Torn between two used boats

[G22inSC]

I have the option of two different used boats for the family.

1. 2003 Glastron SX175 with 3.0 (no carpet, swing-a-way tongue that will fit in garage)
2. 2003 Chaparral SS180 with 4.3 (carpet I think on top of wood floor, trailer that will need modifying to fit in the garage, higher cost)

I am leaning towards the Glastron because I would not have to worry about a rotten wood floor or altering the trailer to fit in the garage. I know it has a smaller engine; however, the wife complains about higher speed cruising anyways. I am trying to justify that by thinking of the better gas mileage with the 4 cylinder. I am a complete rookie to buying boats and just found these locally. What do you'll think? Which is the better boat? Thanks.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I have the option of two different used boats for the family.

1. 2003 Glastron SX175 with 3.0 (no carpet, swing-a-way tongue that will fit in garage)
2. 2003 Chaparral SS180 with 4.3 (carpet I think on top of wood floor, trailer that will need modifying to fit in the garage, higher cost)

I am leaning towards the Glastron because I would not have to worry about a rotten wood floor or altering the trailer to fit in the garage. I know it has a smaller engine; however, the wife complains about higher speed cruising anyways. I am trying to justify that by thinking of the better gas mileage with the 4 cylinder. I am a complete rookie to buying boats and just found these locally. What do you'll think? Which is the better boat? Thanks.

I'm a big fan of the 3.0. Great gas mileage, Pulls a tube or skier just fine and easy on the wallet for fuel. Just my opinion though.....

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Hey, any boat can be a piece of junk. And that is Chaparral's "cheap" line of boats, not their best. But just because it has a wood floor doesn't mean it's rotten. And just because the Glastron doesn't have a wood floor doesn't make it better, really. In that size boat, the 3.0 would work fine, but it won't be any more than enough power. If you have kids that are growing, you'll be wanting more power soon.
If both boats were cared for equally, the Chaparral is the better boat, no question. But it all comes down to condition.

 

[zopperman]

Re: Torn between two used boats

You can get a moisture meter and check the wood in the chapparal... but as stated above, it's all about condition. A 2003 that was cared for should have no rot...

 

[G22inSC]

Re: Torn between two used boats

That is why I keep going back and forth. Glastron approximately $5000 and Chaparral approximately $10000. Glastron a little "higher end" model in their line while Chaparral is a "lower end" model of their line. Chaparral supposedly kept in storage building (warehouse) with local marine service records. Glastron supposedly kept under carport with no service records. Just kind of hesitant going with a carpet over wood floor boat. I just really don't want to get into floor replacement down the road. I guess it could happen with a fiberglass floor as well, I just don't think it would be as likely. Do the wood floors rot out because they are left out uncovered and the floor never dries out or do they rot just from being exposed to water during normal use? I guess I just need to pull the trigger on one and don't look back.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Torn between two used boats

4.3 without question. You will not even notice the gas difference but you will notice the power difference. Its hard to cruise in that size boat anyways, they like speed. If you want to cruise easily get a pontoon

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Glastron is a quality boat mfgr and has been in business for over 45 years.

 

[V153]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Glastron is a quality boat mfgr and has been in business for over 45 years.

Correction: Over 50 years.

As much as I like the 4.3. A 17' Glastron with a light load oughta run close to 50mph with a 3.0. Stingrays 18 footer was clocked at over 50 with the 3.0 btw.

Not to say Chaparral's a bad boat. Buddy of mine had one that was about 20' with a small block & that thing hauled a**! Just that personally I'd vote for the Glastron. 'Specially if it's VEC, which I believe it is.

 

[V153]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Don't know if anybody else noticed this but the phrase "Torn between two used boats" and the phrase "Torn between two lovers" rhyme? Somebody oughta write a song ...

 

[V153]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Glastron approximately $5000 and Chaparral approximately $10000

Sorry I musta missed this earlier. 10K for the Chaparral & 5K for the Glastron? Wtf are you waiting for. Buy the Glastron! I know a guy that'll put a 4.3 in it for less than 5K?!

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I personally think the 3.0 is plenty in that size boat, but everyone has their own definition of "enough" power. If I were in your shoes, I'd be all over the glastron. If you can take it for a water test I would, you may find that it has more than enough power for your use. It definitely would for mine.

I would guess the 3.0 will run mid 40's. More than fast enough for me personally.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Torn between two used boats

5 grand is a huge diff in price...esp when you say that you'll have to spend even more to make it fit in your garage.

Got any pics of these boats?

