need advice - runabout boats
 

Hi folks.

I'm chiming in here from MN and I'm about to buy a new boat. I need
advice.

I'm wondering what folks thing about Glastron, Larson, Stingray, and
Bayliner boats.

Any generalized opinions or specific experiences are very helpful.

I am looking at the base models for all four makes. Basically, the
17.5-18" base models with the sunbathe area on the rear and definitely
an inboard, specifically a 3.0 liter 135hp.

Each of these models is available with a Volvo or a MerCruisier
engine. The Volvo comes standard; the MerC is about a $500 upgrade.
If you have any advice on the motor, that would be very helpful.

Also reliability issues, handling, even styling are very helpful.

This is going to be a roughly $15,000 purchase and that's a lot for
me, so if you folks can help out in any way, I'd greatly appreciate
it.

Finally, I don't know of resources available on the Web that might
have logs on how people have posted about their experiences with these
boats. Or even reviews of these models. Google searches on the
topics aren't getting me much. So if you know of message boards in
places that would help me, or other such resources or like resources,
any references would be very helpful.

I really appreciate any time you can take to jot off your response.
Again, I don't have a lot to go on here, except what the salespeople
tell me and I think you can understand that I'd like a little more to
go on!

Thank you again in advance!

Brad.

need advice - runabout boats
 

Brad wrote:
Hi folks.

I'm chiming in here from MN and I'm about to buy a new boat. I need
advice.

I'm wondering what folks thing about Glastron, Larson, Stingray, and
Bayliner boats.

Any generalized opinions or specific experiences are very helpful.

I am looking at the base models for all four makes. Basically, the
17.5-18" base models with the sunbathe area on the rear and definitely
an inboard, specifically a 3.0 liter 135hp.

Each of these models is available with a Volvo or a MerCruisier
engine. The Volvo comes standard; the MerC is about a $500 upgrade.
If you have any advice on the motor, that would be very helpful.

Also reliability issues, handling, even styling are very helpful.

This is going to be a roughly $15,000 purchase and that's a lot for
me, so if you folks can help out in any way, I'd greatly appreciate
it.

Finally, I don't know of resources available on the Web that might
have logs on how people have posted about their experiences with these
boats. Or even reviews of these models. Google searches on the
topics aren't getting me much. So if you know of message boards in
places that would help me, or other such resources or like resources,
any references would be very helpful.

I really appreciate any time you can take to jot off your response.
Again, I don't have a lot to go on here, except what the salespeople
tell me and I think you can understand that I'd like a little more to
go on!

Thank you again in advance!

Brad.


Qualitatively, you have them ranked properly. If I were you, I'd find a
lot of back issues of Trailerboats Magazine and spend a lot of time
reading about the specific boats you have in mind.

need advice - runabout boats
 

On 28 May 2007 18:23:39 -0700, Brad wrote:

I really appreciate any time you can take to jot off your response.
Again, I don't have a lot to go on here, except what the salespeople
tell me and I think you can understand that I'd like a little more to
go on!

Here are a few more data points, all of which will be found
controversial by someone of course. Look for patterns to emerge.

http://powerboat.about.com/cs/boatte...boat_votes.htm

http://www.jdpower.com/boats/

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/buyers_guide.htm

need advice - runabout boats
 

Brad wrote:
Hi folks.

I'm chiming in here from MN and I'm about to buy a new boat. I need
advice.

I'm wondering what folks thing about Glastron, Larson, Stingray, and
Bayliner boats.

Any generalized opinions or specific experiences are very helpful.

I am looking at the base models for all four makes. Basically, the
17.5-18" base models with the sunbathe area on the rear and definitely
an inboard, specifically a 3.0 liter 135hp.

Each of these models is available with a Volvo or a MerCruisier
engine. The Volvo comes standard; the MerC is about a $500 upgrade.
If you have any advice on the motor, that would be very helpful.

Also reliability issues, handling, even styling are very helpful.

