Gekko G3: Shape Shifter

Both our ski and wakeboard driver praised the boat for its takeoff power, throttle sensitivity and tracking. (By Tom Newby)

Depending on your point of view, traditional tow-boat form—in direct- or V-drive configurations—is either classic or dated. But one thing is beyond debate: The Euro-styled Gekko G3 can't be described as (or accused of being) either. The open-bow 22'3"-long, 8'6"-wide is all curves where straight lines are often the norm. Like it or not, and we found much to like about the G3, it stands out.

Base price for the boat with a MerCruiser Ski Series 350 Mag MPI engine and a trailer is $39,995, which is, these days, toward the lower end of the tow-boat price spectrum. With the exception of four pullout cleats that added $400 to the price, our test-model boat came in base form.

Skiing

Right from the deep-water start, the G3, which channeled its 315-hp to a Walters V-drive (1:1) and an Acme 13" x 13" three-blade propeller, impressed our test skier. It yanked him out of the hole, so solidly, in fact, that he later said the boat "seemed a bit quicker than some of the other V-drives we tested this year." Like all Gekko boats, tracking was dead-on during hard cuts, and the ski wakes earned exceptional marks at various speeds and rope lengths.

"The wakes were some of the best I've skied this year," said our test skier.

The G3 didn't have a ballast system or a tower (it did have a center-mounted pylon through-bolted to the stringer system), meaning that it was primarily setup as a slalom boat. That much was apparent, and it became more so when our wakeboarder hopped in the water and took a few runs behind it. Although the boat's pull from a standing start and tracking impressed him, he was less than excited by its wakes, which he described as "nice for kids" and "non-threatening."

Our test boarder and skier both noticed the distance from the rounded engine hatch to the integrated fiberglass swim platform, which had black rubber matting to keep people from slipping. The hull-and-deck "cheeks" on each side of the platform made positioning and stepping into ski bindings a challenge.

Both our ski and wakeboard driver praised the boat for its takeoff power, throttle sensitivity and tracking. They did, however, suggest adding a mirror to the package.

Performance

Boasting a sharp-V entry bottom that incorporated a pad, strakes, chines and a skeg for tracking, the G3 reached a top speed of 44.5 mph at 4,600 rpm—which is about right for a slalom boat. Time to plane was 3.3 seconds, and in 15 seconds the boat ran within a half speedo-tick of its top end.

The G3 cranked through slalom turns at 20 and 30 mph, but didn't quite have the power to maintain them at 40 mph. Left- and right-hand turns at cruising and full speeds were solid and consistent. Like our ski and wakeboard drivers, our lead test driver found the boat's tracking letter-perfect at all speeds.

Perhaps the best news about G3's driving performance, however, was its ability to handle rough water. The deep entry up front paid big dividends when the Colorado River in Parker, Ariz., got choppy in the afternoon.

Workmanship

Gekko hand-laminated the G3 with a "23-step process." Beyond that, the company wasn?t handing out any details. A rubber rubrail with a plastic insert protected the boat's yellow-and-white gelcoat, accented with the vinyl tape-applied graphics, and standout mold work.

Hardware included cat eye-style nav lights on the nose and handrails on the gunwales in the open bow.

The manufacturer used a three-hatch system to cover the engine. Supported by a gas strut, the center hatch was hinged at the transom. Also hinged, the port and starboard hatches opened outward but had no additional support other than the boat's rounded gunwales, and the lack of support had already caused some of the underside fabric to tear. The hatches did, however, offer great access to deep stowage areas.

Integrated into the sole liner, a cradle mount, a triangulated mounting plate and Mercury mounts strongly secured the motor in place. Cables and hoses in the engine compartment were mostly unsupported, but the manufacturer did take the time to give the bilge a shiny black gelcoat finish.

Interior

A plush U-shape lounge comprised the seating in the open bow. Set snugly in place, the cushions for the lounge were removable and covered stowage compartments. Additional stowage areas were in the driver's console and behind the observer's seat.

A single-piece section of welted snap-in carpet covered the cockpit sole. To port, the observer's station offered enough space to sit for at least one large adult, possibly two.

A swiveling bucket seat, a tilt steering wheel and a gunwale-mounted Teleflex throttle and shifter were provided for the driver to starboard. Instruments in the black dash, which became quite hot on our 106-degree test day, included a multi-function engine gauge, a tachometer and an analog speedometer. Highlights at the helm included a multifunction and accessory touch-pad and keyless, code-activated ignition.

Overall

Though it could be tidied up in a few areas, the Gekko G3 is a high-styled, soft-riding V-drive tow boat that lays down excellent wakes for slalom skiing. It's an affordable choice for skiers looking for a little something different, yet familiar.

Hull and Propulsion Information

Deadrise at transom	NA
Centerline	22'3"
Beam 8'6"
Hull weight	3,300 pounds
Engine	MerCruiser 350 Mag MPI
Cylinder type V-8
Cubic-inch displacement/horsepower	350/315
Lower-unit gear ratio	1:1
Propeller	Acme 13" x 13"

Pricing

Base retail	$39,995
Price as tested	$40,395

Standard Equipment

MerCruiser 350 Mag MPI engine, carbon graphite accented dash, custom Gekko gauges, soft-touch silicone switch panels, 45-gallon fuel tank, swiveling driver?s seat, lift-out cooler, bow filler cushion, three-piece engine hatch, integrated swim platform, weather-sealed upholstery, tilt Momo steering wheel and trailer.

Options on Test Boat

Four pullout cleats ($400).

Test Results

Acceleration