Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

[ferguson]

Hello, We are a family of four looking for our first boat. We want to fish, cruise and water ski. How are the Glastron boats? Right now there is a special on the MX 175 at $10,988 (U.S.) with 3.0 GL Volvo Penta (WOPS) & EZ Loader trailer. Is this a good boat for beginners. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

A few friends and I spend a weedend in NH at my friends parents weekend home on a small like last summer.<br /><br />We wakeboarded off a 1998 175 Glastron Anervisery addition all weekend. Personaly, its not mt kind of boat, but for what it is it worked great. It had a Volvo Penta V6 in it and top end was around 40mph, i thougt hole shot could have been better, but it may not have been proped right.<br /><br />I was not empressed with the fit and finish of the boat, everything seemed cheap to me, but it preforumed well. I just didn't like all the plastics that where used on the dash, looked corny to me, but that just person opinon.<br /><br />If its going to be used in all freashwater and no salt, it would be a good first boat. But it would be a ***** to fish from and hold up poorley in saltwater. Its a good family cruiseing/watersports boat.<br /><br />If the boat is in very good shape and has low hours, $10,988 is a fair price.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Cannon]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

Glastron has always had a good reputation. I've never been impressed with the performance of the 3.0L. It is an entry level engine.<br /><br />You may be alright if you do not try to take too many people and too much gear. That is what first time boat buyers tend to do. They get disappointed and leave the hobby.<br /><br />If you can swing it, you will be much happier with the next level up with at least v-6 power. The resale will be much better also.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

I own 2 30 year old Glastrons. If I were looking for a new boat, their VEC hulls would be on top of my list with some Volvo power. That 175 will be ok with the 3.0, but I would opt for the v6 if you can afford it.<br /><br />Unless you are set on a new one, don't overlook some of the deals that can be found on used boats. An inexpensive used boat van give you good service while you learn how to operate a boat and you will quickly learn what you want in one like Sterndrive, outboard, 17' or 19', etc.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

Hi there,<br />I bought a glastron 175sx last march and have put over a 100 hard hours on it. I had the break in service done before I added the hour meter. My wife is a wakeboarding freak! The only problem we have had with the boat is the screws in the dash started lossening up. I took them all out and reinstalled them with a little locktite. We ski tube kneeboard and fish from this boat 2-3 times a week durring the spring and summer. I take it in the sanfransisco bay to fish for striper and sturgen and the snap out carpet makes it a breeze to clean. I know that the MX is a new model but if it is as nice as the one I have you could not ask for a better starter boat. space is a premium and there is only one little cooler in the very front of the bow so you might want to think of getting a second one and putting it under the portside dash.that is what we did.<br />I opted for the 4.3 liter and it pushes my boat over 50mph(gps) with 4 adults. Get a bimini top you will love the shade. The only reason we went with a 17ft was we were tired of having to drive to our storage to get the bluewater and wanted something that would fit in our garage. We looked at all the 17ft runabouts at the calexpo boat show and ended up coming back 3 times before settling on the glastron. they wanted 17,995 We payed 16,500 with the v-6 and made them add a depthfinder bimini and folding tongue trailer. the base price on that model was 13,995 with 4 cyl. If you want something added to the boat like we did just be firm and tell them the searay dealer offered to do it.Last year the boats were not moving at all. They agreed to everything and even threw in a coast gaurd kit and anchor and rode.The dealer also let us reseve the boat at the show and take it on a test drive before any money changed hands. We reserved it in january and the weathe sucked until the end of feb. If anyone says they need a deposit to hold the deal just keep walking.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

I move to a little more practical drummer than most. With a 3.0L you may have some problems unloading the boat if it isn't what you like/need. Also if you are just getting into boating is a brand new boat what you need?<br /><br />There are plenty of good used boats with low hours and upgraded equipment available from a variety of outlets. <br /><br />Ask yourself a series of questions:<br /><br />1.) What am I going to use this for?<br />2.) How will I be transporting or storing it?<br />3.) Where am I going to use it?<br />4.) I/O or Outboard?<br />5.) Max number of passengers vs. average #.<br />6.) Who is going to use it. You or your kids?<br />7.) Who is the mechanic I will be using?<br />8.) Do I need a relationship with a dealer?<br />9.) How long do you intend to own the boat?<br /><br />I will say that most brands (not all) are owned by a small number of companies. (Genmar, Brunswick) Glastron has a fairly good reputation and would be a brand that would not frighten me away. I would be very leary of the 3.0L if it were a first boat. If in a year you don't like it, you may end up taking a bit of a bath on the price. Check the classifieds here at Iboats, boat trader, or take some time and rent a number of rigs until you find one you are comfortable with. You may hate boating for the simple reason that the boat you chose, didn't meet your needs. You have some time, I can't strongly enough recommend doing your homework... <br /><br />Buying a boat should be fun, so enjoy!!!

