1979 Glastron possible purchase?

[Moonstation2000]

Just got into boating this summer with a Cajun Prosport 150 Bass boat two seater and I've been looking for something a little larger for taking out some friends for fun/tubing/watersports etc.

I had figured that a small bowrider with an outboard was going to be the perfect boat for me so I've been keeping an eye on the local Craigslist.

But a 79 Glastron CVX-16ss (two actually) showed up and I love the way the boats look. It's got less room than a bowrider and needs more renovation than I'd like.

"Two boats one is for parts have a rebuilt motor two out drives very little work to put back on the water very rare boats in board 140hp these boats are worth 3times the asking price the motor alone is worth it will trade for a sportster"

I called the guy and he has a title for 1 boat and 1 trailer. Rebuilt motor is out of the boat. Transom rebuilt. Needs floor. He's asking $1500. I asked for more pics.

I'm pretty handy. Talked to a lifelong boating friend who happens to love Glastrons and he says replacing floor is no problem, couple days.

Advice from DIY guys?

 

[matt167]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

You may want to PM Friscoboater and check out his youtube channel. He is restoring ( mostly finished ) a CVX-18.. It will be longer than the couple days your thinking but the CVX being a Carlson hull, it is a boat that is worth it no doubt.. You may like a bowrider better, but for $1,500 your buying a project, so choose a hull and power you want, you can make that into your boat.. The CVX with a little more power would make a rocket.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

...Friscoboater and check out his youtube channel....

^^^^^^^^^
Yep, do what he suggested. Frisco is on his 3rd restoration boat I believe. He also has stuff here on IBOATS in the restoration forum.

Mark

 

[Moonstation2000]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

Thanks guys, I'll check that out. Been checking out youtube videos already...

So your votes are that this boat is worth putting some work into?

I'm still waiting on pics from the guy. Although I did see one in LI for $3k in running condition with an outboard...

 

[dccordell]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

I don't know about that particular boat, so I'll just speak in general terms:

You need to check the actual condition of the boat that will be put in the water, not the condition the guy states is almost ready for water.

You need to check the deck, stringers, foam (if any), and transom. Those are the usual suspects for rot, and one tends to lead to the other in short time.

Once you have an idea of what needs to be rebuilt, then you can go watch the videos and browse the restoration forum to get an idea of what those jobs look like.

Then you can determine if the boat is worth [to you] putting time into...

 

[agallant80]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

I bought a late 70's glastron a few years ago as my first boat. What a mistake. I guess I can look at it as paying for an education rather than paying for a boat that was junk. Be really careful buying something that old regardless of brand. That boat was made before I was born and I am 32!

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

You are quite correct in checking the condition on old boats. There was a thread on one of 3 sites I watch where a 2012 Bayliner already had a wet transom. So-- every boat including new ones need to be carefully investigated.

I bought a late 70's glastron a few years ago as my first boat. What a mistake. I guess I can look at it as paying for an education rather than paying for a boat that was junk. Be really careful buying something that old regardless of brand. That boat was made before I was born and I am 32!

 

[skibrain]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

Take a look at classicglastron.com for more info on the GlastronCarlson boats.

I've owned two CVX 16s with outboard power. The i/o versions do not compare performance-wise, but look a little sleeker.
Lots of threads on the above website about guys who have replaced floor, stringers and transom on these for total restoration. Soft floors are really common.

There are actually quite a few around so buy the boat you want, not just rescue something that needs too much work.
Good luck!

 

[Moonstation2000]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

Luckily for me my current boat has needed some general work so I have been educating myself as much as possible on all sorts of boat repair.

Still haven't gotten pics from the owner but I've been looking around at other cvx's as I've really taken a liking to how the boats look. I see one for sale out in Long Island with an outboard for twice the money but "In good condition runs great everything works", maybe I'll give a call...

Skilbrain: The i/o's are weaker than the outboards?

 

[jestor68]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

The i/o's are weaker than the outboards?

Outboards typically weigh half as much, resulting in a more favorable power to weight ratio.

 

[skibrain]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

The CVX-16 hull is quite light. Around 725 lb. with no motor/drive. A 115 outboard weighs about 300 lb. the Mercruiser 140 I/o with outdrive is around 700 lb. Weight is the enemy of performance.

Of course there are exceptions and extreme examples of set ups optimized for speed, or over-powered beyond the factory max-rated outboard of 125 hp, but I read 44-45 mph as typical top speed on the SS with the 140 I/O and 50-53 mph typical for outboard powered.

(My dad's 79 stock 115 johnson outboard raised off transom, running an omc SS 23" pitch was a bit doggy out of hole but would run 56-57 mph all trimmed out. My '89 with 120 hp Evinrude 120 mounted standard height with SS 19" pitch more optimized for skiing would do 52 mph. GPS numbers.)

Oh, and yes the boat is quite small. little room for gear if you have more than 3 people.

Brochure
www.classicglastron.com/79gl-carlson-cvx16.html

Classic Glastron Owners Association • Index page

My '89 was not the awesome metal flake gel coat, but I still liked it a lot.

Loaded with gear (obviously we had to leave the toys on the beach once we got there )

 

[Moonstation2000]

Re: 1979 Glastron possible purchase?

Your boat looks fantastic! Is that a 16'? Looks like more cabin area than I've seen.

Well I got no pics in the mail but I did get a text today from the guy who said that the price is reduced to $1000 if I come get them today. I didn't get to call him until this evening at which point he said they were gone. He told me that he sent pics but I never got them. It was definitely a lot of project for me to take on, not that I wouldn't have, but time is a little scarce these days. So I'm not lamenting the loss of these two boats that much...

Good info on the outboard, makes them sound more appealing to me then. Maybe I'll give the Long Island boat a call.