At Yamaha’s annual fall media day this past September, the weather was incredible for a change and I got the chance to spend some quality (and very fun) time aboard G3’s Angler 185 SF equipped with a Yamaha 175 VMAX SHO.
Finished in a rich looking black hull and beige/gold interior 18 ounce marine carpet with black and gold upholstery the Angler 185 SF was eye-catching from any angle. As I stepped aboard, I noticed the vinyl floor was perfectly colour-matched to the carpet. Twin fold down seats were positioned outboard on either side of the 20 gallon stern livewell that was in turn flanked by seat mounts. The rear casting platform is narrow, due to the aft bench not folding open, but this allows for more cockpit floor room for coolers, tackle boxes or kids to play.
The all fiberglass helm features black on silver Faria gauges, a unique pre-trip checklist decal, a three-spoke wheel and a Lowrance Hook 7 fishfinder, all behind a Taylor Made all-black aluminum frame windshield.
The bow area is spacious, highlighted by a MinnKota Terra Nova trolling motor, foot pedal and remote. There are three waterproof storage areas under the carpeted floor, plus the 15 gallon bow livewell. Integrated tackle tray storage is to port and rod storage is located in the walkthrough passageway.
The 2.8-litre in-line four cylinder Yamaha 175 VMAX SHO had me on plane in about two seconds, so it will have no problem getting your up to eight passengers across the lake to lunch or dinner, or towing three or four kids on the tube. There’s an extra fuel supply spigot for a kicker motor and ample space for that on the all-aluminum tansom (no wood!)
The Angler 185 SF is one fun versatile fishing machine that will last for years to come.
By Brad Roberts
