1st time boat shopper

CardsFan · 09-08-09, 04:06 AM

Hello guys... sure could use some good advice. My wife and I have finally decided to buy a small fishing boat. I really just want something to run around the lake on and enjoy the scenery, and she loves to fish for crappie, catfish. After numberous trips to the local boat store we found ourselves leaning toward a G3 Pf 175 vinyl. Not having ever owned a boat before I have several questions, the first being would be ok to put a 75 hp 4 stroke on it. It's rated for a max of 75 hp, but I'm not sure if thats for a 75 2 stroke or 4 stroke. I can tell you the 4 stroke weighs about 140 lbs more than the 70 2 stroke. One of the reasons we want a panfish boat and not a bass rig with casting decks is a broken leg 2 years ago left me with a plate and 8 screws in my leg, and so I am very uneasy stepping up and down, especially in a "bobbing " boat out on the water.. The pf 175 obviously dosn't have those decks so no problem there. I was just about to pull the trigger on this boat this past saturday when I came across another G3 boat, the 188F pontoon boat, rigged for fishing. It seems the best of both worlds, fishing, stable decking plus room to actually go out with another couple or two, where as you're limited in the PF model. I'd appreciate any suggestions you can throw my way... I'd hate to spend 15 to 20K and realized I made the wrong decision because I don't know what I'm doing... If you prefer you can email me directly at Rpfing@aol.com by the way, are there any web sites that actually list the msrp of each boat. Trying to find an actual price on boats on the web is like pulling teeth....Thanks in advance for all your help

Roland

egolfer · 09-08-09, 07:45 AM

I have owned a G3 Eagle 165 for about 5 years now I love it. The boat has solid construction and great customer service. The front deck is huge with tons of storage. I understand your concern about stepping up and down so the PF 175 might suit you quite well. And they all come with a Yamaha motor, which is great. Mine starts up right away every time out and still runs as strong as ever. I would email G3 directly to ask your motor question. They should get back to right away.

A couple suggestions on finding a good deal. Check out local boat show that might offer you some deals. Also, see if you cant find a late year model. I purchased my 2004 model in 2005 for about $5,000 less. Good Luck.

woody · 09-08-09, 08:54 PM

Welcome to the site, Cardsfan.

I would get the 2stroke; better all around performance.

~Mark

boater · 09-08-09, 10:32 PM

Welcome Cards fan I like that name .you would not happen to be in St Louis would you?
Where do you plan to fish the most? G3's are great boats I might direct you to a couple great dealers around if you are in the St Louis area. .And just to throw in my $.02 I would not be stuck on NEW in these times there are great boats out there like neew that people have to sacrifice for what they owe.

CardsFan · 09-09-09, 06:05 AM

First off, my thanks to all of you who replied so quickly to my post... I guess that even though I've never owned a boat, I'm a natural born boat owner because before having bought my first boat, I"m already thinking about buying a different one. While I really like the G3 175 my wife and I now considering a small G3 pontoon boat. Actually the 188F. This thing is rigged for fishing so that will make my country girl wife happy and it' will also allow this city boy from the midwest to cruise around the lake ( in shade with the cover up ). Any thoughts, pros or cons on this boat.. oh by the way boater, I was born and raised in St. Louis but have lived and worked down here in Louisiana for the past 23 years... still love my cardinals though, got a dish just so I can watch every game of the season. Thanks again each of you... This is a "huge" investment for me and no pun intended, but with my lack of knowledge about boats and thier uses, I really do feel like a fish out of water.....

Roland

1FASTLASER · 09-14-09, 06:19 AM

You can bolt on a 4 or 2 stroke 74 hp motor. The difference is in the weight carrying capacity. I am just using these numbers for explanantion..........On your cosat guard capacity plate there will be a weight say 750...that the CG has put on your rig It will say 750lbs persons,motor,and gear......so you see what I am saying....if the 4 stroke weighs 200 you can carry 550lbs of persons and gear.........if the 2 stroke weighs 150 you can carry 600lbs of gear.

Mac2 · 09-17-09, 09:49 AM

I bought the guide v 16.......82 inch beam and added flooring. I also have a tiller 50 yamaha 2 stroke. Gets up on plane at a third of the throttle and is easy to keep on plane at a slightly lower speed. Tows exceptionally well. The only thing I think about pontoons is they are difficult to fish in the wind except when anchored. I think, my boat will be somewhat the same as it's deep and light. As for the 4 stroke, had one and went back to 2, lighter, quicker and easier to maintain....if you drive sensibly, easy on gas too. Having a beam over seven feet gives plenty of room and a beam at the waterline of about 63 inches makes it very steady. Well made and comfortable. The 50 hp yamaha does well.