This is going to be a roughly $15,000 purchase and that's a lot for
me, so if you folks can help out in any way, I'd greatly appreciate
it.

Finally, I don't know of resources available on the Web that might
have logs on how people have posted about their experiences with these
boats. Or even reviews of these models. Google searches on the
topics aren't getting me much. So if you know of message boards in
places that would help me, or other such resources or like resources,
any references would be very helpful.

I really appreciate any time you can take to jot off your response.
Again, I don't have a lot to go on here, except what the salespeople
tell me and I think you can understand that I'd like a little more to
go on!

Thank you again in advance!

Brad.


Pick up the June issue of Boating. On page 72 they compare the Bayliner
175, Glastron MX175, and the Stingray 180RX. No inboards, just I/O's.
The short version is they seemed to like the Stingray at $12,845 the
best of the three. The Glastron has an option for a 4.3L engine that
might still be in your price range - the 3L is $13,590. They make the
solid point that these boats are often traded quickly due to their low
power so the 4.3L would not only give you more to use, it would make it
more attractive when you upgrade.

A local dealer you can trust is also very important.


Dan

need advice - runabout boats
 

On May 28, 8:33 pm, HK wrote:
Brad wrote:
Hi folks.

I'm chiming in here from MN and I'm about to buy a new boat. I need
advice.

I'm wondering what folks thing about Glastron, Larson, Stingray, and
Bayliner boats.

Any generalized opinions or specific experiences are very helpful.

I am looking at the base models for all four makes. Basically, the
17.5-18" base models with the sunbathe area on the rear and definitely
an inboard, specifically a 3.0 liter 135hp.

Each of these models is available with a Volvo or a MerCruisier
engine. The Volvo comes standard; the MerC is about a $500 upgrade.
If you have any advice on the motor, that would be very helpful.

Also reliability issues, handling, even styling are very helpful.

This is going to be a roughly $15,000 purchase and that's a lot for
me, so if you folks can help out in any way, I'd greatly appreciate
it.

Finally, I don't know of resources available on the Web that might
have logs on how people have posted about their experiences with these
boats. Or even reviews of these models. Google searches on the
topics aren't getting me much. So if you know of message boards in
places that would help me, or other such resources or like resources,
any references would be very helpful.

I really appreciate any time you can take to jot off your response.
Again, I don't have a lot to go on here, except what the salespeople
tell me and I think you can understand that I'd like a little more to
go on!

Thank you again in advance!

Brad.

Qualitatively, you have them ranked properly. If I were you, I'd find a
lot of back issues of Trailerboats Magazine and spend a lot of time
reading about the specific boats you have in mind.

Thanks, HK. I appreciate the feedback. I'm hoping to avoid spending
money on magazines or subscription online services and instead get
opinions from users and owners like yourself. So if you have any
experience with these entry-level boats or know of people who do and
have heard what they said, I'd appreciate any feedback you might
have. Thanks again!

need advice - runabout boats
 

Brad wrote:
On May 28, 8:33 pm, HK wrote:
Brad wrote:
Hi folks.
I'm chiming in here from MN and I'm about to buy a new boat. I need
advice.
I'm wondering what folks thing about Glastron, Larson, Stingray, and
Bayliner boats.
Any generalized opinions or specific experiences are very helpful.
I am looking at the base models for all four makes. Basically, the
17.5-18" base models with the sunbathe area on the rear and definitely
an inboard, specifically a 3.0 liter 135hp.
Each of these models is available with a Volvo or a MerCruisier
engine. The Volvo comes standard; the MerC is about a $500 upgrade.
If you have any advice on the motor, that would be very helpful.
Also reliability issues, handling, even styling are very helpful.
This is going to be a roughly $15,000 purchase and that's a lot for
me, so if you folks can help out in any way, I'd greatly appreciate
it.
Finally, I don't know of resources available on the Web that might
have logs on how people have posted about their experiences with these
boats. Or even reviews of these models. Google searches on the
topics aren't getting me much. So if you know of message boards in
places that would help me, or other such resources or like resources,
any references would be very helpful.
I really appreciate any time you can take to jot off your response.
Again, I don't have a lot to go on here, except what the salespeople
tell me and I think you can understand that I'd like a little more to
go on!
Thank you again in advance!
Brad.
Qualitatively, you have them ranked properly. If I were you, I'd find a
lot of back issues of Trailerboats Magazine and spend a lot of time
reading about the specific boats you have in mind.

