G3 curiosity

[BruceDrake]

Given how often G3's show up in sightings and wanted postings - I am curious about whether there were better years and less better years given the number of years they made the G3. What modifications were made over time in the design and construction? What improvements were made? Were there some years that shortcuts were made that altered the quality of construction or performance?

[Skagitguy]

Bruce, All i know is from 1959-1963 they where a very good boat. But like all boats back in that time some items would be questionable construction today. In the G-3 club a lot of the guys rebuilt them better than what they were when new , like we do with the BB's ,Skagit, Dorsett and others. There was a open deck model and a super G-3 that came later. Larson Boats purchase Glasspar if i'am correct sometime around 1964-66 time ? Back in 1960 i use to go water sking ( still have the ski ! ) behind a friends G-3 out in Lake Washington and had nothing but fun fun fun. I really don't think Glasspar ever thought they would be lasting very long, like into the 70's or till now in 2010 rebuilt or not ! It is a great boat as far as cornering and just zipping along at any speed even up in the high 40's like some of the guys sometime do.They really handle 2'-3' waves very well , in fact some ways better than a Skagit going along at the same speed. At higher speeds like 35 mph it rides very nice and that is going a little more than two feet off the water. The Farallon seems like driving the Queen Mary after being out in the G-3. Some of the other guys will be able to tell you a lot more. It's a super nice boat to run. Chuck

http://forums.fiberglassics.com/g3/

[ChuckB]

As long as it's a Glasspar built g3 you're fine, the center deck models being the most popular. Larson made some changes and those arren't as desireable and the Super G isn't all that great. There is one of those on CL right now.
ChuckB

[Tim_Mattson]

Bruce ,
Remember ,builder`s have a profit margin to watch and few who build them for life are still making a profit to sustain business.
Private and owner restored hulls can be re-done way better than any factory.Defining "Better" is sorta needed though.Time and cost sometimes is forgotten.
The 1959 G-3 I tore into and dealt with was pretty lightly glassed on stringers and the transom face.Same as my Seafair was except the Seafair still had wood.
The removal process actually is easier if built lightly , tearing into an overbuilt or heavily repaired hull can sometimes be a tedious process.
I no longer question a boat built to be easily repaired as I once did at Wooldridge,I used to believe you could "build it for life" but now realize stuff will happen if you use it long enough.
Having ridden in hulls built like Fort Knox,I have felt the water impact energy not being absorbed and released whereas a lighter built boat can actually feel more comfortable to a passenger.And Gear.....
My welded hulls have broken fishfinders and the occasional unsecured Fishing Rod (owner`s fault....) when driven really hard on the salt.
I`m starting to believe the Balance of building just strong enough to withstand typical use will allow more payload and raise economy both on highway and on the water.
On the specifics of the Glasspars.....the bigger ones seem to use a Shell that is thicker with lighter structure that is easy to replace,usually after the
2nd motor has been installed after the original has been well worn.
The G-3 s I`ve seen have been ultra-light on the shell,but with a full Keel support and then 6 stringers/slats with not much space between.
The Bowdeck even has 4 upside down stringers that seem to take care of the lack of them on the front lower half.
I did foam a Larson made 1967 Citation for a buddy and after drilling some holes we found the stringers were solid Flat Glass panels that needed no extra help ,but he wanted it foamed anyways.
I had my G-3 for 5 years before running it and now know what the fuss is about as it rode better as you increased speed and carved like a corvette,maybe why they call then "Corvettes of the water".

I`m guessing Bruce hasn`t driven one yet.......


Pretty tight quarters getting in and out but feels like wearing a glove once tucked into the seats......a centerdeck does make it cozy but also adds to the hull strength I`m sure.Rigging the dash is a like putting in a car stereo,very awkward.
Bigger guys will want to look for the open model so seats can be set accordingly.
Final note is they use a "Bump pad" up front so a waterskier can be lurched out of the hole.They will ride with the last half of hull almost airborne ,reducing drag and allowing the Cleaver props to work out well.Motors can be mounted higher than you`d expect.
This can make them chinewalk or get squirrelly at higher speeds.
Either get a free one and do it up to suit or wait for one in good shape and just enjoy it.
My V-4 plan is on hold as I had enough fun with a 2 cylinder 55hp.
The 70 hp will probably be the ticket.
Tim M

[Bigfoot]

59 through 63 were center decks. 61's have a built in foot rest. They wernt built in 64 but 65 66 67 maby 68 were redesigned with a new top deck. The bow and stern are a bit diffrent and more interior space. Also 65 -67 maby 68 came with glass stringers which is a big deal today because no stringer replacement required with restoration. larson bought them out in 68 or 69 if im not mistaken.. I have a 61 that is in great shape that I want to do a full wood replacement this summer. It hasnt been on the water since 1980. I paid next to nothing for it in 06. It is my dream boat and the only one I need. I bought it for the style and the classic lines before I even knew it was a desired boat, I hadent heard of glasspar untill after I owned it, thats how I got sucked into this life I live in today called "boat world" Mike

ps the last pic is the pic the seller used in his ad that I lusted over untill I bought the thing

[Tim_Mattson]

Mike stole the color scheme I had in my head.
I have some Red 2 part to go on mt Black/White 1959 ,once my bow nose is back in order.
Dig in Mike,there isn`t much there it is so short and narrow.
Top shell off will make it a breeze then a 100 Xlong Alum rivets will get it back together.
RIG DASH while it`s upside down,don`t wait like I did or you`ll be ready for a spinal adjustment.
Got mine in 05 so you are on pace.....100 days of no rain told me it was time.
Oh yeah ,foot pegs are huge,my simple added on ones blew off when we hit the bank at 32 mph so I`m curious to see the real ones.
TimM