Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Oh, and the pictures of the Glastron are for sure old pictures of it - the steering wheel and main pilot seat vinyl were a dead giveaway as they're very faded in person and yet a rich blue color in the pics. Okay, fark it, I think I just made up my mind about the Glastron - if it were $500 I'd just buy the damn thing and drive it till it sank, but for more than that it's not worth the risk. Going to cancel my appointment with the marina for the inspection.

The pontoon I made up my mind that I'm not taking that one, mainly because I would have to pay to store that giant thing. If it weren't for that I'd say that it was a great barebones platform onto which I could build whatever I wanted (lots of possibilities there and I think that's what had me bouncing the idea around.....water slides into the lake from the boat, cool lighting, etc ;-)

So, that leaves us with the Krusty Krab - what's the word on this? For 800 do I just say the heck with it and grab it from the guy? Worst case I get the rest of this season and most of next season out of it before I find myself junking the hull and selling the engine...best case it lasts me a good few years while I save up for something better? (no water slide capability however)

 

[Lakes84]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Heck if you think the KK can get you on the water, doesn't sink and you get a couple of seasons out of it, I'd go for it. Cheap entertainment if ther are no mechanical issues. Just remember buyer beware on that one.....SEA TRIAL!!

Joe

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

So, those are old pics of the Glastron? Bah - see ya!

OK then - time to revisit the Krusty Krab (and hope it don't end up in Bikini Bottom! )

Will the guy drop it in the water for you for a motor about to check it out? Granted it's much cheaper and you could probably get some bench seating for it without too much trouble but you still don't want to drop that kind of cash if the motor is knackered or there's some serious transom problems. On the upside it's probably a much simpler boat to work on.

 

[V153]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

how long are we talking before the things actually sink assuming I don't pay to have them structurally restored?

Assuming you're serious. It's your life. You tell me. Far wiser to fix them before they sink.

Speaking from personal experience you do not want to be aboard a boat when a stringer fails. Main reason being the very next thing that happens is the hull fails. And at that point all hell breaks loose. Trust me.

I would suggest you follow Mr ScoutAbout's advice and find a nice lil 'aluminium' boat with motor & trailer. If you shop around you can find a decent 15 foot package for about a grand, or less. No worries about rot.

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Assuming you're serious. It's your life. You tell me. Far wiser to fix them before they sink.

Speaking from personal experience you do not want to be aboard a boat when a stringer fails. Main reason being the very next thing that happens is the hull fails. And at that point all hell breaks loose. Trust me.

Alrighty-then - so we're talking a sudden catastrophic failure - I was thinking it was more of a suddenly we're getting lower in the water by the minute and end up jumping ship and swimming to shore. This sounds more like boat goes all to hell pretty quickly. I'd only be using it on the lake, no open waters for my cheap-o first boat (and not for this first time boater as well in any boat I'd imagine is a good way to go).

I'll see if I can get the Krusty Krab out on the water for a sea trial. If that goes well, maybe the owner will be feeling a bit more easy going and just drive the damn thing up for me for the $800 asking price (or at least 800 + 50 for gas and lunch).

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

P.S. Why does this site keep logging me out. Seems like every 15-30 minutes if I try to post something new I have to login again.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Okay, so here's a way too general question for you - if this boat doesn't work out, what should a guy living in an apartment by the water get for his first boat on an inland lake on a really tight budget?

A 16-18' outboard powered aluminum hull. Starcraft, Sea Nymph, Sylvan, Smokercraft, Mirrocraft, etc etc. Doesn't matter as long as it's aluminum (beware, many of these manufacturers made aluminum and fiberglass hulls so don't assume a Starcraft is aluminum). Aluminum boats have aluminum stringers so even if the transom and decks are rotted, replacement can theoretically be done in a weekend. These boats are also lighter and require less tow vehicle.

Obviously I'm biased but in my opinion, you won't find an easier to restore or own boat than a tinnie. Something like this:

Also, update your profile with your location.

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

A 16-18' outboard powered aluminum hull. Starcraft, Sea Nymph, Sylvan, Smokercraft, Mirrocraft, etc etc. Doesn't matter as long as it's aluminum (beware, many of these manufacturers made aluminum and fiberglass hulls so don't assume a Starcraft is aluminum). Aluminum boats have aluminum stringers so even if the transom and decks are rotted, replacement can theoretically be done in a weekend. These boats are also lighter and require less tow vehicle.

Obviously I'm biased but in my opinion, you won't find an easier to restore or own boat than a tinnie. Something like this:

Also, update your profile with your location.

Excellent - thank you! For some reason when I was thinking of aluminum I was picturing the basic row-boat/john-boat type setup with the hand-steered outboard. I definitely want something like that with the full steering, throttle and regular seating. What price range is acceptable for a 1990's aluminum hull?

Profile updated!

Thanks again all,

Jon

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

What price range is acceptable for a 1990's aluminum hull?

