Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

[jontwentyfive]

Hi All,

My first post here. Looking at a 1993 Glastron 17.5 footer with Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O - 1993 Glastron SSV 175 Elite. Guy says it comes with 2 bimini tops, winter cover, summer cover, all the bumpers, redone floor, etc. Says that the vinyl on the seats is cracking a bit and the motor mounts will need to be replaced next season. Includes a trailer that will get it back home for me but probably not much further (would need work for a big trip over a few miles).

Going to give it a look tomorrow - he has it in the water. What do you guys think about the price? What on this model should I be most concerned about? (sorry for what may be dumb questions, this would be my first boat)

Thanks all!

Jon

 

[NYBo]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Welcome to iboats!

This sounds like it could be more of a project than a usable boat at this stage of the game. Why? Because of the "floor" replacement. It may be covering up rotten stringers, and the transom may be shot too. The lousy trailer adds essentially nothing to the value.

IF the motor and outdrive are in good shape (a big "if" if the maintenance on the rest of the package is any indication), I wouldn't go above $750 to $1000. And that's only because I know I can fix most things that might be wrong; YMMV.

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Thank you! Okay so then I guess the $3,500 he's asking for is way overpriced. The boat looks good enough on the outside - what kind of cost could I expect for someone to inspect the boat?

This is a link to the craigslist ad: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2630233787.html

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

I think there may be some hope here. First of all - he says right out a sea trial is a possibility. Lots of owners of junk will do anything to talk you out of it. Second, he's mentioned something that many people might miss - the motor mounts. Again, lots of people would just hush up and hope you didn't find it.

The question is - what else? Like NYBo says - a new floor over rotten structure ain't going to be any fun. And if there's rot in the transom or bigger motor issues, that's no good either. The trailer I wouldn't worry about. So it's rusty. There aren't many trailers that can't be put right with new bearings, tires, and wiring (unless the frame is busted). That you can for sure fix up.

An inspection of a boat that size is going to be a couple hundred dollars. It will be well spent, as long as the person checks out the engine and hull together. Try to get an idea of the thoroughness of the mechanical inspection. Ideally you want someone to see the boat run in the water and be with you to test drive.

If the boat has no more issues than stated, I think it's probably worth around 2 grand - possible a little less. The key will be soundness of the stringers and transom. Replacing those will be a big job. I see it's got a ski locker. Get your head down in there with a flashlight and screwdriver and poke away at any exposed structure. Same inside the engine compartment.

Anyway, I'd test the waters, so to speak. Time is on your side come the end of the season - that's when those who really want to unload do so at good prices.

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Thanks guys. Seems that folks around here are really pricing their boats above value - the net effect being that everyone is probably overpaying around here. Now how to get the guy to come down to under $2k. Can't hurt to haggle a bit. I'll let you know what I find out - taking it out with the owner on the water tomorrow (will make sure to bring my flashlight).

 

[southkogs]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

It's the end of the season - he can't lake show it much more this year, and his ad says he wants to sell quick. If you can't hit the price you want ... walk away and watch a little. Like scoutabout said, mid to late October, he may be a little more flexible.

Hope it works out - it looks nice in pictures.

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Nada seems to think the boat is worth between $2,500 and $3,500. If the boat is really solid I suppose I could go to $2,500. I figure start with $2,000 and see where that gets me. http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1993/Glastron-Inc/SSV-175-ELITE-17/Standard-Equipment

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Okay - I went to look at it, here's what I saw:

Bad:

• Vinly is faded and cracking (mostly small cracking) just about all over the boat. Some of the seams are busted with foam showing through.
• A few of the seats as well as the sun deck have rot in the wood (the seats in the bow).
• It's not gross dirty but it ain't clean.
• Says he left it out in the water during the hurricane and had to go out to bail it a few times even with the covers on it (at least he's honest).
• Pulls a bit at slower speeds, found myself having to correct with steering to counter it - seemed a bit over pronounced but not sure what to expect for this model boat. He said that it was in part due to weight being mostly on right side of the boat (it is a really really light boat - the two of us standing on one side had it listed over a good bit).

Good:

• Boat started up easily (I looked at the engine before we started it and I don't remember feeling any warmth to it, so I assume that it was a cold start).
• Controls are all there and work - power trim worked as well.
• Engine appears to be in good order and nothing sounded drastically wrong with it (I'm no marine engine expert, but there wasn't any knocking or odd sounds).
• Power steering was smooth and turns full left/right without any issues or odd sounds.
• Boat has power and got on plane quickly - handled well at high speeds as well as low speeds. Got it up to 35mph pretty quickly on calm waters.
• Forward/reverse work - shifts relatively smoothly
• Checked the engine bay again after we were running it for a while (with engine still running) and no fumes/smoke were present. Did notice some general drops of water being flicked here and there but not sure how much of that is normal for marine engine.
• Hull seemed in decent shape to me. Got out the flashlight and looked in the ski locker - poked with finger nail as hard as I could into some of the surfaces and it was firm (didn't want to go the screwdriver route because, as I'm new to this whole boating thing, I wasn't sure what separates a "checking this out" poke from a "making a new hole in a perfectly good hull" poke ). Transom, from what of it I could see through the engine bay, looked okay. Poked it a bit too - not sure how to check that with an I/O boat.
  

