Thread: Xpress 18 pfc

I am starting to shop for my retirement boat, currently in a Tracker pt175 which I like but looking for something wider and more stable in a aluminum mod v type boat, I've looked at War eagles, Crestliners, G3 but really like the Xpress pfc models they are much wider, heavier have sea deck standard and with the stepped haul design seem like they would be a much stablier boat then my tracker. Does any one own one or know someone who does? I don't want to make a $35,000 mistake plus Xpress is running 12-18months behind on orders

I previously owned a 2002 H50 Xpress which had the 16' Hyperlift hull. I loved the boat but it didn't have a live well and the motor was tiller steer. The boat was heavy but well built, I have no complaints. With that being said, I actually think Xpress boats are actually build a little better now since they had some quality issues in the early 2000s. I will say one thing, look at the G3 boats next to the Xpress. I think G3 is making a real good, well built boat right now, at least as good as Xpress and with Yamaha motors on the back of both, you can't go wrong. Also I recommend getting a I-beam style aftermarket trailer rather than the trailer either boat comes on, those box tube trailers are not as good as an I-beam trailer.

A heavier boat is one thing I want, the Tracker becomes a sail boat with the smallest of breezes, I looked at G3 catalogs but they looked to similar to my Tracker, Im also a member of teh Xpress owners group on facebook, just to see what people shout about and have seen many issues with there trailers. Heck I haul my Tracker all over the se corner of the country with no trailer issues.

Originally Posted by Tom 513

A heavier boat is one thing I want, the Tracker becomes a sail boat with the smallest of breezes, I looked at G3 catalogs but they looked to similar to my Tracker, Im also a member of teh Xpress owners group on facebook, just to see what people shout about and have seen many issues with there trailers. Heck I haul my Tracker all over the se corner of the country with no trailer issues.

Excellent observation.
My 1992 Astro 17' Bass Boat is a heavy, fiberglass boat that rides like a Cadillac on the water. Windy, choppy days are not a problem cruising down the river, and when trolling it's not such a battle. When I ride with others in their light aluminum boats, the wind and water seem to just beat me to death sometimes, not to mention the noise. (BAM BAM BAM)
There are pros and cons to each, but your observation comes thru loud and clear to me, too.

Originally Posted by TheGrandPoohBah

Excellent observation.
My 1992 Astro 17' Bass Boat is a heavy, fiberglass boat that rides like a Cadillac on the water. Windy, choppy days are not a problem cruising down the river, and when trolling it's not such a battle. When I ride with others in their light aluminum boats, the wind and water seem to just beat me to death sometimes, not to mention the noise. (BAM BAM BAM)
There are pros and cons to each, but your observation comes thru loud and clear to me, too.

After a long conversation with a local dealer, we were comparing G3's to SeaArk's he mentioned the co-owner has G3 was beaten up so bad it looked like someone towed it down the road without a trailer, but didn't leak a drop, on the other hand he mentioned he has been in most brand of boats and compared to the G3 the SeaArks ride like a glass boat. So I need to decide if they are worth another 5 to 7K.

Originally Posted by Tom 513

After a long conversation with a local dealer, we were comparing G3's to SeaArk's he mentioned the co-owner has G3 was beaten up so bad it looked like someone towed it down the road without a trailer, but didn't leak a drop, on the other hand he mentioned he has been in most brand of boats and compared to the G3 the SeaArks ride like a glass boat. So I need to decide if they are worth another 5 to 7K.

I had a G-3 Eagle 185 that I bought brand new....I never did like it...after 5 years I sold it and bought a a Sea Ark 860XV and I love it...IT is by far the best boat that I have ever owned.

Originally Posted by "G"

I had a G-3 Eagle 185 that I bought brand new....I never did like it...after 5 years I sold it and bought a a Sea Ark 860XV and I love it...IT is by far the best boat that I have ever owned.

Good info G, its looking like I'm gonna have to save more money, they told me SeaArk is raising there prices 8% this year. Its also hard to find used ones as they say there a boat of a lifetime. Its also hard to decide when no one has them in stock. Obtw before I fished Dale Hollow last month I ordered some Pico jig heads and plastics and am very happy with the quality of the jig heads, there black and chartreuse tubes kept up with the minnow guys too.

Originally Posted by Traveling Man

I previously owned a 2002 H50 Xpress which had the 16' Hyperlift hull. I loved the boat but it didn't have a live well and the motor was tiller steer. The boat was heavy but well built, I have no complaints. With that being said, I actually think Xpress boats are actually build a little better now since they had some quality issues in the early 2000s. I will say one thing, look at the G3 boats next to the Xpress. I think G3 is making a real good, well built boat right now, at least as good as Xpress and with Yamaha motors on the back of both, you can't go wrong. Also I recommend getting a I-beam style aftermarket trailer rather than the trailer either boat comes on, those box tube trailers are not as good as an I-beam trailer.

Actually there is a local G3 dealer that has a 18ft pfc in stock I might go take a look, as far as quality, I noticed Yamaha now owns G3 I wonder if that will help or hinder quality? also from what I've read the G3's are also a light boat similar to my Tracker

Do you research on both, I think they are both excellent choices. In 2019 I bought a G3 Sportsman 2100 and swapped the trailer out to a Wesco I-beam aluminum trailer and I couldn’t be happier. Regardless of what you hear about the new Yamaha SHO motor, they are really good motors. My only regret was not getting the 200 HP. My boat was rigged with a 175 and this particular G3 is very heavy, .125 aluminum.

Yamaha has owned G3 for a while now. I have a Sportsman 17 and couldn't be happier. Well built boat, 17ft 10 in long with a 92 inch stern. I do alot of longlining and pulling cranks while seated in the back. Wind has never been a problem.