Thanks, HK. I appreciate the feedback. I'm hoping to avoid spending
money on magazines or subscription online services and instead get
opinions from users and owners like yourself. So if you have any
experience with these entry-level boats or know of people who do and
have heard what they said, I'd appreciate any feedback you might
have. Thanks again!



I'm a bit familiar with the Glastron line, as I've been aboard quite a
few over the years, both years ago and more recently. They seem the best
of the lot to me. But you really have to look closely at the specific
models you're interested in. If your primary use is small bodies of
freshwater, you shouldn't have a lot of trouble with any of them.
A word to the wise: that 135 hp I/O won't serve you well if you plan to
load the boat up with family and pull a skier.

If I were in the market for what you have in mind, I'd get the Glastron
or the Larson. I might look at the Stingray. I would not buy a Bayliner.

need advice - runabout boats
 

On May 28, 9:37 pm, Wayne.B wrote:
On 28 May 2007 18:23:39 -0700, Brad wrote:

I really appreciate any time you can take to jot off your response.
Again, I don't have a lot to go on here, except what the salespeople
tell me and I think you can understand that I'd like a little more to
go on!

Here are a few more data points, all of which will be found
controversial by someone of course. Look for patterns to emerge.

http://powerboat.about.com/cs/boatte...boat_votes.htm

http://www.jdpower.com/boats/

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/buyers_guide.htm

Hi Wayne. Thanks for responding. The JD Power ratings were somewhat
helpful, although the ratings are a bit confusing. I think clearly,
at least the Crownline (and I don't know about the Chapparal) are a
notch above the Glastrons, Stingrays, Larsons, and Bayliners. In
terms of features and bells and whistles. I'm looking for an
economical purchase, and the four brands I mentioned seem to be all
around the same entry level price point.

The Yacht Survey appears to be a book resource. I guess I'm hoping to
avoid spending money on magazines and books and try to get opinions
from great people like you who may have used or owned these types of
boats or know people and heard what they said. I think that's
probably as valuable as an article written in a magazine.

But don't get me wrong. Thank you very much for taking the time to
respond and I appreciate your feedback. If you have any experience or
advice for me in making this purchase, it would be greatly
appreciated.

need advice - runabout boats
 

On May 29, 6:46 pm, Dan wrote:
Brad wrote:
Hi folks.

I'm chiming in here from MN and I'm about to buy a new boat. I need
advice.

I'm wondering what folks thing about Glastron, Larson, Stingray, and
Bayliner boats.

Any generalized opinions or specific experiences are very helpful.

I am looking at the base models for all four makes. Basically, the
17.5-18" base models with the sunbathe area on the rear and definitely
an inboard, specifically a 3.0 liter 135hp.

Each of these models is available with a Volvo or a MerCruisier
engine. The Volvo comes standard; the MerC is about a $500 upgrade.
If you have any advice on the motor, that would be very helpful.

Also reliability issues, handling, even styling are very helpful.

This is going to be a roughly $15,000 purchase and that's a lot for
me, so if you folks can help out in any way, I'd greatly appreciate
it.

Finally, I don't know of resources available on the Web that might
have logs on how people have posted about their experiences with these
boats. Or even reviews of these models. Google searches on the
topics aren't getting me much. So if you know of message boards in
places that would help me, or other such resources or like resources,
any references would be very helpful.

I really appreciate any time you can take to jot off your response.
Again, I don't have a lot to go on here, except what the salespeople
tell me and I think you can understand that I'd like a little more to
go on!

Thank you again in advance!

Brad.