Prognosis:
Undecided: I've scheduled with a marina to give the boat a look over. They're going to pull it out of the water, check engine compression, look over the hull, etc. They aren't an official / certified boat inspection place but said that they could give me a good idea in general terms on the boat. They want $135 for the service and to lift it out of the water to check hull. Seems reasonable and with this boat a no-brainer to be sure that I'm not buying a money pit.

​

Let me know your thoughts if you have a couple minutes. If the boat is structurally sound I'd be interested in it - I can always do some seat wood replacement and minor vinyl work myself and also don't care a ton about looks. Marina felt that $3,500 wasn't too too much for it but said that around $3k would be better if all checks out well. They also said that the motor mount job could be $400 if it is just the rubber spacers that need to be replaced, but that if the issue is down by the fiberglass it would pretty much mean more $$ to fix it than the boat is worth.

Thanks all!

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Did notice some general drops of water being flicked here and there but not sure how much of that is normal for marine engine.

To put it mildly...it is never normal for water to be flicking around an engine compartment. Find the source of water intrusion or cooling system leak!

 

[JoLin]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Okay, my take...

The 'bad' stuff is at least an indication that the boat spent a lot of time uncovered and exposed to the elements. Rot above deck often means rot below decks (stringers and transom). A fingernail test won't tell you anything- all those 'cored' areas are encased in fiberglass, and that doesn't yield to pressure. A moisure meter and tap tests by a pro are the only way I'd move forward with this boat.

The good stuff is all good news, but as expensive as mechanical repairs are, structural repairs are REALLY costly and time consuming.

Frankly, I'd either have it professionally checked or keep looking.

My .02

 

[southkogs]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

The pulling at slower speeds might be normal - I/O's wander a little bit a low speeds (nose drifts left and right). If it's a true "pull" it could be a problem. Vinyl faded and cracking on a '93 means it really wasn't cared for well (same with the "dirty" part). That might raise a few flags.

See what the marine guys say. At the first sign of structural issues, bail out.

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Thanks all for the super fast responses - you guys are great.

Okay, so here's a way too general question for you - if this boat doesn't work out, what should a guy living in an apartment by the water get for his first boat on an inland lake on a really tight budget? It seems that cheap boats can end up being a total waste of money if something turns out bad after the purchase, but there seems to be a pretty wide gap between the cheap boats and the next level up in price for similar bow rider models (2-3k and then jumps to 8-11k).

I saw this boat in person - a 24' pontoon - the guy knew his boat, had it for a while, explained the process he uses to winterize it every year, and clearly did a lot of his own work on it. The boat is from the 60's as is the engine I believe (or maybe engine is from the 80s, I can't remember). Aside from the fact that the entire railing needs to be scrapped and replaced, the wooden deck was good and the pontoons appeared in good shape. Main issue with this one is that I'd have to pay to store it (if I get something <20 feet in length with a trailer I can pull it out and park on the lawn for the winter). Basically, it's a POS but the motor seemed solid and it's a pontoon, which I understand to be pretty indestructible: http://southjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2608042576.html He's asking 1k for it, based on his assessment of the motor value and scrap value, but I know that he'd have to get that giant thing to the scrapyard which would probably cost him just as much as he'd get for it in scrap. I figure if I could get it for $600 and then do some of the railing work myself (heck I can make some railings out of galvanized threaded plumbing pipe if need be) it might be worth it - just the damn storage cost that would make it no worthwhile.

Also saw this boat for $800 - the boat is a fiberglass boat from the 60's that the guy was using to fish down the shore in the bay up until Irene came in. He gave me a great walk through of the boat, started the motor with the hose adapter, ran nice and clean, Johnson 48 Special from the 90's. All the electrics work and comes with a trailer in working order. He said he'd even deliver it to me for $900 total. Apparently the hull has about 10,000 coats of paint on it, so not sure how to even check that one out. For 800 in running order, if the damn thing sinks after one season I'll have gotten my money's worth out of it and could sell that motor for a few hundred: http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/2589961568.html Wondering if maybe this is a good little boat to putt putt around the lake on - seems like a little old tank that would maybe be one of those boats that runs forever with proper care?

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Ohhhh - one really important think that I forgot to mention about the Glastron - it sure hasn't been sitting idle - the boat has just over 900 hours on it. How long do these boats typically live for hours-wise?

 

[southkogs]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

You seem to be looking in the "cheap seats." What's your budget? If it's under $2k - you're going to be in a project boat no matter what you do. Best range to start in is the $3K - $5K range. You should be able to track down a $3K bowrider in decent shape over the winter.

Along side that: what do you want to do? If you just want to fish - you can get a way with a nice little tub and outboard. If you're wanting to take friends out and ski and tube - you need something a lot bigger.

 

[zopperman]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

moisture meter and marine survey or run. It could very well be hiding a rotten stringer or two and a transom.

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Okay - should I just cancel my appointment with the marina and forget about this boat? I don't even know if there are marine surveyors in this area (assuming they're more coastal?)

