The G3 Boats 1648 LW Jon 2012 vs G3 Boats PB 20 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The G3 Boats 1648 LW Jon 2012 measures 15,8 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 13,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the G3 Boats PB 20 2004 at 2,0 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the G3 Boats PB 20 2004 tips the scales at 168 lbs — 141 lbs less than the G3 Boats 1648 LW Jon 2012 at 27 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 100 hp, the G3 Boats PB 20 2004 has a 75-hp advantage over the G3 Boats 1648 LW Jon 2012's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The G3 Boats PB 20 2004 is rated for 11 passengers, while the G3 Boats 1648 LW Jon 2012 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the G3 Boats PB 20 2004 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The G3 Boats 1648 LW Jon 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 2 lbs per hp for the G3 Boats PB 20 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.