The G3 Boats 1236 2004 vs G3 Boats LX3 25 Cruise 2007 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the G3 Boats LX3 25 Cruise 2007 has a 224-hp advantage over the G3 Boats 1236 2004's 1-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 6 gal and 3 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The G3 Boats LX3 25 Cruise 2007 is rated for 15 passengers, while the G3 Boats 1236 2004 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the G3 Boats LX3 25 Cruise 2007 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The G3 Boats LX3 25 Cruise 2007 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 144 lbs per hp for the G3 Boats 1236 2004. 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.
The G3 Boats LX3 25 Cruise 2007 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The G3 Boats 1236 2004 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the G3 Boats LX3 25 Cruise 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The G3 Boats 1236 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.