While the core mission of the V185 FS is to be a fast and efficient walleye and bass hunter, G3 continues to find innovative ways to make it a platform for family pleasure as well.

While the core mission of the V185 FS is to be a fast and efficient walleye and bass hunter, G3 continues to find innovative ways to make it a platform for family pleasure as well.



Guys who like to fish and own a nice little fishing boat are under a lot of pressure. Their fishing buddies and even their kids will always be on them to gas up the boat and hit the lake so they can drop a line. Meanwhile, the wife might want to plan a day with the kids to get out there and enjoy some quality family time. And then there's that distant vision of solo early a.m. sessions on the boat with nothing else to keep you company but your rod, reel and fish basket.

There's nothing new about fish boats made to cater to boaters with split personalities, and G3's multispecies Angler V185 Fish and Sport demonstrates how these boats are getting better both in terms of fishability and family functionality. While the core mission of the V185 FS is to be a fast and efficient walleye and bass hunter, G3 continues to find innovative ways to make it a platform for family pleasure as well.

The angler in you will appreciate the new pedestal seat bases with more seat locations for fighting fish as well as the convenience of a new two-bank Dual Pro onboard battery charger. The family will enjoy the upgraded 6.5-inch stereo speakers and the passenger seat with slider, which will increase comfort. Breakers replace fuses on this boat for 2006, and new hydraulic steering will keep you in control whether you're pulling junior behind the boat on the wakeboard or you're speeding back to the fishing tournament weigh-in station with a prize-winning catch stashed in the livewell.

The aerated livewell is located on the port side in the bow and includes a remote drain, recirculating pumps, a 500 gph aerator pump and an insulated lid to reduce heat transfer and keep your livewell water cool.

The bow is also equipped with a 24v trolling motor switch panel with a battery meter, a trim switch for the motor and a courtesy light. A Minn Kota Maxxum 80 trolling motor and others are optional. You'll find dry storage in a compartment on the starboard side of the bow. In the center of the bow there is a carpeted platform that goes in place to create a large casting deck; and the platform has a pedestal base for a fishing chair.

When it's time to switch to family mode, you can put down optional bow pads to create a bowrider arrangement. There's more room for passengers in the cockpit thanks to a pair of jump seats that fold up at the stern. When not in use, the seats fold down to create a full-beam casting platform aft, which also has a pedestal base for a fishing chair. In all there are six pedestal bases, and the craft comes standard with three high-back fold-down fishing chairs (including the driver's seat).

Anglers will be glad to know the V185 FS has plenty of rod storage, including a dedicated locker in the deck and another under the port gunwale. The gunwales themselves are extra wide to give you room to mount downriggers, and the four stainless steel flush cleats will allow you to keep the gunwales clear so you don't snag a line while fighting a fish.

Like many other smaller fishing boats, the V185 FS comes standard with its own trailer. In this case you get a custom powder-coated Trail Guard trailer with a locking detachable tongue, 15-inch tires and E-Z Lube hubs.

Performance

With a scant weight of 1,610 pounds, a light load and 150 ponies clamped onto the transom, we expected punchy performance from the V185 FS. We had two people aboard for our test and seven eighths of a tank of fuel (about 31 gallons or 194 pounds). For power we had a 150 hp Yamaha F150 spinning a 19-inch three-blade aluminum prop.

Time to plane was a crisp 2.4 seconds, and our 0 to 30 mph acceleration time was also quick at 6.0 seconds. This is just what we were hoping to see. With the throttle all the way forward we quickly posted a top speed of 50.5 mph at 5,975 rpm, so it seems the 19-inch prop is well matched. You can expect a cruising range of about 98 miles at top speed, and our sound meter hovered around 96 dBa at top speed.

Our most efficient cruising speed was 25.4 mph at 3,500 rpm, which will yield a cruising range of about 163 miles. Our sound meter registered a pleasant 77 dBa at cruising speed, low enough for slightly above-normal conversation levels.

We had ideal conditions while testing, and the standard hydraulic steering was appreciated in the turns. We found that the boat ran best with the nose trimmed up quite a bit, which put the spray coming off the sides of the boat behind the helm — we could tell immediately that this would be a dry-riding boat in most conditions.

The GX2 V-hull of the V185 FS features a .100 gauge aluminum double plated bow and bottom for added strength and protection in rough water and a full-length riveted keel for maximum durability in big-water conditions.

Overall

One of the reasons we know G3 is really going to great lengths to build family functionality into its Angler V185 Fish and Sport is that the company offers four different boats with this same hull, all of which are focused on fishing much more than the family. So, if you really want something that cuts both ways, the V185 FS is for you.

If you like what you see but would rather have this boat with single or double bubble consoles, then that's a possibility. There's even a V185 XT that is outfitted with two huge livewells and all vinyl floors.

In terms of price you're looking at a little over $30,000 for this boat with the F150 and no options. The standard package, which includes the trailer, is fairly inclusive, so you shouldn't have to spend too much more on options to customize this boat to your liking.

The V185 FS gives you plenty of multispecies fishing ability along with the room and features you need to show your family a good time — go ahead, it's OK to have your cake and eat it too.

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Manufacturer Contact Information

G3 Boats
901 Cowan Drive
Lebanon, MO 65536
(800) 588-9787
www.g3boats.com