When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the G3 Boats 1652 CC 2012 and the G3 Boats 1966 SC 2011 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 1966 SC 2011 measures 19,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the G3 Boats 1652 CC 2012 at 15,8 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the G3 Boats 1652 CC 2012 tips the scales at 685 lbs — 579 lbs more than the G3 Boats 1966 SC 2011 at 106 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 115 hp, the G3 Boats 1966 SC 2011 has a 55-hp advantage over the G3 Boats 1652 CC 2012's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the G3 Boats 1652 CC 2012 carries 12 gallons versus 2 gallons in the G3 Boats 1966 SC 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The G3 Boats 1966 SC 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the G3 Boats 1652 CC 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 1966 SC 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the G3 Boats 1966 SC 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The G3 Boats 1652 CC 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.