|
|
Posts: 351
Location: Vilas County, WI | I just checked out a G3 boat at the Milwaukee Boat Show. I thought it was a pretty nice rig with decent features. However, I know nothing about G3's other then what I'm reading in their catalog and on their website. So what's their story? It looked like they have comparable rod lockers and a big livewell but the hulls were much thinner (and used 2 and 3 piece construction). How do they match up to others in the industry? Thanks! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | I have one. Has treated me well. Zero issues. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo | Awesome boats and company owned by Yamaha. My dad just retired from the company back home in Lebanon,Mo. last year. Very "family" oriented business and was fortunate to own three of there models over the years ('03 V165,'10 V172,'13 V164) powered with Yamahas. They seem to be on the right track,expanding new models,even saltwater bay boats this year. Employess working overtime to keep up with demand the last few years. It was always nice to walk in where everyone knows your name and to support you anyway they could. Now that I fish saltwater here in Florida,my choice of boat is now a offshore boat. Ever go back to musky fishing,G3 will be my first choice again. If you want anymore info,just pm me.
Fred |
|
| |
|
Posts: 20211
Location: oswego, il | They look like nice boats to me. I was impressed by the fact that when I checked out one of their 16' models awhile back it could fit an 8'6" rod. |
|
| |
|
Location: Eastern Ontario | What was the name on these boats before Yamaha bought them wondering if they were the old Sea Nymph |
|
| |
|
Posts: 142
| I've been considering shuffling toys. I have an 18' g3 with a jet for river fishing. I don't think I will ever part with it |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River | horsehunter - 2/1/2014 12:55 PM
What was the name on these boats before Yamaha bought them wondering if they were the old Sea Nymph
Sea Nymph was bought out by the same company (Brunswick) that makes Lowes. They phased out the Sea Nymph line & incorporated the models (Fishing Machine) into the Lowe line then started welding the hulls which was a bad idea as those hulls tend to crack at the welds. |
|
| |
|
Location: Eastern Ontario | Did Crestliner ever have issues or are they the ones that know how to do it. I like the looks of the Kingfishers but don't know much about them. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 49
| I've got a G3 1860 center console with a jet and I love it. I've been really happy with its durability seeing how I fish a fairly rocky river. The only down side to my model is that rod storage is non-existent, but I knew that before I bought it. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River | horsehunter - 2/1/2014 8:53 PM
3 people I know have cracked Lowe's 2 are guides that don't know when they will get their boats back.
Did Crestliner ever have issues or are they the ones that know how to do it. I like the looks of the Kingfishers but don't know much about them.
I know of several people with Trackers & Lowes that have had their hulls crack using them on LSC. Vibration is the enemy of welded hulls, that's why they don't weld airplanes.
My buddy has an 18' Crestliner Sportman that he had to have the welds repaired because they cracked on LSC. I've rode in an Crestliner 1850 Fishhawk on LSC doing 42 on a 1 foot chop & the ride was fairly smooth but I did get a little wet. For a welded boat I think the Crestliners are probably one of the better welded boats out there (except those they use out west on the rivers).
I'm interested to see the new Ranger deep-V aluminum with a welded hull. The hull is not the typical aluminum hull & from the looks of the pics I've seen it looks closer to a fiberglass hull.
As for the G3 I checked them out a couple of years ago at a fishing show but the sales guy wasn't very knowledgeable about the boat. They seemed to be laid out more like a Lund. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1000
| Technically a weld is stronger than using rivets. Crestliner has a lifetime warranty on their welds and it's transferable on 2010+ boats. Same owners as Lund. Their new catalog has the story of a guide on Mantrap Lake getting his crestliner smashed all over rocks. He notified his insurance company and fished it the rest of the season without getting repaired and then I assume he got it taken care of in the winter.
Back to the G3's, I've heard great things about them as well. Really like the layout. They just plain look good. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8
| I have an 06 angler v165 and love it. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 189
Location: West Bend, WI | Neighbor has an 18 ft G3. We fished Green Bay and it was very comfortable. Three guys and way too much gear and we still had plenty of room. Nice boat. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 358
| I have a 1860 CCTJ with a Yamaha. No issues what so ever. My dealer told me that G3 is " Third generation Lowe " I love mine and would recommend one. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 109
Location: Spencer, Wisconsin | I have a 2006 V170 and it runs and still looks good. Decent price when I bought it new (1-year old). The Yamaha is the 90-4 stroke and runs like a sewing machine and quiet, and sips gas. I would support and endorse anyone buying one for local lakes and to use on big water (but caution the water conditions as its a semi deep v-hull). Otherwise, I love my boat and its been a great ride so far. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 337
Location: Watersmeet, Michigan | When I fished with Steve Amundson on Vermillion he had a G3. Very nice boat with solid ride. Although not as well-known as some boats out there, I've never heard anything negative about them and certainly wouldn't hesitate buying one if I were looking for a new boat.
Cody, can't imagine why your dealer would have called a G3, which is a Yamaha product, a "3rd generation Lowe" which is a Brunswick product. Hmmm...
There really are a lot of fine boats being made these days, and this time of year it's a buyer's market with a number of 2013 models still available. A lot depends on which brands are sold in your area, reputation of local dealerships, and desirable layouts and features.
Fr. K |
|
| |
|
Posts: 45
| horsehunter - 2/1/2014 7:53 PM
Did Crestliner ever have issues or are they the ones that know how to do it. I like the looks of the Kingfishers but don't know much about them.
Had a Tracker that was sent back to factory 2x in 3 years for a stringer system that was blowing out of the aluminum. Now have an 1850 Fishhawk thats a bullet. Check out Crestliners website to learn how they weld different. |
|
| |
G3 Boats