these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

woppini

Cadet
Joined
Aug 26, 2011
Messages
13
Sorry if its a long post.. edited it as best as I could. I dont know what brand of boat is better or all the same. I have decided on these sizes, and engine drive combos after alot of research and my needs. Iam thinking the original owner glastron might be the way to go. Thanks for your help

BOAT#1 1987 Marlin (Gas Miser) Ski & Fishing Boat w/Open Bow **** - $3600
* Runs great
* 2nd Owner
* Bimini top
* Includes Boat cover,
* All Licenses are up to date
* Upholstery in excellent condition
* Rear view mirror
* Lots of accessories (Skis, Ski ropes, Life jackets,
* Anchor, Anchor Buddy, Bumpers, Tie down ropes, Tow rope, Hitch lock)
* Open bow
* Seats (7) comfortably
* Mercruiser 3.0 Liter 127hp
* Tuned up 4 cylinder (Gas Miser)
* Powerful enough to pull a skier (34 mph)
* Mercruiser Inboard/Outboard
* New Prop
* New Battery
* NO CRACKS OR LEAKS
* Heavy duty Trailer with launching guides
* Newer Tires
* Spare Tire
* Storage under bow seats
* Storage in center of floor
* Storage in rear panels
* Bilge pump

BOAT #2 1990 glastron sierra 175 17.5 ft fishing skiing boat - $4700hi,I am selling my Glastron Sierra 175 boat.
I am selling it because I no longer have time to enjoy it. It comes with a trailer also..
It is powered by the strong and economical Mercury Mercruiser 3.oLiter 135 horsepower 4 cylinder Motor.
It is a Stern Drive unit.
Great fun for fishing/ skiing
It seats 8 comfortably
It runs well
. This is one of the best brands of boats to get
. I am the original owner and have all paperwork and reciepts.
I have spent thousands on maintenance for this boat
.Last September I spent $1200.00 for a complete engine tuning and upgrade.ALL work was done at BELMONT BOAT SHOP. New fuel line, alternator, bilge pump, Water seperator, oil filter change, carb rebuild, etc. Full tuneup.
Also purchased New Battery with solar maintainer at West Marine
also including a Boat Cover and the optional Bimini Top
.I will include tube, ropes, life vests, etc.
The Interior seats are starting to crack and fade. but that is the only issue

BOAT #3 1998 Bayliner Capri 1750LS - $7500

For sale 1998 Bayliner Capri 1750 LS & Trailer. Boat is in great condition and just had it service done. New impeller, propeller, and oil change. Boat comes with two life vest, inner tube with rope and pump that plugs into the boat to fill tube. Boat has an anchor, bow cover, Bimini cover, fish finder (hummingbird), lifesaver. New trailer crank. Also added a sound system with two amps, four 6x9's and one 12inch subwoofer. Stereo deck is CD & iPod playable. Motor is a 3.0L Mercruiser. It's been well taken care of. If your interested in seeing the boat please call mike . Asking 7,500 firm.
 

JoLin

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
5,146
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

I sorta agree with you on the Glastron. Original owner for over 20 years... if he really has all the receipts it'd definitely be first on my list for a very close inspection, and that's the key. All of those boats are old enough to have possible water infiltration issues in the transom and stringers.

I'd look at them all, and more if you can. The more boats you look at, the better you'll know what fits, and you'll start to notice common problem areas.

Best of luck!
 

NYBo

Admiral
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

All seem overpriced, especially for this time of year, but it may be different where you live.

No way a 17.5' boat "seats 8 comfortably" unless they all hail from Loompaland.
 
Joined
Sep 14, 2011
Messages
6
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

I have a Glastron Sierra 1990 and i still am the original owner of my boat. For 20 Years now its been a Great Powerful boat. It always will be if you take good care of it. I have blown a head gasket before about 6 years ago. Lucky me that i am handy in the area so it cost me about 400.00 to do. The most common problem that i have heard of these boat (i currently am having the same issue) is that you will have an issue pulling someone out of the water due to the Carb in need of a rebuild. Otherwise thats the only 2 major issues i have ever had! i have over 480 hrs and still a great boat. I ordered the carb rebuilt kit today for about 55 dollars shipped. I am going to hopefully get it done this week. I can certainly tell you how it went and how it runs after that if you would like? But i have to say hands down i am very satisfied with my boat since i paid over 40 grand 20 some years ago.

