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

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

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

"CP" wrote in message
...
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


A good used boat that has been properly surveyed and found to be
structurally and mechanically sound will always be a better deal than a new
boat.

Period.

Some folks feel better buying new. Fine. Just don't expect a trouble free
boat and do expect a big hit on depreciation once you leave the dealership
with that brand new boat. ;-)

*JimH* wrote:
"CP" wrote in message
...

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



A good used boat that has been properly surveyed and found to be
structurally and mechanically sound will always be a better deal than a new
boat.

Period.

Some folks feel better buying new. Fine. Just don't expect a trouble free
boat and do expect a big hit on depreciation once you leave the dealership
with that brand new boat. ;-)


Unless you're offered a real sweet deal on an '05 closeout
model!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overall I agree with you, except for the new engine warranty issue.

Chuck

CP wrote:
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

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for the response. It sounds like we're looking for basically the
same thing. I'm interested in a 20 to 23 ft. bowrider - it seems that
may be all I can afford. So far, I like Four Winns' Horizon LE 200,
Glastron's GX 205 or 235 (maybe), or Larson's LXi 208 or 228.

Thanks for the engine info. I haven't really looked into choosing
between Mercruiser and Volvo just yet. I do know I'd like to have a
more hp than standard engines.

I can't purchase right this minute - I want to save some for a
down-payment. Right now I'm in the research phase to see what I can
actually afford. There's a boat show in two weeks (I think) in San
Antonio I will check out to get more info.

As far as new vs. used - I'm looking into both, but have the same issues
as you have pointed out. I'm keeping my eyes open, though.

Thanks again,

Mike

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

Will do - thanks for the input.

Mike

I am in the process of paying off a bayliner 175. for $11,500 (t/l included)
its a good boat. I too looked at the glastron equivalent. The Glastron has
the VEC hull and it comes with the lifer warrenty. The Bayliner does not
have the VEC tech but does come with a lifer warrenty as well. . Both came
with the 3.0 merc engine and alpha outdrive . The Glastron is a great boat
if you can justify spending the extra money. There are only a few things
that the glastron has that the bayliner doesnt.
1 Glastron comes with a stereo. Not a big deal considering I had one sitting
in the garage just waiting to be installed. Besides unless your cruising at
15 mph you aint gonna hear it anyway.
2 Bucket seats. and a sundeck. Ok so I got folding seats and no sundeck.
Thats ok with me because if a fat chick plops down on the sundeck its
history. ( Funniest damn thing I ever saw. A buddies wife's friend weighed
every bit of 300lbs and did just that on his NEW (like 2 weeks old) VIP
Vision. man he was ****ed)
3 Fibreglass floor, with snap in carpet. Ok look, its a boats floor, its
going to get soft sooner or later. Both have lifer warrenties so whats the
big deal. The carpet still needs to be vacuumed or hosed off once in a
while. So whether its vac'ed out or hosed off its still has to be cleaned.
it just depends on where you want to clean the carpet (in the boat or in the
driveway and then reinstall it)
The real selling point for me though was the trailer. it was included in the
price

Good luck in the hunt for the perfect boat

Steve
"Mike in Texas" wrote in message
...
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

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...

--
~/Garth - 1966 Glastron V-142 Skiflite: "Blue-Boat"
"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simply messing about in boats."
-Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows