Re: Glastron 175 vs Bayliner 175 vs Stingray 180RX
i looked at the bl175, stingray 180rx, maxum 1800 and a few others.<br /><br />i ended up with the bayliner.<br /><br />my concern was the 3.0, but cost dictated if i was buying new this is the only option i had. so i talked to alot of people with the similar sized boat with the 3.0<br /><br />would it be strong enough to slalom ski, tube, etc... i'm approx 200lbs. my buddy had an older 18 footer with a 3.0 and he's approx 260 and can slalom. so i felt real confident any of these boats will be plenty enough for me and my family (wife 110, 2 kids totaling 110lbs).<br /><br />now which boat to pick?<br /><br />out of all the boats, my preference was the maxum. fiberglass deck, just a nice boat, but at least 3-4k more than stingray and bayliner.<br /><br />the stingray dealer was excited about his 180, so was i. the sport seating as the only option killed it for me and it was also 2000 more than the bayliner. capacity was about 100lbs more than the bl. top speed is in the 47-49 range. he says because the hull is so much better. well after researching, they use 23pitch prop when most use a 21 pitch.<br /><br />my concern with the bayliner was the deck and rotting (stingray has essentially the same deck construction). after researching it's obvious proper care will extend deck life substantially. i've seen many early 80 bl's with solid decks that were covered when not in use and properly dried. so no longer a concern for me.<br /><br />i definitely will not be your typical ebay buyer that leaves buys his boat that was uncovered for years then wonders why his pos boat has soft spots.<br /><br />i picked the bayliner mainly because of cost, but also because the stingray had inadequate seating. liked the stingray because it is not as common but the 2 negatives couldn't overcome the bl.<br /><br />i've taken the 175 out twice in less than ideal conditions. with only me in it and a full tank of gas with 1ft. chop i did 45 with the wind and 44 against the wind (10-15 mph winds) thats gps verified that i again verified with my in car radar and calibrated speedo in the car.<br /><br />in ideal conditions i don't see any problem running 46-47 mph. and with a 23 pitch prop stingray mph will not be any trouble. with the family in boat (not a heavy family) getting on plane is nothing.<br /><br />also on pricing where i'm at with trailer and out the door;<br />bl 12600 with bimini and extended warranty to 6yrs.<br />stingray 14400 with bimini no ext warranty avail<br />maxum 17000+ probabaly 18000 out the door, but thats loaded with bow cover, etc....<br /><br />would a 4.3 be better, bigger boat, etc.. without a doubt, but city pay dictated an entry level runabout and i'm quite happy with my decision.
