G3 165

[afrayed knot]

This is the year. I finally almost got the nod of approval from the wife for an entry level bass boat. I found a 2006 G3 165 on craigslist for 7k or b/o. I have done a couple google searches and holes in the hulls keeps popping up. I know you can find something negative with any used entry level boat on the internet but this seems like a big one. Should I pass on this and keep looking or is this just isolated problems being reported

[fishnkamp]

I think I would leave  it alone.  If you can swing it take a look at this one instead

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/boa/5920644375.html

[12poundbass]

18 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

I think I would leave  it alone.  If you can swing it take a look at this one instead

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/boa/5920644375.html

I'd go with the Tracker too. Seems a little bit steep, does says or best offer. I'd start at 7k and go up from there.

[BrianinMD]

I may be wrong on this, but if I remember correctly in 2006 was still using wood in parts of their boats. Would be very cautious on how it was holding up 10 years later. That Tracker looks rather good in the pics, definitely worth a look.

[neatoneto]

Hello @afrayed knot

 

I am also from CT and have been in contact with both of those owners. I'm actually supposed to be checking out the G3 this Saturday. Owner is a nice guy who answers all your questions. That boat seems to be really well priced and has a ton of extras.

 

The gentleman with the blue 175 is asking quite a bit and when I said I wanted to see the boat but wouldn't give him what he's asking he took offense and told me not to waste my time. 

 

In my opinion the Tracker seems in great shape but I haven't checked out either. I'm actually looking at another fiberglass boat tomorrow and we'll see how that goes. Keep us posted if you talk to the owner with the Tracker!

[slonezp]

Knowing nothing about the G3 except what you posted, $7k sounds high. As far as using wood in the boat, Tracker uses wood Lund uses wood as do others. They have built boats for, dare I say, many hundreds of years out of wood. Staying away from a boat simply because wood is used in the manufacturing process, is an ignorant decision. Gelcoat can get waterlogged and delaminate if it is scratched and not repaired. An inspection of the boat will tell you if there might be some spots that are of concern, but more importantly you can get an idea of how the boat was taken care of. A boat that is covered and/or garaged, no matter what the material used to build it, is going to fare better than a boat left uncovered in the elements.

[ethan-333]

sold a 2002 g3 pro 175 for5800 and i felt like i did good on it... i think 7000 sounds high unless it has some killer graphs. but i think you can find a better deal if you keep looking

 

but that being said. my g3 was an excellent boat. went on plane nice and was just all around a well built boat. i never had a problem with mine at all and if i was getting another aluminum i wouldnt be afraid to look at a g3

[BrianinMD]

Dont see where it was said to stay away just because of the wood. Only to be cautious on its condition. To not be cautious and check it out would be horrible advice.

[afrayed knot]

Thanks to all for the advise. I will definitely check out the Tracker. I have been shying away from the Trackers due to all the bad press I hear about them.

[12poundbass]

Just now, afrayed knot said:

Thanks to all for the advise. I will definitely check out the Tracker. I have been shying away from the Trackers due to all the bad press I hear about. 

Keep in mind that Tracker is the number 1 selling boat so naturally they will get more press good or bad than most. Have there been issues? Yup! Have most been addressed? Yup. Best thing to do is check any boat out you like or in your price range good press or bad and trust your gut. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck!

[gim]

The best information you can get about a specific brand and model of boat is to talk to a current or former owner of one.  Websites, brochures, and other advertising will only go so far.  Try to talk to someone that has lived it.

[PECo]

I owned a 2006 G3 Eagle 165 for a couple of years. Mine was powered with a Yamaha 60 hp four-stroke. It's a terrific little boat. Yes, the deck is plywood, but the hull and transom are welded 0.100 aluminum. It's also full of foam for flotation. I still miss that boat because it was EASY; easy to store, easy to maintain, easy to trailer and easy to run. The guy to whom I sold it recently told me, "No, you're not getting it back."

 

Don't be scared of the plywood. Just make sure that the motor is in good shape and has been well maintained.