The G3 Boats 1860 SC 2011 vs G3 Boats LX3 22C 2005 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 LX3 22C 2005 measures 22,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 3,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the G3 Boats 1860 SC 2011 at 18,1 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the G3 Boats LX3 22C 2005 tips the scales at 248 lbs — 162 lbs less than the G3 Boats 1860 SC 2011 at 86 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 175 hp, the G3 Boats LX3 22C 2005 has a 85-hp advantage over the G3 Boats 1860 SC 2011's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 2 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 22C 2005 is rated for 14 passengers, while the G3 Boats 1860 SC 2011 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the G3 Boats LX3 22C 2005 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The G3 Boats 1860 SC 2011 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the G3 Boats LX3 22C 2005. 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 22C 2005 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The G3 Boats 1860 SC 2011 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 22C 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The G3 Boats 1860 SC 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.