The G3 Boats Angler V172 FS 2012 vs G3 Boats PB 20 Fish 2006 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 Angler V172 FS 2012 measures 17,2 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 15,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the G3 Boats PB 20 Fish 2006 at 2,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the G3 Boats Angler V172 FS 2012 tips the scales at 146 lbs — 131 lbs more than the G3 Boats PB 20 Fish 2006 at 15 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 115 hp for the G3 Boats Angler V172 FS 2012 and 100 hp for the G3 Boats PB 20 Fish 2006. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the G3 Boats Angler V172 FS 2012 carries 33 gallons versus 23 gallons in the G3 Boats PB 20 Fish 2006. 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 PB 20 Fish 2006 is rated for 11 passengers, while the G3 Boats Angler V172 FS 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the G3 Boats PB 20 Fish 2006 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The G3 Boats PB 20 Fish 2006 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the G3 Boats Angler V172 FS 2012. 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.
Bottom line: Choose the G3 Boats PB 20 Fish 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The G3 Boats Angler V172 FS 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.