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Torn between two used boats

That price difference is hard to swallow. And the Chap is NOT worth $10,000. No way no how.
You do need to stiop freaking out about wood floors though. Wood has been used in boats since they were first invented. And done properly, which Chaparral usually does, wood floors are not a problem. Especially one stored inside. And it's not hard to check for soft spots in a floor. But $10,000? No.
And yes, the light weight of the Glastron will allow it to run mid to upper 40s with a 3.0. But if you start loading it up with 3 kids and everything your wife owns (I know how women are on boating days! ) your acceleration will suffer. However, this is your first boat, you'll realize that 17 feet is too small, and you'll upgrade in a couple of years any way.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Glastron is a quality boat mfgr and has been in business for over 45 years.

This ain't your daddy's Glastron. Yes they now use VEC, but their quality ain't anything like it used to be. They build light, cheap boats today. Of course this Chaparral is from their "light, cheap" line as well.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Torn between two used boats

When I was in your shoes several people advised when in doubt, go with the larger engine - I've very glad I did!

 

[JWFails]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I think you should pay more attention to the maintenace of the boats first. It does not matter what size motor,length of boat,brand name,etc. if not properly maintained. A poorly mainted $5k boat can turn into a $10k nightmare really quick. Do your due diligence, inspect both boats, or have a qualified inspector do it for you. In my own opinion a 17 footer will get small very quick. I have 2 teenagers who always want friends to go so if you have kids it will be too small. With a 3.0L fully loaded boat it will be under powered when trying to do water sports like sking or wake boarding. If just tubing it will be fine. My 19 ft with 4.3L works great, if propped right gas is not too bad. I bought my boat as a way to keep my kids and friends busy. It is a great family toy.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I personally think the 3.0 is plenty in that size boat, but everyone has their own definition of "enough" power. If I were in your shoes, I'd be all over the glastron. If you can take it for a water test I would, you may find that it has more than enough power for your use. It definitely would for mine.

I would guess the 3.0 will run mid 40's. More than fast enough for me personally.

I'm with you. My 18 foot Stingray with a 3.0 runs mid 40's. Problem is, because it's small and light, failure to watch the water closely going that fast, one good wake from another boat will have you shakin in your boots. Been there done that. On lakes that I boat in, very rarely am I running more than 30 miles an hour. If I am hauling *** it is usually because the lake is like glass for a few minutes or so but within a few minutes there will usually be some large boat wakes to deal with. Just common sense boating not to outdrive what your boat is capable of. A corvette might be able to do 200 miles an hour, but if you hit a two by four in the road, the name corvette does nothing for you. Having enough power in the Glastron isn't an issue, keeping her upright when it's rough out there and your hauling *** is. Guy's with bigger boat's don't have to worry about it getting a little chopped up. Just my opinion though. I think you'll enjoy the Glastron and like the earlier post said, you'll probably be buying a bigger one within a few years anyhow.

 

[oops!]

Re: Torn between two used boats

That price difference is hard to swallow. And the Chap is NOT worth $10,000. No way no how.
You do need to stiop freaking out about wood floors though. Wood has been used in boats since they were first invented. And done properly, which Chaparral usually does, wood floors are not a problem. Especially one stored inside. And it's not hard to check for soft spots in a floor. But $10,000? No.
And yes, the light weight of the Glastron will allow it to run mid to upper 40s with a 3.0. But if you start loading it up with 3 kids and everything your wife owns (I know how women are on boating days! ) your acceleration will suffer. However, this is your first boat, you'll realize that 17 feet is too small, and you'll upgrade in a couple of years any way.

this is a good post.

about the floor.......news flash.......every wood floor has fiberglass over it.

i really think we need more info here.....we need real prices.....and pics.

glastrons are a good boat......chaps are a great boat.
personally i like the dry storage and maintnence records of the chap.....but we would need to see the records....(gellcoat repair june 1, gellcoat repair june 3, new impeller june 15, new impeller june 30, skeg replacement june 30......) lol

but you get what my point is?

i would also go the bigger boat with the bigger engine......but not for 10 in the us market...no way

 

[baylake]

Re: Torn between two used boats

That is why I keep going back and forth. Glastron approximately $5000 and Chaparral approximately $10000.

No question- Glastron, even they are same price. No wood is the way to go I believe. No worry about rotting.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Torn between two used boats

...Do the wood floors rot out because they are left out uncovered and the floor never dries out or do they rot just from being exposed to water during normal use?...

Wood flors rot out for a few reasons. Storing them outside, uncovered in the rain and snow is a major one, yes. So is drilling holes in them and not sealing them, when you install seats and such. They do NOT rot due to normal use. That's why I am saying don't freak out over wood floors. Noone should.
My 1997 Chap had a wood floor, was stored outside every day of it's 12 year life with me and my dad, and the floor was SOLID. Of course the cover was waterproof, so it never got wet and stayed wet. It got plenty wet during normal use and rainstorms, but always dried out under the cover. And it was perfectly dry when stored for the winter too.