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.

The very best part of getting a 'new' boat is doing all the things it
needs to make it 'just right'.
JR

*JimH* wrote:

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.




--
--------------------------------------------------------------
Home Page: http://www.seanet.com/~jasonrnorth

On Sat, 27 Aug 2005 21:25:45 -0700, JR North
wrote:

The very best part of getting a 'new' boat is doing all the things it
needs to make it 'just right'.
JR
\

that's true. you learn alot about the boat that way. unfortunately you
also learn about your bank account...

---------------------------
to see who "wf3h" is, go to "qrz.com"
and enter 'wf3h' in the field

On Sat, 27 Aug 2005 21:37:30 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:

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.


Sounds like you're ready to go! I took the porta-potty out of mine. The wife
wanted it there, but it took up room and I didn't relish the thought of cleaning
it. So I said I'd leave it if she cleaned it. Now it's out. Has not been a
problem so far.
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

For your consideration ... it's recommended that the anchor chain be at
least
the length of the boat in length ... acts as a shock absorber. And I really
like my fish finder vs a depth sounder with depth/thermometer/speed (I don't
really need GPS where I boat) ... it's interesting watching the bottom roll
by, drop
off etc.

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
Monday.

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

And that's the main thing. I'm sure some people get a good laugh out of our
old beater, but we have come to really like it. We had an absolutely great
day in the 1000 Islands last week, and an absolutely great day up at White
Lake yesterday.

"Bowgus" wrote in message
...
For your consideration ... it's recommended that the anchor chain be at
least
the length of the boat in length ... acts as a shock absorber. And I
really
like my fish finder vs a depth sounder with depth/thermometer/speed (I
don't
really need GPS where I boat) ... it's interesting watching the bottom
roll
by, drop
off etc.

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
Monday.

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

And that's the main thing. I'm sure some people get a good laugh out of
our
old beater, but we have come to really like it. We had an absolutely great
day in the 1000 Islands last week, and an absolutely great day up at White
Lake yesterday.





We anchor only when swimming and set it in 5-7 feet of water. I know the 6
feet of chain is overkill for this scenario, even in high winds or
unfavorable seas (we would not be out swimming in those types of
conditions). Your suggestion for having a chain rode at least the length of
the boat is probably valid for deep water anchoring.

Took the boat out today, leaving in 2 cars as my daughter had to work later
in the day. Put 13 gallons of gas in the boat at the Wal-Mart station at
$2.33/gallon. We launched at the public dock in Vermilion and were on the
Lake by 10:30. Gas on the river was going for close to $3/gallon...thank
you Wal-Mart.

We pulled the kids on the tube for an hour or so, then ran out to Ruggles
Beach for some swimming (I also waxed the boat...a pretty easy job with a 20
footer). My daughter had to work at 4:30 so we pulled up anchor and dropped
her and my son off at the public ramp, then took a little river cruise. It
was close to 90 degrees today so we headed back to Ruggles Beach for some
more swimming. We hooked up with 2 of our friends (one arriving the same
time we did) and spent the rest of the afternoon in the water chilling out
with a few brews.

We headed back to the ramp at 5:30, loaded the boat on the trailer and
headed home.

It was an absolutely beautiful sunny day with just a slight chop on the
water. The boat ran flawlessly. We even saw an American bald eagle. It
just does not get any better than this.

Both my son and daughter got a chance to drive the boat for a bit and both
are looking forward to taking the USCG Power Squadron boating safety class
over the winter so they can take it out on their own next year.

The boat is now sitting in our drive for the next couple of days so I can
install the depth sounder I ordered on Friday.

This is going to be a long, long winter. However, the great memories of
this day will help us survive it. ;-)

On Sun, 28 Aug 2005 20:02:02 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:


"Bowgus" wrote in message
...
For your consideration ... it's recommended that the anchor chain be at
least
the length of the boat in length ... acts as a shock absorber. And I
really
like my fish finder vs a depth sounder with depth/thermometer/speed (I
don't
really need GPS where I boat) ... it's interesting watching the bottom
roll
by, drop
off etc.

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
Monday.

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

And that's the main thing. I'm sure some people get a good laugh out of
our
old beater, but we have come to really like it. We had an absolutely great
day in the 1000 Islands last week, and an absolutely great day up at White
Lake yesterday.





