G3 1860 WOF Review: Custom Jon Boat

G3 1860 WOF Review: A Purpose-Built Jon Boat for Custom Setups

The G3 1860 WOF is one of the most interesting boats in the Gator Tough Loose Jon lineup because it gives buyers a large, capable aluminum jon boat platform without forcing them into one fixed layout.

Instead of starting with a finished center-console or side-console package, the 1860 WOF is built for shoppers who want to customize. G3 describes the 2026 1860 WOF as a Loose Jon focused on “purpose and function,” with available options such as consoles, steering cables, a deck extension, and bench seating.

For anglers, hunters, landowners, camp owners, and utility-minded boaters in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and nearby areas, the G3 1860 WOF is worth a close look if you want a strong blank canvas that can become the boat you actually need.

Quick Review: Who Is the G3 1860 WOF Best For?

The G3 1860 WOF is best for buyers who want a larger jon boat hull with room to build around their own fishing, hunting, or utility priorities.

It is a strong fit for shoppers who want open space first and accessories second. That could mean a tiller-style fishing boat, a side-console river boat, a center-console utility rig, a duck hunting setup, or a work boat for property and shoreline tasks.

The 1860 WOF may not be the best choice if you want a fully finished boat, motor, trailer, livewell, electronics, and storage package from day one. In that case, compare G3 Package Jon models such as the 18 SC, 18 CC, 20 SC, or 20 CC.

G3 1860 WOF Key Specs

G3 lists the 2026 1860 WOF with a 17'11" boat length, 23'0" package length, 80" beam, 6-person capacity, 1,500-pound max weight capacity, 6.6-gallon portable fuel capacity, and 60T/90C max horsepower rating.

Those numbers explain the model’s role. It is large enough to carry real gear and passengers, but still simple enough to customize around your own priorities instead of someone else’s factory layout.

What Makes the G3 1860 WOF Different?

The 1860 WOF is different because it gives you a big jon boat foundation with flexible rigging paths.

G3 lists optional side-console, aluminum center-console, and adjustable aluminum side-console choices for the 1860 WOF, along with steering cable options, windshield availability, storage boxes, cushioned storage boxes, camo slider cushions, trailer choices, and a spare tire option.

That flexibility is the reason shoppers look at this model. You can keep it simple, or you can build it into something more specialized.

For many buyers, that is the appeal. The 1860 WOF does not try to be everything from the factory. It gives you room to create the right setup.

Fishing Setup Potential

The G3 1860 WOF can make a lot of sense for anglers who want a large, open fishing platform.

A fishing-focused build might include a trolling motor, battery and charger, fish finder, rod holders, anchor system, storage boxes, tackle organization, and a casting deck setup. Because the 1860 WOF starts as a customizable Loose Jon, the layout can be planned around how you actually fish.

Bass anglers may want deck space and electronics. Catfish anglers may want rod holders, anchor control, and open floor space. Crappie anglers may want trolling motor precision and storage for multiple rods. River anglers may want simplicity, weight control, and easy cleanup.

Before choosing accessories, decide whether you want the boat to stay open or become more finished. Every box, deck, battery, and mount changes how the boat feels.

Hunting Setup Potential

The 1860 WOF can also work well for hunters because open space is valuable in a duck boat.

A hunting build may include camo seating, blind material, interior lighting, decoy storage, dog access planning, anchor setup, floor traction, and simple gear organization. The 1,500-pound listed max weight capacity gives buyers room to think through real hunting loads, but capacity should still be treated as a limit, not a goal.

Duck hunting gear gets bulky fast. Decoy bags, blind bags, waders, dog gear, fuel, batteries, anchors, life jackets, coolers, lights, and cold-weather clothing can fill a boat quickly.

The 1860 WOF’s advantage is that you can plan storage and seating around that gear instead of working around a fixed interior that may not match your hunting style.

Utility and Work Use

The G3 1860 WOF may be especially attractive to landowners, camp owners, and practical boaters.

A large open jon boat can be useful for checking shorelines, moving light supplies, reaching a dock, hauling tools, maintaining private water access, or supporting outdoor work. In those cases, a simple open layout may be better than a feature-heavy fishing package.

Buyers using the boat for work should think carefully about flooring, storage boxes, trailer choice, fuel placement, seating, and how often cargo needs to move in and out. A clean, open layout can be more useful than a boat filled with permanent accessories.

