1974 Glastron V-140

[slowgypsy]

We have a place on a small lake in Mass. and recently bought our neighbors old boat. This Glastron is a tri-hull, with a 1974 Merc 500. The boat has been well cared for, but does show signs of wear-and-tear... heck, it's 30 years old. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this boat? Ever had one, or used one? For us, it'll be a small lake boat, something to visit the neighbors in or take out the occasional tuber. The engine had some issues but I've fixed almost everything by now, and the interior needs some tending to and I was thinking of making this a winter project. Any thoughts?? All stories welcome!

 

[JasonB]

Re: 1974 Glastron V-140

I am a fan of older Glastrons and own 2 1976 models. One was reasonable cared for and is solid as a rock. The other was neglected and needed new stringhers and transom last year. There are some pics of teh structural rebuild at: http://www.kimandjason.net/webpics/restore/Index.html <br />There's a group devoted to old 'trons at classicglastron.com<br /><br />Go for it and have fun. 'tron made some nice, solid boats that perform well.<br /><br />EDIT: fixed link.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1974 Glastron V-140

I had a 1970 19'er with a 140 hp on it. I replaced the floor & stringers. Great boat! Ran that sucker for 15 years all over south Florida.

 

[GlasV162]

Re: 1974 Glastron V-140

Those old Glastrons are great boats. I have a '78 V-162 Futura and absolutely love it. If your boat hasn't been neglected, it should last a long time. When I bought mine 7 years ago, I took all the seats out in the fall to replace the carpeting, which was badly worn. When I pulled up the carpeting I discovered that there was very little fiblerglass coating on the floorboards. So I took my power sander and sanded the entire floor down to the bare wood, which was still very solid and showed no signs of rot. I let the boat sit in the garage like that all winter to let the floor dry out real well. Then the following spring I took it to a boat repair shop and had the floor re-coated with fiberglass, and it's been great ever since. It cost about $200.00 but I plan on keeping the boat for a long time, so it was worth it. It's very important to make sure all the water is out of the boat in the fall when you store her. Keep the drain plug out and raise the bow good and high so all the water will drain out. Good luck!!

 

[redfury]

Re: 1974 Glastron V-140

I'm slowly trudging my way through a v179 restoration. It's been fun seeing how they built glass boats back in the early 70's ( mines a 1975 ). The taking apart has been fun and relatively easy compared to what I'm looking at to put it back together, but I plan on keeping this boat for a real long time.