'68 glastron hairline cracks/stern

[monk-monk]

Im thinking about buying a 1968 Glastron 142, 65 hp Merc/Kiekhaefer...my question is that i see a lot of harline cracks (very fine) in the fiberglass on the stern of the boat...can anyone fill me in on this, is it serious or just surface...thanks for the replies...Oh, its all original, motor looks like new and i can get it for about $800...whatcha all think...?

 

[180shabah]

Re: '68 glastron hairline cracks/stern

You'll have to determine the solidity of the hull and transom, but it is not uncommon to have some hairline cracking.

 

[monk-monk]

Re: '68 glastron hairline cracks/stern

Thanks...it does look superficial to me, but with the resources of iboats i thought it best to ask opinions...and that is my concern...the solidity of the transom, the hull looks very sound, and the total overall appearance of the transom doesn't show any real warning signs other than the fine cracks...just wondering if it goes deeper than what the eye sees...?

 

[Aqualift]

Re: '68 glastron hairline cracks/stern

Glastron V-142's only took power to 50HP. A merc 650 is a tad big, but shouldnt be an issue if the transom is solid. You might want to take a few core samples of the transom from the inside of the boat.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: '68 glastron hairline cracks/stern

Exactly where are these cracks?

You can also check for other bad signs, such as loose screws on things like swim ladders and pitots, that's a strong suggestion that they either were never properly sealed or that the sealant is giving up the ghost. A very bad thing would be a loose screw that just keeps turning and turning when you try to tighten it (screws won't grab rotted wood). It's not uncommon for boats that old to have wet/rotted transoms - I've replaced two.

 

[monk-monk]

Re: '68 glastron hairline cracks/stern

Thanks Guys...had a few thoughts about things...The core sample deal is a good idea, but Lord couldn't ya just see the guys face when i ask to core bore his transom...What a Howl that would be... next, you have to wonder how some things come to be, but the engine serial number is 2714935...which oldmercs says is a '68-'69...the same years as the boat, saying this in reference to the Max engine size...

 

[Aqualift]

Re: '68 glastron hairline cracks/stern

The Merc is probably from the same period as the boat. Some owners just don't follow the max recommendations for HP. On my SkiFlite, you can see it on the builders plate which is located on the inside of the cap near the remote control. Here is also a spec page from Glastron. http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/Hyperacme/V-156 Years/?action=view&current=68V-156-4.jpg