Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

[rickmac81]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for a starter boat for 1 or 2 seasons, something that I can learn the ropes with safely, cruise around with, pull a tube from time to time, but mostly just get out on the lake. Also wanted something smaller to master launching, retrieving, towing, etc. I had been looking for boats in the 2,000-3,000 range and the majority of them just had too many issues, mechanical or structural. Cosmetics aren't hugely important to me because I know I'll probably upgrade in a year or two.

I found a 1990 Glastron Sierra 170, 3.0 mercruiser. It's in great shape with an original interior, only a few minor blemishes on the seats. It is a one owner that was traded in, has been given a new starter and a "complete inspection". I did as best a job I could looking things over and it seems well taken care of and in good condition. There was one small (6 inch x 4inch) soft spot on the floor, towards the back of the boat. Everything on the engine and outdrive(?) seems to be in good repair, the hull is free of any visible damage.

The marina is offering the boat for 4,500. It was originally listed on their website at 5,900. Does this sound like an ok deal? It includes a load rite roller trailer from the same year. Also, please let me know how big of a concern the floor spots should be, especially given the fact that I intend to trade the boat in. I'd be curious to get your opinions.

Thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

We need to know your location. Boat prices vary wildly across the country and Canada. The soft spot is extremely concerning and the price is probably around $1500-2000 too high anyway.

 

[rickmac81]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

I'm in Massachusetts, inland.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

I'm in Massachusetts, inland.

Update your profile

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

Does this sound like an ok deal?

First impression is way too much but as mentioned previously we do not know what market you are in. Does this boat have an engine hour meter? If so, how many hours are on it?

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

Soft spot is expensive, or labor intensive, to fix - and can indicate rot in the stringers or transom. While it is hard to find a cared for small bowrider, this should be a major discount point.

 

[rickmac81]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

it does not have an hours meter. the owner of the marina told me he was told it had roughly 400 hours

 

[rickmac81]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

worth mentioning the guy who owned it was 70 something and didn't use it much the last 5 years

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

worth mentioning the guy who owned it was 70 something and didn't use it much the last 5 years

That's a minus not a plus. Boats break more when sitting then when used.

 

[bcbit01]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

Bring a knowledgeable friend. Take a test ride....Does it start immediately? Smoke? Does it accelerate smoothly, plane quickly? Will it achieve recommended WOT RPM? Odd mechanical noises from drive or engine? Operate EVERYTHING! If everything works, start looking at structural condition. A soft deck spot that small is not a problem itself but DOES indicate possible (and expensive) structural deficiencies underneath. check it out thoroughly. On price? Check NADA value FOR YOUR REGION. That value is for a fully and properly operational craft in suitable condition. Do not allow the "hey, it looks god for its age!" routine. If properly maintained, boats should be in top condition (except maybe gelcoat shine). ANY deficiency, be it mechanical, structural, or cosmetic, indicates a discount. Be a stickler and add them up. If the seller balks, he's looking for a sucker....run away. In closing, The previous post is spot-on correct. More maintenance issues result from lack of use rather than improper use. Regular use means regular inspections... catching problems early before they a. become serious or b. cause other problems. Regular use also keeps fuel fresh, batteries charged (and connections cleaner), keeps water flushing corrosion out of cooling passages, keeps fresh oil coating metal surfaces, prevents parts from rusting together...and....you're having fun at the same time using your boat instead of worrying about it.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

Good advice, What I always seem to add is that it is important that you understand what this is, a starter boat so making sure you can get out of this boat what you put into it is very important since you don't want to lose much when you sell it to upgrade or twofootitis. A soft spot in the floor is a bad sign but may not be the end, a 3.0 is a small motor that will struggle with heavier loads and struggle more when towing with a heavier load. So knowing this think about the situation, this boat has a soft spot which typically means there is water in the boats hull, water is incredibly heavy so a simple way to determine if this boat is ok is to take it on a lake test and see how it drives, does it have the power to tow a tube? It should, but if it struggles you may want to keep looking. If this boat had a 4.3 or a V8 this would be more difficult since they have more power and can overcome more weight easier. Look at your market and know what the real value of this boat is, really only you can determine if this is the boat for you. The market value of a boat is the biggest determining factor on first time boats, you want to get into boating and we want you to become a longtime boater, not one of those that say the best days of a boaters life is when you buy a boat and when you sell it, thats complete BS too many times people get into the wrong first boat and vow to never do it again, this is an older boat that has possibilities, in my eye you are on the perfect path to boating buy a value boat that has more upside then downside and learn how to boat with it, then when you know how to boat sell it for what you and your family have figured out is the boat best suited for your type of boating.

 

[ma glastron]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

I have glastron 175 sx 9 (same size but it's a 2000)with a 3.0 and have no trouble pulling a 2 person tube.

 

[ma glastron]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

I just found the boat you are looking at in worc . I find that dealer to very good and I bet he is selling it as a broker.

 

[rickmac81]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

Thank you all for the excellent advice. Much appreciated. I will keep you posted.

 

[rickmac81]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

So I ended up purchasing the boat with a 30 day warranty. Almost immediately upon putting it in the water, it was clear there was an issue with fuel/fuel delivery...perhaps spark. Brought it back, they did some routine work and cleaning throughout the engine, did not fix the problem. The dealer agreed to give me all my money back, which was certainly appreciated.

I decided to say to hell with it and bought a (new) leftover 2011 Glastron GT185. Got the 4.3 and most of the available options. Price was great and we've been doing nothing but boating since we picked it up. Wildly different experience, so much fun and peace of mind being in a new, reliable boat. Thanks to people on this board for advising to get the 4.3, I couldn't imagine it any other way now. Also, the trailer came with disc brakes...it tows and loads easier than the smaller, lighter, old boat.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Considering starter boat- Glastron Sierra 175

Congrats on the new boat. Be safe!