Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

[mrfizban]

As anyone that has seen my previous posting knows, I've been shopping a lightweight I/O bowrider that's light enough for me to tow. In looking at the 17-footers, I've been quoted for an MX175 Glastron at $11,900 (base) and for an SX175 Glastron at $15,900.<br /><br />Both are stock and come with trailer and a 3.0L engine, the same length, and same width, so can anyone tell me why one would possibly be $4,000 more than another. That's 33% more money for what? It's not like one would dry-rot and another wouldn't. It's not like one is a better engine since they all come with those 3.0 Volvos.<br /><br />I'm just puzzled and figure someone would have a logical answer. And PS, it isn't the dealer as I looked and MSRP for both are about $4,000 different also. <br /><br />Thanks. <br /><br />Jeff

 

[KCook]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

Fair question. The specs on the Glastron web site are identical. Which is suspicious in itself. It's possible that the SX figures were mistakenly used for the MX listing? Keep asking your dealer.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Bondo]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

I can see $4000.00 difference in the trim Package lists.........<br /><br />Adjustable Seats Vs. Milk Crates............<br />A Stereo Vs. Singing to Yourself....... <br />Carpets.....<br />Etc.....

 

[garycinn]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

If you look at the two boats side by side the MX is pretty spartan vs. more bells and whistles on the SX -- especially the interior. <br /><br />It is basically $4K worth of upholstery, carpet, and upgrades.<br /><br />For example, I think the MX doesn't come with any carpet and the windshield is much more basic. The seats are better in the SX as well.<br /><br />For the difference in interior, click on the little pictures beneath the big shot in both of these two pages:<br /><br /> http://www.glastron.com/pages/Models/SX175.html <br /><br /> http://www.glastron.com/pages/Models/MX175.html <br /><br />The SX you can get a V6 which would make a 2000 boat fly.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

You will notice too that the MX doesn't have a center bow cushion. It also has a USCG rating of 150 lbs less.

 

[mrfizban]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

Well, I saw most of that stuff. But lets see in the actual different items between one and the other:<br />1) SX add adjustable seat.<br />2) Stereo w/ cassette player (wow)<br />3) Glove Box<br />4) Snap-in carpet<br />and while I can't tell the comfort difference, the bows both have cusions, but they are different. And the winshield looks fancier and curves around slightly more on the SX, but 33% of a boat's value in a couple options? Would you pay $30,000 for a Honda Accord EX instead of $20,000 for the LX if it had some tinting, a nicer stereo, maybe a spoiler and keyless remote? Come on, 33% of value is 33% of value, all that other stuff doesn't add to resale value and is just throwing un-recoverable money into items that you'd just about be an idiot to say that you'd care about for the all of the couple hours you'd actually use it. So really, are they pulling some scam into marketing the expensive boat and pulling the gullible people into paying the extra 33% of the boats cost on frivilous options?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

So really, are they pulling some scam into marketing the expensive boat and pulling the gullible people into paying the extra 33% of the boats cost on frivilous options?

Scam ????<br />Some people Enjoy the comfort of nice seating,+ some Tunes.........<br />Couple of Hours ???? I managed to Squeeze in a little over 100hrs. in This Year.......<br /><br />If you're That Worried about

just throwing un-recoverable money

You Really Don't Belong in Boating.......................................

 

[Lou C]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

Or the cheaper one scrimps on more stuff that you can't see, perhaps?

 

[lawyertob]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

Originally posted by mrfizban:<br /> Well, I saw most of that stuff. But lets see in the actual different items between one and the other:<br />1) SX add adjustable seat.<br />2) Stereo w/ cassette player (wow)<br />3) Glove Box<br />4) Snap-in carpet<br />and while I can't tell the comfort difference, the bows both have cusions, but they are different. And the winshield looks fancier and curves around slightly more on the SX, but 33% of a boat's value in a couple options? . . . . So really, are they pulling some scam into marketing the expensive boat and pulling the gullible people into paying the extra 33% of the boats cost on frivilous options?

Mrfizban,<br /><br />Hmmmm...I would say that if they tell you up front the difference in the prices and don't force you to buy the more expensive that it can hardly be called a scam.<br /><br />However, it might have something to do with the fact that many people will get the more expensive boat simply because they think that if it is more expensive it must be better.<br /><br />If you really only plan to use the boat a few hours a year, then you might want to consider renting...around here you can rent some darn nice boats for less than $100 an hour.<br /><br />If you are really worried about getting a lot of boat for your dollar, then I bet you can find an old boat like mine and spend a little money to fix it up and have a "better than it was when it was new" boat for under $3000. I decided to go this route, because I knew that if I dropped $20K or more on a boat I would not be able to enjoy using it. I know that I would spend more time thinking about how much the boat was costing me per hour of use than anything else.<br /><br />Of course, I guess it is just like flashy cars...maybe some people need the more expensive boat because they are compensating for some other type of shortcoming.... <br /><br />Just my $0.02 worth,<br />Joe

 

[KCook]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

Very practical advice from Joe Glastron T186

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

Just my opinion, and it won't apply to most on this board cuz they can see through it, but when you sell a boat you sell a dream. The fancy seats, "factory stereo", Upgraded cushions, dual tone horn, the sexy windshield. For some, that is what it is all about-the dream. And when talking about 4K, which is alot for some, it isn't much for those who are in the market for a "new" boat. <br /><br />My guess is you have more room to negotiate with on the deluxe version but I wouldn't pay a dime for anything except the upgraded captains chair. I run my boats for extended periods at a time and the best seat I can get is important to me. Hull and engine options being the same, you can put in carpet if you want, install a glove box, pop in a kickin stereo for around 500 bucks. <br /><br />Good luck, and Merry Christmas.

