The G3 Boats 228 C 2009 vs G3 Boats Gator Tough Jon 20 CCJ DLX 2022 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — G3 Boats 228 C 2009 at 22,0 ft versus G3 Boats Gator Tough Jon 20 CCJ DLX 2022 at 20,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the G3 Boats Gator Tough Jon 20 CCJ DLX 2022 tips the scales at 1 295 lbs — 1 113 lbs less than the G3 Boats 228 C 2009 at 182 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 150 hp, the G3 Boats Gator Tough Jon 20 CCJ DLX 2022 has a 35-hp advantage over the G3 Boats 228 C 2009's 115-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 Gator Tough Jon 20 CCJ DLX 2022 carries 26 gallons versus 3 gallons in the G3 Boats 228 C 2009. 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 228 C 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the G3 Boats Gator Tough Jon 20 CCJ DLX 2022 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 228 C 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the G3 Boats 228 C 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The G3 Boats Gator Tough Jon 20 CCJ DLX 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.