When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the G3 Boats 1036 Jon 2012 and the G3 Boats 1236 Jon 2013 are flat designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The G3 Boats 1236 Jon 2013 measures 11,9 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 10,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the G3 Boats 1036 Jon 2012 at 1,0 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the G3 Boats 1236 Jon 2013 tips the scales at 144 lbs — 143 lbs less than the G3 Boats 1036 Jon 2012 at 1 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 5 hp for the G3 Boats 1036 Jon 2012 and 10 hp for the G3 Boats 1236 Jon 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 2 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The G3 Boats 1036 Jon 2012 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 14 lbs per hp for the G3 Boats 1236 Jon 2013. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.