 

[mrfizban]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

Thanks Kelly, I think you hit the nail on the head and that was my main point. I think I can find people that sell stereos and upgrade the carpets. I'll have to look into the seats and if those are individual upgrades, and like Joe Glastron said, for a first time boat that I'm only planning on taking out a couple times a year then upgrading 10 years down the line when my kids get old enough to waterski, I'll worry about niceties then. Until then, for a first time little-used boat, why pay $4,000 more for seats that adjust forward and back and a stereo and glovebox which the MX adds as upgrades options anyway? Thanks for the support guys. <br /><br />Jeff

 

[Bondo]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

If you Really don't want to part with Your Pennies,<br />You should be looking at Bilgeliners...................<br /><br />Of Course,<br />That brings up the un-recoverable money Again........................................................................................ <br /><br />With buying a "New" boat,<br />You've going to Loose Big on the Depreciation,<br />As Soon as you Sign on the dotted line...........<br /><br />As I stated before,<br />Boating is NOT an Investment Stratagy............<br />It's an Expense.........<br /><br />The Return, is in Fun...... Not Funds..........

 

[KCook]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

I'm only planning on taking out a couple times a year

Renting or chartering a boat will save you several thousand $$ over buying a new boat!<br /><br />Seriously,<br />Kelly

 

[mrfizban]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

I've looked into renting and did it once. A) Rentals are pretty rare here in Oregon, B) They just don't work out too favorably to have tied up to the dock out camping for a week or so where people use it at their leasure, and C) The question was more of an information-type question than reality. I'm 99% sure I'll get a 2-4 year old used boat that has the lowest depreciation rates and will hold it's value. So far, the one close purchase I analyzed out came out with me making money after five years to purchase and use it for 50 hrs a year vs. not purchasing it at all, problem was it was too heavy for my vehicle. So, I'll make sure that any used purchases I make will far outweigh renting, even if only used a dozen hours a year. But thanks for the info, it's good advice for that senario.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

Glastron has had difficulty with rotting floors for some recent model years. My neighbors 1998 rotted seriously after three years. After much hastling, Glastron replaced the floor. I would check if the differenc between the two is in the old flooring system vs. new. I believe Glastron made a change to their flooring system in 2003.<br /><br />In the links you provided, the MX makes mention of a "unitized fiberglass deck/floor". I'd check on the type of floor in the SX.

 

[KCook]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

The SX is VEC construction, floor should be fiberglass or a composite. There ARE wood bits in these VEC boats, but it's limited to fixtures for mounting hardware.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

Hi guys,<br />I own a 2003 SX175. I paid a little $16,000 at the boatshow. <br />I bought mine with the V-6. That motor is not even an option with the MX.<br />Mine Came with ajustable seating, really nice snap in carpet, Sunbrella bimini, trailer brakes and a folding tongue. While I did pay extra for the V-6 and fishfinder/depth meter, I felt those options were needed in my case.<br />My boat wan made with VEC construction and the only wood to be found on my boat is the backing boards/plates that the windshield screws into under the dash.<br />The floors are all no slip fiberglass.<br />This boat does over 50MPH with seven (4 adult and 3 kids)passengers at WOT and will pull three people(2 fat guys and a twig) out of the water at the same time.I don't think the 3.0liter can do this without a prop change.<br />I have used this boat at least 2-3 times a week from april to october for the past three seasons and I have never had any problems other than a bilge pump failing. <br /> <br /> I think the MX is a great value if you don't want/need the extra power of the V-6.<br />You could add the bimini, fishfinder and streo your self for around $800-$1000<br /><br />My only gripe about my boat is no bow cleat for anchoring and the stock stereo system sucked.<br /><br />Bondo,<br />If you are still looking at this thread, Now that the warranty is up on my drive train I am getting ready to swap out The stock 2bbl and cast manifold for a aluminum 4bbl set up I got on Ebay.<br />I Had such good luck with your advice on the bluewater I had to do it on this one too!!<br />I will do some before and after tests as well take pics of the install and post them here for all the people always asking about this swap.

 

[Hoserpoppasmurf]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

I bought the MX last summer, and I love it. The trim level is less than the SX, mainly in the carpeting. My seats still slide and spin- great for pulling and fishing. This is the first inboard in many years and I'm nervous about raw water cooling. But then I don't go on the salt anymore. I really like the little 4 cyl., it does well, 40 mph @4200rpm. All the amateur skiers are well served. I REALLY like the fuel economy; going from an inline 6 Merc OB to this is like night and day. And is it quiet, so little noise from hull or engine.I do have a beef though. I can't figure out how or where to put a trolling motor on. The dealer had an electric on the bow, but when you remove it there is the aluminum track left behind to peel a layer of hide off as one slides over the bow. My current thinking is to build something in SS off of the ladder at transom and mount a little kicker on a tilt and lift rig. I thought about electric but keeping batteries charged for 2 to 3 hours worth of trolling takes away from the fishing time.

 

[koolerb]

Re: Anyone know why a Glastron MX and SX differ so much?

If you're only out a couple of times a year, I saw 17ft 3.0 liter Bayliners at the boat show for $10,000 with trailer. Bare bones boat, but it will still get you out on the water.