trainfan1 wrote:
Mike in Texas wrote:

Hi all,

Lurker, newbie (maybe wannabe) boat enthusiast and first-time poster.
Interested in a first purchase boat and went to a dealer today.
Options for runabouts were Bayliner, Glastron and Four Winns. I've
researched B and FW, but haven't much looked into Glastron boats. Any
input on new runabouts by this manufacturer?

Thanks in advance,

Mike


Take a close look at the Glastron VEC hulls and compare to the
competition. The VEC is very impressive.

Rob

Mike,

Where in Texas? I'm in the same spot as you are right now, first time
owner. Looking at used versus new, and have a good buddy that recently
moved to Calif. to work with his brothers managing a Glastron/Larson
dealership. He is counseling me the same way about the VEC hulls. Look
at the Larson and Glastron websites to learn about the VEC tech. info.
It is impressive. Less wood stringers using this proprietary fiberglass
composition, higher tolerances, etc. I'd avoid the Bayliner. Chaparral
and Crownline 16-19 footers tied in J D Powers 2005 evaluations for
03-04 boats. Sea Ray scored very high as well and is a quality boat.

The other thing we are looking at is going bigger 21-23 feet on the
first purchase and avoiding the regrets of not buying bigger to begin
with. Seems people want to trade up later when they buy smaller at
first. Someone else on this newsgroup advised me on the same issue.

How long do you want to own the boat etc. Local dealer I spoke with and
knows I am not buying from (sells Donzi's, Chris Craft and up) advised
in favor of the Merc versus Volvo for two reasons: 1) exit strategy -
claims Merc has a higher resale value, and cheaper parts to maintain.

He says there is little difference in performance. Recommended a bigger
motor than the basic specs, and it seems most dealers follow this when
ordering stock. Basic specs call for 190 HP on 16-19 footers, hearing
that higher is the only way to go even on these smaller models.
Probably a 5.0L engine is a better option. The 06 models are due in
soon if not already in house, so look for a deal on 05's.

Another dealer emphasized the simplicity of self winterizing with a
Merc, unscrew five plastic plugs, and treat the gas.

The front runners for us are a new 05 Larson LXi 228 (very sweet) the
dealer wants to unload, an 04 Glastron GS 205 with extended swim deck
(55 hrs - classy looking boat), and an 02 Chaparral 200 SS (29 hrs).
The two used boats are all in mint condition. Keep hearing at least in
the DFW area, Mercruiser is the way to go, although Calif is about 85%
Volvo engine. So check your area for engine advice and consider the
extended warranty program.

Best acronym for BOAT - Bring Over Another Thousand. They can be a
money pit.

What do you want to use the boat for? One thing I learned this evening
about the tower racks pertains to better skiing and wakeboarding. So
examine what you want to do first, then find the boat. Serious skiing
and wakeboarding have different requirements than just a runabout or
bowrider for recreational uses.

The point that keeps coming home is the warranty issue on new boats
versus buying into problems. Mercury just raised their warranty on
engines registered after July 15th on new engines to 2 years to match
the Volvo warranty. Looked at a 98 Glastron, big boat, but the wear and
tear issues said no way upon inspection.

That's the best I can tell you at the moment, probably will clinch a
deal Friday hopefully, but leaning towards the new Larson, if not it
will be the 04 Glastron.

Good hunting.
Chuck