90's? Forget that. You can go all the way back with tinnies with little care or concern 60s, 70s, 80s, no problem! If you'd like, head on down to the Starcraft section of this web site. We've got a thread in there called "Starcrafts on clist" where we post up nice looking SCs we find for sale. Check it out. http://forums.iboats.com/Starcraft_Boats

Here's mine that I bought for $1000 with a running motor
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2140.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2146.jpg

After restoration
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/IMG_1175.jpg

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

90's? Forget that. You can go all the way back with tinnies with little care or concern 60s, 70s, 80s, no problem! If you'd like, head on down to the Starcraft section of this web site. We've got a thread in there called "Starcrafts on clist" where we post up nice looking SCs we find for sale. Check it out. http://forums.iboats.com/Starcraft_Boats

Here's mine that I bought for $1000 with a running motor
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2140.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2146.jpg

After restoration
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/IMG_1175.jpg

Wowza - that's really nice. Also love to see your first mate there with you - excited to get something solid so I can introduce my lil one to the fun of being out on the water. I'll definately check out the Starcraft thread for craigslist finds. I'm really feeling more hopeful now that I can get something structurally sound for not too many $$. How many hours and dollars did you put into the restoration? When restoring the boats in the winter, do you have to take into account temperature affects on the sizes of boards/floors/ets that you're installing to avoid fitment issues come the warmer weather?

Sorry to all who were suggesting the aluminum boats earlier - my lack of knowledge on what that entailed lead me to keep pushing for those other boats. Appreciate all the great feedback

Thanks,

Jon

 

[zopperman]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

you're ALL over the place. a 14' crestline with a 35 and a 21' star with a 225... very diff boats. Low comp. is a big deal... PITA to fix, but engine probably overheated and the guy holed a piston. You can fix it. I replaced a piston in my chrysler and I've never done more than an oil change on a car...

I think that 21' cuddy looks AWESOME. You should hop on it before I drive an hour and take it from you

You need to think a bit about what YOU want... where you will be boating... Lake hopatcong has reasonably small swells and a real multitude of types of boats...

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Oh man, this is some type of addictive thing isn't it? This one is beautious, but is above my budget: http://hartford.craigslist.org/boa/2618006749.html

 

[zopperman]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Are you planning on fishing? That center console is a fishing tank.

 

[zopperman]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

and yes, it's addicting. I've been neglecting my paper and looking at boats :eeK:

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Sorry for the multiple posts - it went something like this: Looking on CL, found something cool, posted it, told myself I'd get back to what I'm supposed to be doing, ended up right back on CL, repeat....

I've cleaned up the mess I made above and organized everything down here. Is there any way for me to delete those posts above (all say "organized below")?

Organizing the links here:

The "NO" list:

• Pretty but I can't afford it: http://hartford.craigslist.org/boa/2618006749.html
• More than I can handle right now: http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/boa/2593742065.html
• More than I can handle again: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2593342620.html
• Under powered for this particular boat - would want to zip around in it (the other low power boat I'd want to make look all classy and then just cruise): http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2594478441.html

The "MAYBE" list:

• Decent possibility, assuming the leak isn't that bad (not the prettiest thing, have an off feeling about it): http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2630779302.html
• Dirt cheap, Krusty Krab vibe in an aluminum Starcraft body - kinda dig it and willing to put some work and $ into it: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2617175199.html
• I see huge possibilities with this one - nice super retro paint scheme and some cool stained wood interior surfaces: http://newhaven.craigslist.org/boa/2628492151.html

The "YES" list:

• Nothing here yet - let's see if we can move one of the Maybes into the Yes list if it makes sense.

 

[zopperman]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

I like the Krab, personally. those extra 2 ft will make a world of difference

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

I like the Krab, personally. those extra 2 ft will make a world of difference

I called on the Krab part Deux (starcraft) and apparently it hasn't seen water in 5 years. He said it starts right up (ol johnson 2-cycle). What's your take on this - I may go see it on Sunday. Motor sitting is a tough one - not always immediately apparent that there are issues until you've been running it for a while. It's not available for sea trial because it's not current with registration and trailer has no plate on it. The interior work that needs to be done is a new floor and new transom.

 

[jontwentyfive]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Okay - updating the list to move a couple Maybe's into the No's and to add a new Maybe (a good one I think, except that it appears to have had salt water use).

Organizing the links here - v2:

The "NO" list:

• Pretty but I can't afford it: http://hartford.craigslist.org/boa/2618006749.html
• More than I can handle right now: http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/boa/2593742065.html
• More than I can handle again: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2593342620.html
• Under powered for this particular boat - would want to zip around in it (the other low power boat I'd want to make look all classy and then just cruise): http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2594478441.html
• Meh - I just don't like it: Decent possibility, assuming the leak isn't that bad (not the prettiest thing, have an off feeling about it): http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2630779302.html
• Kinda small - dig the styling but going to pass: I see huge possibilities with this one - nice super retro paint scheme and some cool stained wood interior surfaces: http://newhaven.craigslist.org/boa/2628492151.html

The "MAYBE" list:

• Dirt cheap, Krusty Krab vibe in an aluminum Starcraft body - kinda dig it and willing to put some work and $ into it: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2617175199.html
• NEW TO THE LIST: This one might be a winner: http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/2597894497.html

The "YES" list:

• Nothing here yet - let's see if we can move one of the Maybes into the Yes list if it makes sense.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Save the trip (on the green one). Another iboater went and looked at it and it has some very poorly repaired hull damage on it.

Believe it or not, you can probably handle a 21' Starcraft. My buddy bought one two years ago and we didn't have much experience and it went really well. Check out the pics and video here (his is way underpowered with only 90HP but actually planes pretty well) http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/Chris Boat/

 

[zopperman]

Re: Boat Purchase Decision Help - 1993 Glastron 17.5' Merc. 3.0l - 4 cylinder I/O

Don't be DEAD set on aluminum... Iboats has people scared to buy fiberglass boats because of rot issues if the boat is older than 2010... However, the one in LI looks SWEET, but you might wind up dropping 500 bucks for new bench seats.