Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

[robbyr1]

Hi Guys! First time poster, long time lurker..this site has been very helpful in my quest to buy my first boat. Good stuff here.

Do you have an opinion about buying a boat without hearing it run? I have a line a boat that I THINK is a great deal (see here: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/boa/1436697808.html ).

The problem is that the boat has already been winterized. I don't know if it is foolish to buy a boat without hearing it run, but I also don't know if it is an option to have it de-winterized to bring on the water.

After much deliberation, and many hours on this site, I have finally come up with all the things I want in a boat and this boat fits the bill. What do you think?

Thanks again for the great site!

 

[mattb1974]

Re: Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

Id make him run it before buying, his story sounds fishy to me. Volvo Penta parts are expensive. A water test would be even better. I have a 1998 Glastron gs209. The deck was partially rotten and the foam was 75% saturated requiring alot of work. The PO neglected it. 11 years old is old enough to have a few minor and major problems. Good Luck.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

I'd be really careful with that one.

For one, I usually pass on ads that don't take the time to punctuate or take the cap locks off.

Two, I would never lay down $5300 without taking it for a cruise.

An 11 year old trailer Is Not worth $2200. Plus there's a really good chance that the brakes don't work, or are marginal at best, unless the selling knows how to maintain surge brakes.

I don't buy the whole story either.

Unless it's less than a half hour away, I'd recommend letting that one pass.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

Do you have an opinion about buying a boat without hearing it run?...

Yes, anyone who does that is a fool, an idiot, or a moron. Sorry if that's offensive to you, but that's my opinion. It's worth about as much as that boat.

(P.S. That doesn't look like a Volvo Penta sticking out the back to me. It looks like an OMC Cobra. Am I imagining that?)

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

Yes, anyone who does that is a fool, an idiot, or a moron. Sorry if that's offensive to you, but that's my opinion. It's worth about as much as that boat.

(P.S. That doesn't look like a Volvo Penta sticking out the back to me. It looks like an OMC Cobra. Am I imagining that?)

OMC SX and Volvo Penta SX in 98 were basically the same motor.

I have a 95 OMC SX Drive that has factory Volvo Penta stickers all over it.

 

[robbyr1]

Re: Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

Hey guys. Thanks for the input, that's pretty much what I expected. I've come to find out that it's not winterized so I will make him take me out.

The boat doesn't have an hours counter (I think that's normal), so he doesn't know how many hours are on it (I don't think he knows much about boats).

It's a 5 hour drive from Milwaukee to Minneapolis so I'm trying to find out as much as I can before going. What kind of questions should I be asking?

 

[robbyr1]

Re: Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

You are so right, Snowfish. Doesn't it seems like proper english and punctuation are quickly falling to the wayside?

 

[robbyr1]

Re: Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

Way to tell it to me straight, Tilliam. Appreciate your candor.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

I'd also ask about the trailer. When were the bearings serviced? Meaning hand pack. Not "I give the bearing buddys a shot everytime I go out". A five hour drive is a long haul on a "bearing buddy" service. If that's all that's been done, there's a 100% chance that you have pitted bearings. Really good chance that they will smoke on you 5hr return trip.

Tires too. Tread may be good, but it's the sidewalls that will crack over time. Hate to see you have a double whammy. Tire blow out plus bearing blow out.

On your SeaTrial, don't just take a quick lap around the bay and call it good. I'd take a half hour ride minimum. Let that baby get up to full operating temperature. Case & Point.....my 2.5ltr "drop in and run" Craigs List engine takes about a half hour for the wrist pin knock to rear it's ugly head. I'll be doing a rebuild, over the winter, but that's another story.

My "Free" boat and trailer is now about a $1300 rig. (replacement used engine, gimble bearing, prop, alternator, trailer bearings, tires, lights, new cover, plus some misc) Of course that's not counting the pending engine rebuild and some outdrive seals that have decided leak.

The Glastron still seems a little high priced, but this could be a real cream puff. Just be really careful. End of season. Should be able to get a great deal. Of course bring the best price negotiator..........Bengamins. Good luck.

 

[robbyr1]

Re: Need opinions, please. Glastron 185 GS

Thanks for all the info guys, (esp. Snowfish) the guy sold the boat so I guess I'll keep looking. I'm trying to walk the fine line between getting a good fall deal and still being able to try out the boat in the water before buying. Wish me luck!