G3’s Angler series earns a Bachelor of Science in serious deepwater lake and river angling, with a minor in family fun. Rigged with Yamaha’s peppy 115 Vmax SHO outboard, performance was solid; we accelerated from a dead idle to 30 mph in 7.8 seconds, and maxed out at nearly 47 mph. Fuel economy is a strong suit, for sure; at a best-cruise speed of 24.5 mph and 3,500 rpm, the SHO drank at a miserly 4.1 gallons of fuel per hour, giving a frugal 6 miles per gallon. Even at full bore, we recorded nearly 4 miles per gallon, so when conditions allow, let those ponies have their head. With a 19-gallon tank, the Angler V178 F has a 100-mile range while leaving 10 percent in the tank for reserve.
![G3 Boats Angler V178 F cruising to the fishing grounds](jpg/btgfw24-boat-g3-angler-v178-f-02-1024x768.jpg)
The Angler handles tough conditions too. G3 calls the hull GX2—it’s riveted 0.080-gauge aluminum reinforced with double plating in critical wear areas. The hull corners crisply and handles rough lake and wind chop well.
![G3 Boats Angler V178 F helm seating](jpg/btgfw24-boat-g3-angler-v178-f-07-1024x768.jpg)
At the bow, the forward casting platform features small-item storage, with a spot for an optional trolling motor; ours 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 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 and 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 a 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.
![G3 Boats Angler V178 F bow platform](jpg/btgfw24-boat-g3-angler-v178-f-09-1024x768.jpg)
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha 115 hp Vmax SHO four-stroke
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 13 1/8″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.15:1
- Fuel Load: 14 gal.
- Crew Weight: 250 lb.
High Points
- Dual cellphone pockets serve both anglers.
- Tall windscreens with closable center panel plus high freeboard mean a dry ride in snotty water, and a safer environment for your crew.
- Stern jump seats fold down to extend the aft casting deck.
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. |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
![G3 Boats Angler V178 F performance data](jpg/btgbg24-g3-angler-v178-specs-2.jpg)
G3 Boats – Lebanon, Missouri; g3boats.com