Tiller, Side Console, or Center Console?

The 1860 WOF’s biggest decision is layout.

A tiller setup keeps the boat simple and open. It can be a good fit for hunters, utility users, and buyers who want maximum floor space.

A side-console setup adds steering comfort while keeping more of the center floor open. That can work well for mixed fishing, hunting, and utility use.

A center-console setup gives the operator a more central helm position and can help anglers who want walkaround movement and electronics organization.

G3 lists F40, F50, and F60 options with a requirement to choose a tiller conversion kit or console, and it also lists multiple optional console choices for the 1860 WOF.

This is where MotoMember can help. The right choice depends on your water, gear, passengers, storage, and how you move through the boat.

G3 1860 WOF vs 1860 VBW

The G3 1860 VBW is the natural comparison for buyers who want a simpler welded jon boat.

G3 lists the 1860 VBW with the same 17'11" boat length, 80" beam, 60T/90C max horsepower rating, 1,500-pound max weight capacity, and 6-person capacity. The VBW is lighter, with a 500-pound listed dry weight, and its package length and trailer width are listed as not applicable because it is a more basic Loose Jon configuration.

Choose the 1860 VBW if you want a simpler, lower-starting-price welded jon boat foundation.

Choose the 1860 WOF if you want a more build-ready platform with package specs, trailer options, fuel tank option, console choices, seating options, and a stronger custom setup path.

For many shoppers, the decision comes down to how finished they want the boat to become.

G3 1860 WOF vs 1860 WOFJ

The 1860 WOFJ is the jet version to compare if shallow rocky river access is a major priority.

G3 lists the 1860 WOFJ with an 18'1" boat length, 23'7" package length, 80" beam, 700-pound dry weight, 1,570-pound package weight, 1,500-pound max weight capacity, 6-person capacity, 6.6-gallon portable fuel capacity, and 60/40J tiller or 90/65J console max horsepower rating.

Choose the 1860 WOF if you want a prop-driven custom jon boat foundation.

Choose the 1860 WOFJ if jet-drive shallow-water performance is the reason you are shopping.

A jet boat is not automatically better. It is more specialized. For many lakes, ponds, creeks, and moderate-depth rivers, the standard 1860 WOF may be simpler and easier to justify.

Is the G3 1860 WOF Good for Shallow Water?

Yes, the 1860 WOF can be a good shallow-water jon boat for many situations, but it should not be confused with a dedicated Tunnel Jon or Jet Jon.

The 1860 WOF can make sense for ponds, creeks, protected backwaters, marsh edges, shallow coves, and suitable river sections. If your water includes rocky ledges, skinny riffles, or areas where prop clearance is a constant concern, compare the 1860 WOFJ, 18 CCJ, 20 CCJ, or G3 tunnel models.

Shallow-water performance depends on more than the hull. Load placement, motor setup, prop selection, passengers, batteries, fuel, and operator experience all matter.

Towing, Storage, and Ownership Fit

The 1860 WOF has a listed 23'0" package length, 85" width on trailer, and 1,420-pound package weight.

Those numbers matter before you buy. Measure your garage, barn, driveway, or storage space. Include the trailer tongue, outboard position, spare tire, trailer guides, cover, trolling motor, and walking room around the boat.

A custom jon boat should fit your life, not just your water. The best setup is one you can store, launch, clean, service, and use without frustration.

Price and Value

G3 lists the 2026 1860 WOF starting at $11,625.

That starting price is useful for comparison, but it is not a final out-the-door quote. Final cost can depend on model year, current inventory, motor choice, trailer selection, freight, setup, taxes, title, registration, accessories, financing, trade-in value, and dealer-installed equipment.

The 1860 WOF’s value comes from flexibility. You are not paying for a fully finished factory fishing layout. You are paying for a large Gator Tough Loose Jon platform that can be built around your use.

Accessories to Consider

Common 1860 WOF accessories may include a trolling motor, battery and charger, fish finder, rod holders, storage boxes, camo slider cushions, floor or traction upgrades, anchor system, trailer guides, boat cover, lighting, and safety gear.

G3 lists storage boxes, cushioned storage boxes, camo slider cushions, optional consoles, windshield options, trailer choices, and spare tire options for the 1860 WOF.

