Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

[espnman]

Hey all,

I'm going replace my '88 Chris Craft Cavalier with a new bowrider under 18 ft. I've also made the decision to go with an outboard rather than an I/O. I'm leaning towards Glastron MX180. I've looked at some other manufactures (Larsen, Rinker, Four Winns, Bayliner, etc), but I keep coming back to the Glastron. I'd be using the boat for 70% skiing and 30% pleasure. I am a little worried about the wake on the MX180, as I do like to slalom occasionally and I have not skied behind the boat before. My budget is $25,000.

Thoughts? Anyone have experience with the MX180 or GT180 (same hull)? What about opinions on newer Glastrons? I Know they are produced in the same factory as Four Winns now...that should count for something right?!

YAY or NAY on the 150hp OB (E-TEC or otherwise) bowrider under 18ft?

Keith

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

150 is on the big side for an 18'.

Look at Sea Hunt.

 

[Philster]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

I am biased, to say the least, but you should look at some Checkmates.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

Hey all,

I'm going replace my '88 Chris Craft Cavalier with a new bowrider under 18 ft. I've also made the decision to go with an outboard rather than an I/O. I'm leaning towards Glastron MX180. I've looked at some other manufactures (Larsen, Rinker, Four Winns, Bayliner, etc), but I keep coming back to the Glastron. I'd be using the boat for 70% skiing and 30% pleasure. I am a little worried about the wake on the MX180, as I do like to slalom occasionally and I have not skied behind the boat before. My budget is $25,000.

Thoughts? Anyone have experience with the MX180 or GT180 (same hull)? What about opinions on newer Glastrons? I Know they are produced in the same factory as Four Winns now...that should count for something right?!

YAY or NAY on the 150hp OB (E-TEC or otherwise) bowrider under 18ft?

Keith

I have no experience with it, but it looks like a great boat. I really like OB power and glass cockpit soles. 150 HP on the boat would be just fine. I've spent some time in an early 2000s FW 180 with 150 HP Johnson and it is nicely powered.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

The MX180 and the GT180 have nice platform type entry from the transom. A 2 tiered approach, and nicely upholstered. Others in that size, while they may have the extended platforms around the engine, are not quite as nice there regarding reboarding. The GT's are sexier by way of the interior and some of the standards, but the MX's are about as nice as any others in that class. Glastron hulls are pretty sporty too. They have some kind of incentive right now too, which puts the MX180 or GT180 in your price range.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

What kind of water are you gonna' be on? If it's mainly inland stuff, and since you're a skier - I'd almost suggest with your budget to look for a good used comp boat (MasterCraft, Natique, etc.). Inboard is a whole different animal as far as power and they're a dream to ski behind.

Most of the newer bowriders are built "fluffy" (losta' creature comforts making them big and heavy) and their wake is not as conducive to serious skiing. I actually prefer skiing behind an older smaller outboard runabout to the newer jobs (one of the reasons I like old tri-hulls actually).

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

Sea Ray makes (or made recently) a nice one. Then there are dual console boats from Triumph, Grady White, and others that might be a different option. Just a few other's to throw into the mix.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

For your budget and use, it is my opinion that the Glastron would work well.

I am biased towards Four Winns for obvious reasons. Their new H180 OB is a great boat and if I were in the market for a new one, it would be at the top of my list. However, the new H180 is a lot smaller boat than the last generation (97-05) of OB boats that Four Winns made. That being said the new one makes really good use of space.

Oh and get a 150 etec for sure. My 2004 with a 150 Evinrude DI is nearly perfect for speed/acceleration and economy.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

Like Philster, I'm biased too. You owe it to yourself to look at a Mariah. I have the '07 DX212 and love it! Good Luck

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

I am biased, to say the least, but you should look at some Checkmates.

x2

And have one of the faster boats on your lake!

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2012-Checkmate-Boats-Inc-2000-Brx-100125434

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

I actually prefer skiing behind an older smaller outboard runabout to the newer jobs (one of the reasons I like old tri-hulls actually).

Same here... I grew up behind tri-hulls that had from 85 to 115 hp. With the 3 sharp edged hulls, they tracked great. They hopped up onto plane nearly instantly, and at speed put out very little wake. Slow them down and throw some ballast in, and they actually make a pretty decent wake for wakeboarding. (a lot of the modern inboard ski-boats use hull designs that aren't too far off from an old tri-hull)

 

[V153]

Re: Best OB Bowrider Value? Glastron Or..?

YAY or NAY on the 150hp OB (E-TEC or otherwise) bowrider under 18ft?

Keith

Great big Yay on a 150 E-TEC. Bleve the 150HO is an option. Shouldn't break the budget.

Far as skiing behind it I can't see it kicking up a bigger wake than any of the other brands you mentioned?