BoatBanter.com - Glastron

CP wrote:
HarryKrause wrote:
Garth Almgren wrote:

Around 8/3/2005 5:02 PM, Mike in Texas wrote:

Lurker, newbie (maybe wannabe) boat enthusiast and first-time poster.

If you come bearing boating questions, welcome!

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?

Don't know about the new ones, but I *love* the old ones... :)

I'm not familiar with today's Glastrons, so, of the three brands listed,
I'd go with the Four Winns. For the types of boats they build, I've
always thought their quality was more than a few notches above "ordinary."

The quality of all the boats has improved in the last four years after
all the looking I've done recently. Chaparall and Crownline scored
highest in JD Powers 2005 results for 03-04 boats. Since then they've
all started to beef up the boats with more things. The Merc vs Volvo
issue is hardly an issue now, as long as you have one with enough power
to carry a load and pull a skier together.

Found a neighbor selling a cream puff, '88 Chris Craft, 16 ft, 6 person
max, engine practically rebuilt, new carpets, upholstery, etc. He's put
a lot of work and care into the boat. Asking price $3700. I would've
jumped on that one in a heart beat if it were not for the smaller size.

The deeper V-hulls vs the flatter competition ski boats will always ride
better in choppy to wavy water.

It all comes down to deciding first what you want to do with the boat,
how many people you want to put in on a regular basis, what you like,
and then what you want to spend. Boats, like cars are nothing more than
a money pit. You'll never get out what you put into it.

Our decision of new vs old was settled primarily by the dealer making a
fantastic offer on an '05 Larson LXi 228. For a few grand more than the
used ones we were looking at, we get a brand new boat with a two year
engine warranty, VEC lifetime hull, and several nice extras thrown in.

So the depreciation factor is not an issue for us, as it is already
taken out of the equation. The dealer is offering 15 year financing
which we couldn't get anywhere else. We plan on paying it off long
before then, but initially the monthly payments are low.

If it were not for the price consideration of 3-4 grand, we would have
chosen the 04 Glastron (34 hours) or an 02 Chaparral (29 hrs) as they
also met our criteria.

So go with what you like, cause if you're like us, you're planning on
owning it for 5-7 years, unless we find a money tree in the backyard and
upgrade.

The other thing to consider looking at are the deck boat types if you
are going to use it a lot. Lots of power and lots of space.

Good luck Mike. Hope you don't get as confused as we got in the beginning.