1997 Glastron 205GS cuddy, 4.3L Volvo Penta I/O.

After picking this boat up on Thursday following a satisfactory structural
survey, mechanical survey, engine compression test and sea trial we took the
boat for a shakedown cruise on Friday. Although not meant for moderate to
rough seas it offered a nice ride in 1-3 footers on Lake Erie.

There were a number of minor things noted in need of attention during this
shakedown cruise (or perhaps noted earlier when the boat was visually
inspected on land):

1. No compass. Installed a Ritchie surface mount one today on the dash.
2. No porta potty. Purchased and installed, with hold down hardware.
3. No anchor chocks. Installed today on the port and starboard sides.
4. No anchor chain. I added 6 feet of galvanized chain rode today. We
will be anchoring this boat only in the shallows while swimming.
5. No depth sounder. Ordered one on line last night and will receive it on
Monday.
6. Loose fittings. Tightened down the steering wheel, deck hatch handles
and other hardware.
7. Bad spare tire for trailer. The dealership gave me a new tire but I had
to have it mounted on the rim and reinstall it on the trailer. Needed 2 new
lug nuts with spacers I made myself.
8. Swim platform ladder (two step) too short for anyone other than a
gymnast. I fabricated a third rung for the ladder that is removable yet
easily usable for us old farts.
9. Broken cuddy cabin door latch. Installed a new door latch and added a
second snap on the door hold to make it fit tighter and prevent an annoying
humming noise while underway.
10. No cup holder accessible at the helm.. Purchased and installed.
11. Removed the stove (I will be removing the entire cabinet
unit....captains seat, fridge, sink and stove cabinet during the winter and
replacing it with this over the winter....... http://tinyurl.com/aq65b
replacing the entire cockpit carpeting during that time.
12. Installed new hardware for a port side grab rail in the cockpit.
13. Fabricated a new platform for use during access to/from the boat at the
starboard aft. The upholstered jump seat is used to step down onto when
stepping into the boat. I fabricated a removable step platform to replace
the upholstered jump seat insert while getting on/off the boat. It will be
stowed away and replaced when underway with the upholstered jump seat
insert.

The boat is also now outfitted with all necessary safety equipment and I
will be working on it further during the winter as described above.

We are taking it out tomorrow with our son and daughter for some tubing.
insert great big smile.

I am very happy with this boat and our decision to purchase it this late in
the season.

insert another great big smile.