Should you ever need to paddle the boat back, out of fuel or whatever, consider the overall weight and wind blown profile.

Bub · 09-24-09, 06:48 PM

I recently purchased a 2002 Pro175 G3 with a 60 Yammer and I love it. Gas mileage with the 2 stroke is awesome. I can fish Friday thru Sunday and still have a 1/2 tank left when I get home. I can't speak about the other models but I will say that I am really happy I bought this G3 instead of the Tracker I was looking at. I would say you can't go wrong with either model you are looking at and as for the motor, I have to agree with Woody, go with the 2 stroke and you won't regret it...IMHO.

TnTom · 10-04-09, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CardsFan

Hello guys... sure could use some good advice. My wife and I have finally decided to buy a small fishing boat. I really just want something to run around the lake on and enjoy the scenery, and she loves to fish for crappie, catfish. After numberous trips to the local boat store we found ourselves leaning toward a G3 Pf 175 vinyl. Not having ever owned a boat before I have several questions, the first being would be ok to put a 75 hp 4 stroke on it. It's rated for a max of 75 hp, but I'm not sure if thats for a 75 2 stroke or 4 stroke. I can tell you the 4 stroke weighs about 140 lbs more than the 70 2 stroke. One of the reasons we want a panfish boat and not a bass rig with casting decks is a broken leg 2 years ago left me with a plate and 8 screws in my leg, and so I am very uneasy stepping up and down, especially in a "bobbing " boat out on the water.. The pf 175 obviously dosn't have those decks so no problem there. I was just about to pull the trigger on this boat this past saturday when I came across another G3 boat, the 188F pontoon boat, rigged for fishing. It seems the best of both worlds, fishing, stable decking plus room to actually go out with another couple or two, where as you're limited in the PF model. I'd appreciate any suggestions you can throw my way... I'd hate to spend 15 to 20K and realized I made the wrong decision because I don't know what I'm doing... If you prefer you can email me directly at Rpfing@aol.com by the way, are there any web sites that actually list the msrp of each boat. Trying to find an actual price on boats on the web is like pulling teeth....Thanks in advance for all your help

Roland

What about taking it for a spin? Will dealers selling boats in $20k price range demo for you? A need as specific as yours warrants that. I had a couple motorsailers and it just something that's done. The broker arranges a trial. Just a thought and I'd be asking anyone I was buying it from new or USED about taking it out for a couple hours. Most guys Ive talked with about a boat for sail would be happy to put it in the water to see it it fits.

1FASTLASER · 10-05-09, 06:16 AM

If the dealer wont demo a boat FIND ANOTHER DEALER!!!!!!!!!

09-08-09, 04:06 AM	#1
CardsFan BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3	1st time boat shopper Hello guys... sure could use some good advice. My wife and I have finally decided to buy a small fishing boat. I really just want something to run around the lake on and enjoy the scenery, and she loves to fish for crappie, catfish. After numberous trips to the local boat store we found ourselves leaning toward a G3 Pf 175 vinyl. Not having ever owned a boat before I have several questions, the first being would be ok to put a 75 hp 4 stroke on it. It's rated for a max of 75 hp, but I'm not sure if thats for a 75 2 stroke or 4 stroke. I can tell you the 4 stroke weighs about 140 lbs more than the 70 2 stroke. One of the reasons we want a panfish boat and not a bass rig with casting decks is a broken leg 2 years ago left me with a plate and 8 screws in my leg, and so I am very uneasy stepping up and down, especially in a "bobbing " boat out on the water.. The pf 175 obviously dosn't have those decks so no problem there. I was just about to pull the trigger on this boat this past saturday when I came across another G3 boat, the 188F pontoon boat, rigged for fishing. It seems the best of both worlds, fishing, stable decking plus room to actually go out with another couple or two, where as you're limited in the PF model. I'd appreciate any suggestions you can throw my way... I'd hate to spend 15 to 20K and realized I made the wrong decision because I don't know what I'm doing... If you prefer you can email me directly at Rpfing@aol.com by the way, are there any web sites that actually list the msrp of each boat. Trying to find an actual price on boats on the web is like pulling teeth....Thanks in advance for all your help Roland

09-08-09, 07:45 AM	#2
egolfer BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland Posts: 38	I have owned a G3 Eagle 165 for about 5 years now I love it. The boat has solid construction and great customer service. The front deck is huge with tons of storage. I understand your concern about stepping up and down so the PF 175 might suit you quite well. And they all come with a Yamaha motor, which is great. Mine starts up right away every time out and still runs as strong as ever. I would email G3 directly to ask your motor question. They should get back to right away. A couple suggestions on finding a good deal. Check out local boat show that might offer you some deals. Also, see if you cant find a late year model. I purchased my 2004 model in 2005 for about $5,000 less. Good Luck. __________________ Eli Golfer Gaithersburg, Maryland

09-09-09, 06:05 AM	#5
CardsFan BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3	1st time boat shopper First off, my thanks to all of you who replied so quickly to my post... I guess that even though I've never owned a boat, I'm a natural born boat owner because before having bought my first boat, I"m already thinking about buying a different one. While I really like the G3 175 my wife and I now considering a small G3 pontoon boat. Actually the 188F. This thing is rigged for fishing so that will make my country girl wife happy and it' will also allow this city boy from the midwest to cruise around the lake ( in shade with the cover up ). Any thoughts, pros or cons on this boat.. oh by the way boater, I was born and raised in St. Louis but have lived and worked down here in Louisiana for the past 23 years... still love my cardinals though, got a dish just so I can watch every game of the season. Thanks again each of you... This is a "huge" investment for me and no pun intended, but with my lack of knowledge about boats and thier uses, I really do feel like a fish out of water..... Roland

09-14-09, 06:19 AM	#6
1FASTLASER BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: crossett,arkansas Posts: 2,777	You can bolt on a 4 or 2 stroke 74 hp motor. The difference is in the weight carrying capacity. I am just using these numbers for explanantion..........On your cosat guard capacity plate there will be a weight say 750...that the CG has put on your rig It will say 750lbs persons,motor,and gear......so you see what I am saying....if the 4 stroke weighs 200 you can carry 550lbs of persons and gear.........if the 2 stroke weighs 150 you can carry 600lbs of gear. __________________ Laser's rule with Merc's doing the pushing..........KEEP THE WETSIDE DOWN AND THE DRY SIDE UP!!!!!!

09-24-09, 06:48 PM	#8
Bub BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 11	I recently purchased a 2002 Pro175 G3 with a 60 Yammer and I love it. Gas mileage with the 2 stroke is awesome. I can fish Friday thru Sunday and still have a 1/2 tank left when I get home. I can't speak about the other models but I will say that I am really happy I bought this G3 instead of the Tracker I was looking at. I would say you can't go wrong with either model you are looking at and as for the motor, I have to agree with Woody, go with the 2 stroke and you won't regret it...IMHO. __________________ Why work when you could be fishing.

09-08-09, 08:54 PM	#3
woody BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Jonesville, Indiana Posts: 3,597	Welcome to the site, Cardsfan. I would get the 2stroke; better all around performance. ~Mark

09-08-09, 10:32 PM	#4
boater BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: O'Fallon Missouri Posts: 283	Welcome Cards fan I like that name .you would not happen to be in St Louis would you? Where do you plan to fish the most? G3's are great boats I might direct you to a couple great dealers around if you are in the St Louis area. .And just to throw in my $.02 I would not be stuck on NEW in these times there are great boats out there like neew that people have to sacrifice for what they owe.

09-17-09, 09:49 AM	#7
Mac2 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 389	I bought the guide v 16.......82 inch beam and added flooring. I also have a tiller 50 yamaha 2 stroke. Gets up on plane at a third of the throttle and is easy to keep on plane at a slightly lower speed. Tows exceptionally well. The only thing I think about pontoons is they are difficult to fish in the wind except when anchored. I think, my boat will be somewhat the same as it's deep and light. As for the 4 stroke, had one and went back to 2, lighter, quicker and easier to maintain....if you drive sensibly, easy on gas too. Having a beam over seven feet gives plenty of room and a beam at the waterline of about 63 inches makes it very steady. Well made and comfortable. The 50 hp yamaha does well. Should you ever need to paddle the boat back, out of fuel or whatever, consider the overall weight and wind blown profile.

10-05-09, 06:16 AM	#10
1FASTLASER BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: crossett,arkansas Posts: 2,777	If the dealer wont demo a boat FIND ANOTHER DEALER!!!!!!!!! __________________ Laser's rule with Merc's doing the pushing..........KEEP THE WETSIDE DOWN AND THE DRY SIDE UP!!!!!!

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