We anchor only when swimming and set it in 5-7 feet of water. I know the 6
feet of chain is overkill for this scenario, even in high winds or
unfavorable seas (we would not be out swimming in those types of
conditions). Your suggestion for having a chain rode at least the length of
the boat is probably valid for deep water anchoring.

Took the boat out today, leaving in 2 cars as my daughter had to work later
in the day. Put 13 gallons of gas in the boat at the Wal-Mart station at
$2.33/gallon. We launched at the public dock in Vermilion and were on the
Lake by 10:30. Gas on the river was going for close to $3/gallon...thank
you Wal-Mart.

We pulled the kids on the tube for an hour or so, then ran out to Ruggles
Beach for some swimming (I also waxed the boat...a pretty easy job with a 20
footer). My daughter had to work at 4:30 so we pulled up anchor and dropped
her and my son off at the public ramp, then took a little river cruise. It
was close to 90 degrees today so we headed back to Ruggles Beach for some
more swimming. We hooked up with 2 of our friends (one arriving the same
time we did) and spent the rest of the afternoon in the water chilling out
with a few brews.

We headed back to the ramp at 5:30, loaded the boat on the trailer and
headed home.

It was an absolutely beautiful sunny day with just a slight chop on the
water. The boat ran flawlessly. We even saw an American bald eagle. It
just does not get any better than this.

Both my son and daughter got a chance to drive the boat for a bit and both
are looking forward to taking the USCG Power Squadron boating safety class
over the winter so they can take it out on their own next year.

The boat is now sitting in our drive for the next couple of days so I can
install the depth sounder I ordered on Friday.

This is going to be a long, long winter. However, the great memories of
this day will help us survive it. ;-)


Fantastic! And I didn't see one bit of bad news, so the boat must be doing well.
That's just great!
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

"PocoLoco" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 28 Aug 2005 20:02:02 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:


"Bowgus" wrote in message
...
For your consideration ... it's recommended that the anchor chain be at
least
the length of the boat in length ... acts as a shock absorber. And I
really
like my fish finder vs a depth sounder with depth/thermometer/speed (I
don't
really need GPS where I boat) ... it's interesting watching the bottom
roll
by, drop
off etc.

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
Monday.

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

And that's the main thing. I'm sure some people get a good laugh out of
our
old beater, but we have come to really like it. We had an absolutely
great
day in the 1000 Islands last week, and an absolutely great day up at
White
Lake yesterday.





We anchor only when swimming and set it in 5-7 feet of water. I know the
6
feet of chain is overkill for this scenario, even in high winds or
unfavorable seas (we would not be out swimming in those types of
conditions). Your suggestion for having a chain rode at least the length
of
the boat is probably valid for deep water anchoring.

Took the boat out today, leaving in 2 cars as my daughter had to work
later
in the day. Put 13 gallons of gas in the boat at the Wal-Mart station at
$2.33/gallon. We launched at the public dock in Vermilion and were on the
Lake by 10:30. Gas on the river was going for close to $3/gallon...thank
you Wal-Mart.

We pulled the kids on the tube for an hour or so, then ran out to Ruggles
Beach for some swimming (I also waxed the boat...a pretty easy job with a
20
footer). My daughter had to work at 4:30 so we pulled up anchor and
dropped
her and my son off at the public ramp, then took a little river cruise.
It
was close to 90 degrees today so we headed back to Ruggles Beach for some
more swimming. We hooked up with 2 of our friends (one arriving the same
time we did) and spent the rest of the afternoon in the water chilling out
with a few brews.

We headed back to the ramp at 5:30, loaded the boat on the trailer and
headed home.

It was an absolutely beautiful sunny day with just a slight chop on the
water. The boat ran flawlessly. We even saw an American bald eagle. It
just does not get any better than this.

Both my son and daughter got a chance to drive the boat for a bit and both
are looking forward to taking the USCG Power Squadron boating safety class
over the winter so they can take it out on their own next year.

The boat is now sitting in our drive for the next couple of days so I can
install the depth sounder I ordered on Friday.

This is going to be a long, long winter. However, the great memories of
this day will help us survive it. ;-)


Fantastic! And I didn't see one bit of bad news, so the boat must be doing
well.
That's just great!
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

Thanks John. It ran better than I thought it would. A nice solid boat with
plenty of power.