First Boat: Glastron SX175 or Caravelle 176BR?

[invertedflyby]

If anyone has any opinions on these two boats I would appreciate any input. This will be my first boat and after looking for a used boat I realized it would be alot easier to afford a new boat so I have settled on these two. I am mainly going to be using it for pleasure and wakeboarding so I think a 3.0L will be okay. Also I have a 99 Ranger with a 4cyl to pull it with so I need to keep it light. I thought I read the towing capacity was 2240lbs on the truck and these boats are about 2500-2600lbs with trailer so anything larger or with a V6 is out of the question.<br /><br />I like these two 17 footers because they have the back bench seating. The Glastron has the volvo drive and I can get the Caravelle from two different dealers, one with a volvo and one with a mercruiser w/ power steering. Any opinions on either one? Some have told me to stay away from the volvo but I've also heard that it shifts better and is quieter although not quite as fast on top end.<br /><br />They both seem to have about the same quality construction from what I can tell. I think the Caravelle is the better looking of the two boats but the Glastron has more storage room. If anyone has any experience with either or both of these I would like to hear what you think about them. Here is what I am being quoted on pricing:<br /><br />Caravelle w/ Volvo,bimini top and pull out tongue on trailer $15,300 out the door.<br /><br />Caravelle w/ merc w/ power steering, bimini, fire ext, roadmaster trailer, and boat cover $15,667 out the door.<br /><br />Glastron w/ volvo no power steering,cd player, bimini,fire ext,tilt steering,2 life jackets $15,000 out the door.<br /><br />Is power steering that nice of a thing to have with a 3.0L? The dealer that has it says to get it that it is worth it. Everyone else I talk to says you don't need it.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: First Boat: Glastron SX175 or Caravelle 176BR?

inverted,<br /><br />This is my opinion only.<br /><br />Both are good boats.<br /><br />I personaly like Volvo drives because of their ruggedness and the cone clutch shifting. Power steering is nice, but not necessary on a lower power stern drive. You'll only notice the difference at planing speeds. Non-power steering can be virtually nuetralized by proper trim tab adjustment. <br /><br />The V-6 is a much more potent powerpalnt and will sell better, should you decide to do so, down the road.<br /><br />I think you are grossly overtaxing your Ranger. The 3.0L V-6 and 4.0l V-6 ARE MUCH MORE CAPABLE THAN YOUR 2.3 OR 2.5L. If your Ranger is a stick shift-FORGET IT!<br /><br />I have towed 3200# with a Ranger 3.0L/Auto/trailer tow pacakage, and did NOT enjoy it. Remember, the weights quoted are "dry" and do not include fluids and all of the "stuff" you're going to throw in the boat.<br /><br />Do yourself a favor, buy a used boat, for half the price, and upgrade your tow vehicle.

 

[pmueller]

Re: First Boat: Glastron SX175 or Caravelle 176BR?

I own a Glastron SX170. I assume, that other than the transom area, they are similar in design. I am not familiar with the Caravelle. I'll give you just two observations after one season of use. The seats in the bow sit up pretty high and there are no real handles to hang on to...so in rough water, can get a little scary for some. I don't like where they put the cleats at the stern..I think they should be more forward. Other than that it's be great. As you said, there is plenty of storage. For this price boat, I won't complain about the cheap glove box. Good luck.

 

[invertedflyby]

Re: First Boat: Glastron SX175 or Caravelle 176BR?

Thanks for the replys guys,<br /><br />djohns, Thanks for recommending that. I talked to my cu again and they can go 48 months at 4.99% on a 1997 or newer boat and that will get the payments back down in the new boat range.<br /><br />I can't upgrade tow vehicles right now. That is also why I want to get a 3.0L and 17 footer, to keep the weight down. I do have the 2.5L with AT. I am able to keep the boat in the water at my apartments so I won't be towing it that much.<br /><br />I found a '97 17' Glastron with merc 3.0 for $6900 that I hope to buy in the next few days.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Inverted