new member looking for advice on two glastron 1983 ssv 176 boats.

[Fishermen Steve]

I've the opportunity to by a 1983 glastron 176 ssv for $2500 that is turn key. (Sez the currant owner) comes with a 1990 115hp mariner and a 1998 load right bunk trailer. Found it on CL and looks sharp and near mint condition.

the other is the same year boat with a decent trailer, and a 115hp mercury that has lost its spark for $1500.

my question is should I spend more money and get the turn key or save some money and get the one that needs a little engine work?

Steve

 

[Frank Acampora]

Stay away from the Mercury! It can easily cost the extra $1000 to get it running again--possibly more, and you have the fuss and bother of getting it repaired. NEVER-NEVER-NEVER buy an engine with a known problem that keeps it from running--unless you are very good at repairs or want to gamble and want to play with it a while!

You don't know the history of the engine other than what the "honest" seller tells you.

If you are looking to either carry a heavy load or more than 4-6 people, or want to water ski, either boat will be under-powered. If you want to tube and wakeboard, or fish with it then the 115 will do fine.

Incidentally, the boat in the avatar is a 15 foot Glastron with a 120 on it.

 

[Fishermen Steve]

Thank you for the advice Frank. I'll take a closer look at the other one.

Steve

 

[pckeen]

As usual, Frank's advice is golden. Do a water test, and check out the $2500 boat thoroughly.

 

[Fishermen Steve]

Here is a photo of the ssv 176 for $2500. Also includes life jackets, skis an or etc. Winter is a good time to buy here in New England now cuz there's so much snow know one wants to move anything around in so much snow!

 

[pckeen]

Can't tell much from the photograph - seems to look good. The good news with buying off season, is there are fewer people looking, so you have a better chance of getting a good price. The bad news is you can't water test it or run it on muffs. If you are going to buy now, check it very carefully, and ask for a written guarantee of no leaks and that the engine runs. Check for soft spots in the floor, and that the transom is completely solid with absolutely no flex (soft spots = a rotten structure, and flex in the transom = a transom replacement. Either one means you have a restoration project on your hands, and not a usable boat).