MotoMember’s service resources include routine maintenance, inspections, battery service, accessory installation, pickup and delivery, wash/detail, and seasonal prep.

That matters because a custom jon boat is only as good as the way it is rigged.

MotoMember Expert Tip

Build the G3 1860 WOF in phases.

Start with the hull, motor direction, trailer, safety gear, fuel setup, and the few accessories you know you will use every trip. Then fish, hunt, or work from the boat several times before adding permanent boxes, decks, electronics, lighting, or blind hardware.

Many shoppers overbuild a custom jon boat too early. A few real trips will show where you actually stand, where rods pile up, where decoys fit, where the dog rides, where passengers step, and where storage should go.

Our team can help you compare tiller, side-console, and center-console setup paths before you drill, mount, wire, or commit.

Regional Buying Advice for VA, PA, MD, and Nearby Areas

For shoppers in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and nearby areas, the 1860 WOF can fit many local uses: river fishing, pond access, small-lake fishing, hunting support, camp utility, private water access, and backwater exploring.

MotoMember is a full-service powersports and marine dealership group with locations in Purcellville and Manassas, Virginia, and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. MotoMember represents major powersports and marine brands including G3, Yamaha, SunCatcher, Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Polaris, Kawasaki, Slingshot, and others.

Current availability can vary by season, location, model year, motor package, trailer setup, color, and options. Check MotoMember inventory or contact the team before planning around one exact G3 1860 WOF build.

Safety Considerations

The G3 1860 WOF is over 16 feet long, so safety gear planning matters.

Recreational boats must carry Coast Guard-approved PFDs in good, serviceable condition and appropriate size for the intended user. Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible, and throwable devices must be immediately available.

Before launching, check your state and waterway rules, inspect life jackets, confirm navigation lights, avoid overloading the boat, and keep safety gear reachable instead of buried under tackle, decoys, tools, or storage boxes.

Call to Action

Your G3 Gator Tough Headquarters starts at MotoMember.

Explore current G3 availability, compare the 1860 WOF with the 1860 VBW, 1860 WOFJ, Package Jon models, and Tunnel/Jet Jon options, and talk with the MotoMember team about Yamaha power, console choices, trailer fit, accessories, financing, trade-ins, service, towing, and storage.

Large selection. Straightforward shopping. Real powersports and marine expertise.

Stop dreaming. Start riding—and boating—with MotoMember.

Conclusion

The G3 1860 WOF is a purpose-built jon boat for buyers who want a large, customizable aluminum platform.

Its strengths are clear: 17'11" length, 80" beam, 6-person capacity, 1,500-pound max weight capacity, 60T/90C max horsepower rating, available console options, available storage boxes, available seating options, and a layout that can be shaped around fishing, hunting, work, or mixed outdoor use.

Choose the 1860 WOF if you want a custom setup instead of a fixed factory layout. Choose the 1860 VBW if you want a simpler welded jon. Choose the 1860 WOFJ if jet-drive shallow-water use is central to your boating life.

For shoppers in VA, PA, MD, WV, and nearby areas, MotoMember can help you decide whether the G3 1860 WOF is the right custom jon boat foundation for your water, gear, trailer, and season.

FAQ

Is the G3 1860 WOF good for custom setups?

Yes. G3 describes the 1860 WOF as focused on purpose and function, with available customization options such as consoles, steering cables, deck extension, and bench seating.

How big is the G3 1860 WOF?

G3 lists the 2026 1860 WOF with a 17'11" boat length, 23'0" package length, 80" beam, 85" width on trailer, 680-pound dry weight, and 1,420-pound package weight.

How many people can the G3 1860 WOF carry?

G3 lists the 1860 WOF with a 6-person capacity and 1,500-pound max weight capacity. Always include passengers, fuel, batteries, tackle, decoys, tools, anchors, safety gear, and accessories when estimating total load.

What is the difference between the G3 1860 WOF and 1860 WOFJ?

The 1860 WOF is the standard custom Loose Jon platform, while the 1860 WOFJ is the jet version. G3 lists the WOFJ with a 60/40J tiller or 90/65J console max horsepower rating and jet-specific rigging options.

How do I check current G3 1860 WOF availability at MotoMember?

Check MotoMember’s current inventory or contact the team directly. Availability, model year, motor package, trailer setup, color, equipment, pricing, and incoming units can change by season and location.