saw. Either a 50 hp or 60 hp Yamaha 4-stroke.

Anybody got any solid experience, info or feedback on either boat, or motor?

 

[DHaun]

Richard, I bet you remember when I got my boat last Summer - I have the G3 1860 SC (not the deluxe model, but the Gator tough version) and a Yamaha F90 4-Stroke. It has been a great boat for me so far and Yamaha 4-Strokes (like Hondas) are well known for their reliability, quite running, and fuel efficiency.

I wanted an 1860 size Jon boat ever since I went out into Pensacola Bay in 3-4ft seas and saw how stable they could be (going slow of course), plus I needed one light enough to be able to launch on my own that I'm not afraid of getting scratched or dented while having tons of room for my family to lay out in the summer time. I liked the SC better than the CC since there is more room for folks to move around. I also wanted the simplicity of being able to just hose it all down. The G3 1860 or a SeaArk 1660 is what I wanted, but it turned out I could get the G3 1860-F90 (fully rigged) for the less than a bare SeaArk 1660-F50, so I went with the bigger boat and am satisfied with that decision because the F90 can also pull me skiing, but it sure is tough to jack-knife and then thread into my garage. Flat bottoms run shallower and I read are good for river drift fishing since they allow for a slower drift. I'm sure you already know the disadvantages are speed and a rough ride.

I specifically wanted a Honda or Yamaha based on my experience with friends and family members boats in FL. I just saw so many Yamahas down there and figured if the big boys trust them for going 70 miles offshore then I should consider them as well, plus all the past JD Powers awards. Another friend has a sweet Honda 225 on his diving boat I really liked too. The only reason I chose Yamaha over Honda was dealer location and the fact that the Yamaha had EFI, which starts instantly with no bulb priming, even in freezing weather. Hondas may now have EFI as well. Another thing about the Yamaha's are the remote control units, very high quality and precise ignition. My old Tracker/Johnson was cheap plastic ignition that came unscrewed and popped out on me driving back to the marina one year and eventually had to be replaced after only a few years. After a few months the replaced one got a short in it or something and started to randomly blow primary engine fuses, so I now place more value on RC units than I used to.

These 2 Threads are from when I bought the boat - one has a link to some pics:
http://www.chattanoogafishingforum.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=130&posts=8
http://www.chattanoogafishingforum.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=133&posts=12

There is probably not a whole lot of difference in the models so if you want to test drive mine next week just let me know.

 

[rsimms]

Thanks... I remember you buying one. I forgot it was a G3. That's good to hear... I first looked at regular Gator tough, and liked it... but really like the "amenities" on the Deluxe. And it's really not that much more money. I'd like an 18-foot with bigger moter, sadly it will fit neither my budget... nor my garage. I'm even worried about squeezing the 17-foot in there. My garage has a utility room on the back, taking up lots of space.

That's also good info on the Yamaha's... I didn't know about the EFI. Like you, I was shocked at the price difference on Sea Ark's, and I really didn't like their layout.

Thanks for the info... good reinforcement. I know you researched it hard. I'm more of an "impulse shopper," so if your work pointed you that way, that's a good sign!

 

[DHaun]

I was also looking at the 16-17 foot models myself for budget reasons. I got lucky on the 18' on the July 4 sale. I recall seeing a 17' deluxe model and looking very closely at it too - they are nice.

A couple things I forgot to mention that I learned after buying my boat. The first is that a heavy 4-stroke motor on a light aluminum hull can lead to some problematic trim situations with a heavy stern, slow planing, and what I call "bow bounce". I added a foil to mine and it fixed the problem - the stainless foil I mention in the thread below is machined in FL and does not require any drilling.

http://www.chattanoogafishingforum.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=330&posts=2

The other is that for $200 extra I traded in the lighter powder coated trailer for a heavier duty galvanized Tennessee Trailer ordered with a spare tire and detachable tongue. I have not had to remove the tongue yet, but if it the trailer was an inch longer I would be doing it every time I back into the garage. I think it provides an additional 2-2.5 ft to work with.

Also, the Gator G3 does not have a huge amount of storage - they added more in the 2006 model bow platform at the sacrifice of less floor space. I added a homemade anchor/rod holder, rear PVC rod holders, and a plastic storage box/seat bungied to the front cleat. The only drilling I have done to the hull so far has been for the vertical rod holders on the side of the livewell.

Pics - the ones at the end dated 12-25 show how I have eventually ended up rigging my sled with rod holders/storage and show more detail on the trailer/detachable tongue. I'm always trying to optimize my rigging and storage and have learned quite a bit from other boat owners pics:

http://www.maxxcode.com/picview/Default.aspx?PicDir=album\boat

Good Luck with your boat search - Whatever you decide on it's gonna be fun!

 

[JerDog]

Rsimms,

Here is my 2 cents...I have a 99 Honda 40 HP and it does not have Fuel Injection...I have to prime it and in the winter it takes a long time to warm up..The manual says to wait 2 min to warm up but it is more like 5 min when it is 30F outside....I love my Honda and SOOOO Fuel efficient...It is based on the same technology that is used in the Honda Civics..and those cars may be the most reliable out there...The Honda's hold up very well in the salt water too.

The G3 that DHaun is great for the river..very smooth...lots or room..I can't remember how big the fuel tank on the G3 is but the bigger the better, especially if you are going to be guiding fishing trips? My boat has a 20 gallon tank and I can get 7 miles per gallon. The G3 is large and pleanty of room for 3 or 4 people...I think DHaun would agree that it lacks storage space but they have corrected it by adding more storage on the 2006 model

 

[rsimms]

More good info... I love it. Thanks.

Right now I'm stuck on-hold while various folks are off for the Holiday vacations. I hope to make a decision next week.

 

[RangerRob]

Have the boat show incentives started kicking in yet? If not, aren't there some pretty good deals to be had just right around the corner?

 

[rsimms]

You are probably correct.. but I need it now. As noted to DHaun, I'm a bad impulse shopper. Plus I've got several guiding trips booked and as much as I love my old boat, I'm a bit embarassed to take folks out in my current vessel.

 

[RangerRob]

Well, you might could still use it as a bit of leverage. Boat dealers have bills to pay and with everyone else sitting on their wallets right now waiting for boat show prices, you should still be able to swing a deal. Throw 'em the old, "look ... in three weeks you're gonna give somebody else $1000 off on this boat and an extra 2 years' warranty on the motor, so why not just go ahead and give me the same incentives now or I'll just wait like everybody else." They don't have to know your an impulse buyer, right!

Make sure to leave yourself some break in time on that OB before your first client outings.