G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 vs G3 Boats HP 170 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 or the G3 Boats HP 170 2004?

For trailering, the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 118 lbs for the G3 Boats HP 170 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The G3 Boats HP 170 2004 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 tops out at 25 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the G3 Boats HP 170 2004 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The G3 Boats HP 170 2004 measures 9" wide, compared to 7" for the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 and G3 Boats HP 170 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 and the G3 Boats HP 170 2004 are built by G3 Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 vs G3 Boats HP 170 2004

G3 Boats

G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013

2013

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G3 Boats

G3 Boats HP 170 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 vs G3 Boats HP 170 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 vs G3 Boats HP 170 2004 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 115 hp, the G3 Boats HP 170 2004 has a 90-hp advantage over the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the G3 Boats HP 170 2004 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 with its 25-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeG3 Boats

Model1548 VBW Jon

ModelHP 17

Model Year2013

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam70 in

Beam90 in

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Inches7

Beam - Inches9

Deadrise0℃

Deadrisenot available

Depth - Detail21 in

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches21

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail340 lbs

Weight - Detail1,180 lbs

Weight - kg154.22

Weight - kg535.24

Weight - lbs.34

Weight - lbs.118

Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 48 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]16 in

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Feet14.83

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail14 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Meters4.52

Length overall - Meters5.28

Length overall - Inches178

Length overall - Inches208

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detailn/a

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.100 ga

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeFlat

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeYamaha

Engine makenot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max25 hp

Engine max115 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Operational Info

Maximum capacity800 lbs

Maximum capacity1,200 lbs

Maximum people4

Maximum people4 person

Water capacitynot available

Water capacityn/a

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailUpgraded trailer with 14" radial tires and aluminum mag wheels

G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 vs G3 Boats HP 170 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 or the G3 Boats HP 170 2004?

For trailering, the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 118 lbs for the G3 Boats HP 170 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The G3 Boats HP 170 2004 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 tops out at 25 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the G3 Boats HP 170 2004 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The G3 Boats HP 170 2004 measures 9" wide, compared to 7" for the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 and G3 Boats HP 170 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 and the G3 Boats HP 170 2004 are built by G3 Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← G3 Boats 1548 VBW Jon 2013 full specs ← G3 Boats HP 170 2004 full specs