G3 Boats HP 180 2004 vs G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 or the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008?

For trailering, the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 has the edge at 12 lbs dry weight versus 295 lbs for the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The G3 Boats HP 180 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 tops out at 25 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The G3 Boats HP 180 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The G3 Boats HP 180 2004 measures 9" wide, compared to 7" for the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 and G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 and the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 are built by G3 Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

G3 Boats HP 180 2004 vs G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008

G3 Boats

G3 Boats HP 180 2004

2004

View full specs →

G3 Boats

G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

G3 Boats HP 180 2004 vs G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The G3 Boats HP 180 2004 vs G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 has a 125-hp advantage over the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 with its 25-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeG3 Boats

ModelHP 18

ModelWelded Jon - 1548 VBW

Model Year2004

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam90 in

Beam70 in

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Inches9

Beam - Inches7

Draft [drive up] - Detailn/a

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail1,200 lbs

Weight - Detail295 lbs

Weight - kg544.31

Weight - kg133.81

Weight - lbs.12

Weight - lbs.295

Height - Detailn/a

Height - Detailnot available

Height [transom]20 in

Height [transom]16 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Detail14 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters4.52

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches178

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise0℃

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail21 in

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches21

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail48 in

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet14

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thickness0.100 ga

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal34

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Engine max150 hp

Engine max25 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Water capacityn/a

Water capacitynot available

Maximum people4 person

Maximum people4 / 475 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity800 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailUpgraded trailer with 14" radial tires and aluminum mag wheels

Trailer - Detailnot available

G3 Boats HP 180 2004 vs G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 or the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008?

For trailering, the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 has the edge at 12 lbs dry weight versus 295 lbs for the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The G3 Boats HP 180 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 tops out at 25 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The G3 Boats HP 180 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The G3 Boats HP 180 2004 measures 9" wide, compared to 7" for the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 and G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the G3 Boats HP 180 2004 and the G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 are built by G3 Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← G3 Boats HP 180 2004 full specs ← G3 Boats Welded Jon - 1548 VBW 2008 full specs