Pick up the June issue of Boating. On page 72 they compare the Bayliner
175, Glastron MX175, and the Stingray 180RX. No inboards, just I/O's.
The short version is they seemed to like the Stingray at $12,845 the
best of the three. The Glastron has an option for a 4.3L engine that
might still be in your price range - the 3L is $13,590. They make the
solid point that these boats are often traded quickly due to their low
power so the 4.3L would not only give you more to use, it would make it
more attractive when you upgrade.

A local dealer you can trust is also very important.

Dan

Hi Dan. Thanks a lot for the post. What you're saying is very
interesting. Pretty much everything that I have read says that the
Glastrons peak above the others just a bit, while staying in the same
price range ($14k, roughly). But you are saying that this magazine
says that the Stingray is the better model. My father has an '88 18ft
Stingray right now with a 3.0 135 inboard. So I wouldn't mind getting
another Stingray - that boat was good to us for 15 years, but it's
well worn out now.

And from other message boards, your recommendation of the 4.3 liter is
consistent. I wonder how much it would cost to make that upgrade to
these base models with the 3.0. Do you know? $1,500 maybe?

If I get the 4.3 liter, I don't see myself upgrading. I also have a
pontoon for boat cruises with the family, so this runabout boat would
be for skiing and tubing and kneeboarding and the occasional high-
speed cruise around the lake. Not a lot of hours. And most of the
time, not a lot of people in the boat. So space is really not the
issue. I do want a motor that is going to pull anybody, perhaps two
people, out of the water without any problems.

Any additional feedback you might have is greatly appreciated.

Brad.

need advice - runabout boats
 

On 30 May 2007 14:05:31 -0700, Brad wrote:

The Yacht Survey appears to be a book resource. I guess I'm hoping to
avoid spending money on magazines and books and try to get opinions
from great people like you who may have used or owned these types of
boats or know people and heard what they said.

When it comes to boats and boating, a book will be the cheapest thing
you ever buy. It might even be considered an investment.

Crownline, Cobalt, Chaparral and SeaRay all have decent reputations in
the runabout market.

need advice - runabout boats
 

On May 30, 7:20 pm, Wayne.B wrote:
On 30 May 2007 14:05:31 -0700, Brad wrote:

The Yacht Survey appears to be a book resource. I guess I'm hoping to
avoid spending money on magazines and books and try to get opinions
from great people like you who may have used or owned these types of
boats or know people and heard what they said.

When it comes to boats and boating, a book will be the cheapest thing
you ever buy. It might even be considered an investment.

Crownline, Cobalt, Chaparral and SeaRay all have decent reputations in
the runabout market.

Thanks. Maybe I will be the book - one of both of them. However, I
have noticed that some people - a relatively small but recognizable
percentage - of people that I've spoken with or conversed with online
say that the brand names you mention above are superior to say,
Glastron or Stingray. I have pretty much come to the conclusion that
Bayliners are junk - I haven't heard one positive word about that
brand.

So I guess if I can get your opinion on that - the Crownline and
Chaparral brands in particular over the Glastron and Stingrays - that
would be very helpful.

JD Power has all these brands in the same class, but I called local
Crownline and Chaparral dealers and their entry level boats - the 18
range - are thousands of dollars more than the Glastron or the
Stingray - again, for the 17-18 foot entry level boat.

My local Chaparral dealer said their entry level boat would be roughly
$20,000, and my Glastron dealer said he would sell me the 185 RX out
the door for $14,500.

I guess I'm wondering what the extra $5,000-6000 is going to get me,
aside from a shinier hull, better paint job, fancier knobs, and maybe
carpeting. If it's a structural thing, I'd be interested in knowing
that. The motor is the same, that much I know for sure, so it would
seem one component of the boat - and the biggest one - is the same yet
$6,000 or more in difference of price?

This is assuming a MerC 3.0 in the boat. I will be upgrading the boat
to a 4.3, however.

If you have any comments or insight, that's be great.

Thanks again.