 

[zopperman]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Where are you located? I'm SURE there are marine surveyors. It will be a pricey survey, but well worth the peace of mind.
I'm also an OB guy, but I don't want to spark that debate. I just find them easier to work on, especially for a first timer like I was a while ago.

 

[V153]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

I dunno but for a first boat until you decide what you really want. I think I'd be all over that 'Traveler'. Offer him $650 and tow it home yourself. Even if he's firm on the price the motor and trailer (looks to be galvanized) and electronics are worth that?

One of the reasons I say this is from here the transom looks pretty good. No scabs, no 'reinforcement' plates.

Think I'd be a lil wary of that Gtron. All those bimini tops and covers yet the floor's been replaced and the interior is rough? Hmm.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Good on you for checking out a few boats. It's easy to get fixated on one and get blinkered. First, I'd back up a bit. What's the primary mission of this new boat? Fishing shallows, loading up with friends and tubing / getting to a beach? Small water? Big water? The answers to these questions will help you rule out stuff that just isn't going to make you happy. Next is the budget. What can you afford to drop now and also have on reserve for the endless list of big and little things us boaters are always sinking our money into. If you've got some DIY skills you can buy at the low end with more confidence, even if a place to work is an issue.

Although I've got a lot more interest in 'toons than I used to - I can't really imagine using the thing you posted above for much. The older outboard doesn't look all that comfortable, and the report on the I/O, while not hopeless, does indicate some areas of concern. With that much vinyl damage and seat structure rot I'd be lowering any offer well under 2 grand, assuming no other issues and I think the marina is out of touch here. That might be what they'd want as a business reselling a boat but that isn't what it's worth on a private sale, IMO. Also, I really don't like the idea that it sat out in a hurricane. I bet the thing is also long, long over due for new bellows in the outdrive. As for the engine - I had a 3.0 in a SeaRay for ten years and really liked it. It's no rocket but it ran well with no real issues and was very fuel efficient. If well cared for I don't see how 900 hours would mean it's at the end of its life. As for the pulling to one side - if you mean wander at just above idle speeds -- that's normal. Significant pull at cruise is not.

One option is, if you don't mind going smaller, to look for an aluminum boat in the 14 foot range with something in the 15 horse range as your first boat. Super simple, nothing to rot and will get you on the water for a few years while you save up for your next one. You might find yourself something in nice shape well within your budget and have some money left for gas. Better still - you might decide that's the perfect boat for you and keep it forever!

For now - I'd keep searching and see what else is out there. You're going to get a real good idea of the market in your area the more you look. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

I dunno but for a first boat until you decide what you really want. I think I'd be all over that 'Traveler'. Offer him $650 and tow it home yourself. Even if he's firm on the price the motor and trailer (looks to be galvanized) and electronics are worth that?

One of the reasons I say this is from here the transom looks pretty good. No scabs, no 'reinforcement' plates.

Think I'd be a lil wary of that Gtron. All those bimini tops and covers yet the floor's been replaced and the interior is rough? Hmm.

To be honest, I felt more comfortable with the crusty old Traveler than with the Glastron - I think it's because of the price difference. Either way there's some risk, but with the Glastron it's more money on the line and with the old crusty bucket I could always scrap the boat and keep the gear for a newer project hull in reasonable floating condition. Funny thing about the crusty boat (well, two funny things, the second is that the name is actually the Krusty Krab) the first funny thing being that the guy was stubborn as hell and wouldn't lower the price - I even tried to say that I'd take it as is for his asking price if he'd deliver it to me (I'm about 65 miles away from him) and he wouldn't bite. I even told him I could get him the money in like 30 minutes and still no dice. Sad part is that I don't have a tow hitch and nobody I know does either (just moved to this lake area). The stubborn guy also told me that what he does is each year he puts on a good coat of oil based exterior house paint on the hull Apparently it somewhat works because he used it in salt water conditions and the damn thing looks pretty solid (granted my understanding is that he would trailer it to the river, pilot it out to the ocean hook/bay, fish and then pilot back to the trailer and bring it home - so it wasn't sitting in water for long periods. with me the boat would sit in the lake for the season for the most part).

Good questions on what I want the boat for - I'd love to have family and friends on it, even if just a couple at a time - the Glastron works better for that with multiple seats (as rotting as they may be), the pontoon is awesome for that but then obviously not for much else at the 10mph it probably hits max, and then the old Krusty Crab is somewhere in the middle - if I could secure more seating in it (like a bench seat) we could use it to go around the lake with a few people and then I could use it for some fishing. I'm interested in wake boarding but not something I'd be doing just yet so that could wait for the next boat if there is one down the road.

What do you guys think about the krusty krab? It is krusty and has more paint than wood on it I'd imagine, but with a trusty and more easily maintained outboard, a bit less power than the Glastron (which I don't mind seeing as we covered the entire lake in like 5 minutes on that boat, which doesn't leave a lot to do after a few laps). Let's assume that there is some internal rot happening in both the Krusty and the Glastron - how long are we talking before the things actually sink assuming I don't pay to have them structurally restored?