It's boat test Monday! The G3 LX3 22 XS was hot then and it still rocks. A great boat from a great company.
Our First Impression
Is this the LX3 22 XS or excess? The basic definition of the
word "excess" is the state of exceeding what is
normal, and so the "XS" tag on this new model could be considered the perfect
fit. From the solid construction to a boatload of standard features, this G3
does appear to go beyond the norm.
Consumer Test
The XS actually stands for "extra seating/storage" and we
can see why with the extra long starboard couch. Plus with that third pontoon
in-floor locker, storage options seem endless on this 22-footer. We even took
turns climbing inside the ski locker just for fun to prove just how big it
really is. There is also storage under the bow chaise lounges as well as under
all the seats.
At the helm is a good-looking console that complements the
boat well. Besides the large, easy-to-read gauges there is a recessed Garmin
145 depth/fish finder, Sony CDX marine-grade stereo, as well as an MP3 jack and
12-volt outlet. And to go along with the well-designed helm console is a comfy
captain's chair that slides, swivels and reclines for total comfort.
In the stern we love the double-wide sundeck, and below is a
double bow pop-up changing room enclosure that is extra wide, easy to operate
and stands at nearly six feet tall when open. Plus, inside the enclosure is a
bench seat for added comfort, which is always appreciated. Outside the rear
gate is a boarding ladder with good handholds and there is even a ski/tow
pylon, which will see plenty of good use with the big Yamaha power plant in the
back.
Almost everything you see is standard; in fact, there is
only one option on this particular model and that's the removable bow seat that
can be relocated to fill the side gate, depending on where you personally
prefer to board your boat.
If we had to be picky, the walking room behind the captain's
seat felt a little close to the rear bench. There is a lot packed into this
22-footer that is rated for up to 14 people which we truly love, we'd just like
to see a little more room back there.
And although this wouldn't be considered a fishing model,
there is a livewell below the rear bench seat, which we love to see from this
manufacturer that is known for its wide range of great fishing boats.
Inspection Test
Three 23- by 25-inch diameter flotation foam-filled U-shaped
pontoons are the base of this pontoon. There are lifting strakes on both sides
of the outside pontoons, and the weld quality is good. The square cross-members
are on 16-inch centers and are screwed to the plywood deck. Wiring below was
average, and we like how the splash skin covers the full length of the boat.
Worth noting is that although the tubes lack a keel, the pontoon gauge is a
beefy .100 and the nose cones are double plated for durability. Up top the
layout earned high marks, as did the fit and finish work overall.
Performance Test
With the new Yamaha 225 Super High Output engine, to say it
jumped up on plane quickly would be an understatement. We flirted with a top
speed close to the 50-mile-per-hour mark, which shouldn't surprise anyone
familiar with this new Yamaha. Turning was good, but she did lean a little in
the sharp turns.
Who Should Buy It
With all the extra storage and seating capacity, this G3 was
designed to hold a lot of family members comfortably. Call it the XS or "excess,"
but either way there are a lot of families that will be able to appreciate a
`toon that goes beyond the norm.
Lebanon, Mo.
Phone: 800-588-9787
Website: http://www.g3boats.com
