The Angler series is designed to fish, cruise and play. An available tow pylon means watersports can be a sideline to fishing. Its deep-V design is ideal for big waters and deep rivers. Yamaha’s peppy 115 VMax SHO outboard gave it a sassy hole shot—7.8 seconds to 30 mph. And it maxed out at nearly 47 mph. Fuel economy is a strong suit; the SHO squeezed 6 mpg at 24.5 mph. Even at full bore, we recorded nearly 4 mpg, so let those ponies have their reins when conditions allow. A 19-gallon tank gives the Angler V178 F a 100-mile range while leaving 10 percent in the tank in reserve.
The Angler handles tough conditions too. G3 calls the hull GX2; it has riveted 0.080-gauge aluminum reinforced with double plating in critical wear areas. The hull’s heavily reinforced deep-V bottom corners crisply and handles rough-lake and wind chop well.
At the bow, the forward casting platform features a small-item storage compartment, with a spot for an optional trolling motor; our boat featured a Minn Kota Terrova. Storage compartments plus a deep center rod-storage box dominate the deck forward of the cockpit. A tall walk-through windshield protects boaters from rain and spray in cooler weather, keeping the crew comfortable and ready to fish. The pilot’s console features Baystar hydraulic steering, Yamaha instruments and a standard side-mounted Yamaha control. Storage boxes in the cockpit coamings hold gear on the starboard, with additional rods to port. Pilot and navigator seats are pedestal-mounted, with fore-aft adjustments and rotating bases. The aft deck features twin jump seats that fold to extend the deck. G3 does a clean rigging job; the under-transom wiring, hoses and cables are all well-routed and supported.
The package price of $46,000 includes an aluminum trailer with radial tires and a spare. Our test boat had high-gloss, deep-blue paint with custom graphics; it’s available in a white or charcoal color scheme as well. The G3 V178 F is competitively priced and ready for fun and fishing.
High Points
- Dual cellphone pockets serve both anglers.
- Tall windshield closes for a dry ride in snotty water.
- Stern jump seats fold down to extend the aft casting deck.
- Deep freeboard reassures families with small children.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha 115 hp VMax SHO four-stroke
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 13¹/8″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.15:1 Fuel Load: 14 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $46,000 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 17’8″ |
| Beam: | 7’4″ |
| Dry Weight: | 1,324 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 6/802 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 19 gal. |
| Livewell Capacity: | 27 gal. |
G3 Boats – Lebanon, Missouri; g3boats.com