Hope that info helps a little!!!
 

'78 Crusader

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 15, 2011
Messages
407
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

I'd take a closer look atthe Glastron.

Stay away, very far away from anything that says Bayliner on it.
 

Hit It

Seaman
Joined
Aug 15, 2007
Messages
62
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

I'd take a closer look atthe Glastron.

Stay away, very far away from anything that says Bayliner on it.

:facepalm::facepalm::facepalm: Here we go again...
 
Joined
Sep 14, 2011
Messages
6
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

Agreed with 78 crusader, We like to name them "BayJunker" Cheaply made and cheap products.
 

kemer1

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 13, 2011
Messages
122
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

Oh come on now...is this really necessary? Yes we all know that Bayliner makes entry level boats, and in order to do that they have to use plastic fittings instead of the stainless ones. Does that mean that their grab handles are going to fall off any faster then any others? It's already established that the dissproportianate amout of failiure in Bayliners is that the owners that buy the entry level boat usually lack the additional funds to properly maintain their boats, and their inexperiance causes them to beat up on their boats more then someone who drops say $60k on a Sea Ray or Chap.

Bottom line woppini...make sure you inspect all the boats thouroughly and buy the one that is in the best condition regardless of what name is on the side. Good luck.
 

26aftcab454

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
1,510
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

1981 GLASTRON SX-190--- original gelcoat- new interior- new motor- rebuilt pre alpha drive ( MC-1)--love it and it turns heads-
-any older boat you need to check for rot in the bilge/transom/stringers/ floor and a compression check.and make sure the trailer is solid.:cool:


I also think older Bayliners are junk--if you own one- sorry!
 

southkogs

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
15,044
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

I don't know much about Marlin as a boat (never really heard of them), but the setup sounds okay. I'd look at that one real closely, but check your prices. Both the Marlin and the Glassy are (IMHO) a little pricey but worth a look. If you can talk them down $500 to $1,000 and the boat is in good shape go with either. The Bay seems overpriced (regardless of brand).

Really with these types of boats, condition and a good deal are the name of the game. A Bayliner that has been well kept can be a much nicer boat than a Chris-Craft that someone has ridden hard and put up wet. Make sure you test them on the water, check transom, decks, etc. and if possible have a mechanic give it a once over.

Good luck.
 

woppini

Cadet
Joined
Aug 26, 2011
Messages
13
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

Well as it turns out, the guy with the glastron never returned my email. The others couldnt answer some of my questions. Yes, heard alot about bayliners.. but if your going to make an entry level boat, you need to start somewhere.
 

'78 Crusader

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 15, 2011
Messages
407
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

There are PLENTY of other good quality boats out there other that the Bayliners. There's a reason why the classifieds are disproportionately full of Bayliners for sale......think about it.
 

shrew

Lieutenant
Joined
Dec 29, 2006
Messages
1,309
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

No need for brand bashing.
 

Andy'sDelight

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 5, 2010
Messages
341
Re: these boats have what Iam looking for... any feed back from boating ventrans?

Honestly, brand is generally irrelevant when buying an older boat. The maintenance and care of the boat is paramount. Yes, Bayliner's are entry level boats that have to cut corners on quality to keep cost down. But would you rather a 20 year old Bayliner that has been meticulously cleaned, maintained, stored properly, etc.... or a Grady White that's been sitting under a pine tree and never been winterized? I realize it's a dramatic comparison, but it holds true when it comes to old boats. Look at the level of maintenance, the engine and outdrive, the ease of getting parts, and price vs quality when buying a used boat. The brand name to an extent is nothing more than decoration.

Having said all that, in terms of Bayliners EVERYBODY above is correct. There's tons of Bayliners for sale because they probably do outsell most other brands. They outsell most other brands beacause they're generally alot cheaper. They're alot cheaper because the quality of the build isn't quite as good as more expensive brands. Because of this alot entry level boaters get their start in a Bayliner, and they cut their teeth and make most of their mistakes on a Bayliner. When you combine a lesser quality build with the good chance a beginner boater has or does own the boat, you take alot of risk buying that boat used. there's nothing wrong with buying a used Bayliner, but you better be darn sure you go over it with a fine tooth comb.
 
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