 

[SeaHorse]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

I looked at the Glastron 175mx too. The seats looked cheesy and the bow light was a cheesy plastic snap on thing. I looked at the 17.5 Bayliner but a friend says he knows people with two year old ones that look 20 years old, gelcoat cracks, etc. <br />Right now the Stingray 18 looks the best to me but I havn't seen it up close.

 

[KCook]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

None of these bargain basement 17s are gems. Also take a look at the Caravelle 176 if you can find one.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

Ahhh...nothing like that new boat smell. Not having to worry about rotting structure, poor past owner engine maintenance, having a warranty. I myself have never owned a new boat, all my boats have been older than me, and I have had to do a lot of work on them. I enjoy that, I have no family, so thats fine with me. It seems to me that you want to just avoid all the nonsense and just get into a boat that you and your family can use and be happy with. I think the boat you are proposing will do fine for cruising, you don't need to break any speed records, you are just out there to enjoy the water. I think the boat will do okay for fishing as long as you understand that there will be compromises. If you are a casual fisherman, it should be fine. As for water skiing, you may have less than a satisfying experience with the limited power unless you and you family members are exceptional skiers who have the skill to ski behind a low powered boat. Now, I see people skiing all the time on low powered boats on my lake. You shouldn't have much of a problem pulling water toys, although the speed won't be blinding.<br /><br /> If your budget can allow it, I recommend trying to go up to the next power package. You will be happier, the boat will hold more value, and you will save money in the long run because a small motor that is worked to death will need more maintenance than a larger motor that is not working as hard. If you absolutely cannot afford anything but the base power package, then just buy the boat. Unless you know the person who owned the boat and know for sure how it was cared for, there is alway risk with buying a used boat, and with risk comes cost. In your situation with having a family and considering a base level boat, I can only assume you are not rolling in money. Having to rebuild an engine or do a structural repair can end you up with having a useless boat in the backyard for years, whereas just making that small monthly payment and going out with the family is so much better. Good luck with it however you go.

 

[lilthundr]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

Well since everyone is giving you their opinion, I might as well give you mine and maybe confuse you a little more.<br />If it was me buying my first boat, I would go for an outboard. They are less expensive to buy,unless you go for a four stroke. They are easier to maintain, especially winterizing. DO NOT let yourself get talked into anything underpowered, for the sake of a few dollars.<br />As for size and style of boat, I would suggest that you take your family with you, sit them all in the boat and then decide what you need.<br />And above all, take your time. There are lots of boats to be had out there.<br />Good luck and keep us posted

 

[Cannon]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

I would beg to difeer about outboard versus I/O price. Outboards are typically more expensive to buy. They are easier to maintain though.

 

[NCOffSeason]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

Buy the MX if it fits your budget. If you can go a little higher, opt for the SX 175 with the 4.3. If not, the 3 liter will do fine for pulling tubes, kneeboards, wakeboards and 1 skier. If you plan on hauling more than 4 people every time out, get the V6! <br /><br />We have a 185 with the 4.3 and we love it. We were going to get the 175 with the 3 liter, but advice from this very board pushed us into the 4.3. I spent more than I wanted to, but now I am proud of what I have and it pulls like crazy.<br /><br />Better a 3.0 than nothing.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

Our glastron 175 sx with 4.3L 190hp can pull my wife and myself out on single skis at the same time with no problems. I am a big boy (240lbs). We took off the 23 pitch laser II and put on a 19 pitch high five and my dad(Driver) mom(flag girl) pulled My wife my cousin and myself with no problems. That is my experince with my glastron. The Mx should be fine for anything you want to do as long as you don't want to do it fast. If you pull one skier use the stock prop. If you want to pull a couple of skiers go down one pitch size. These are light hulls. The 175 sx is 1980lbs dry. I think you would be fine with the 4 cyl if money is your main concern. The boat is advertised to top out well over 40 mph with 2 adults and full tank of fuel. My v-6 goes over 50 with a full boat load of people.

 

[hammlfam]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

Hi there,<br /><br />We bought our first new boat last summer. A 195 sx with the 4.3 volvo. LUV IT. For the money, we couldn't find a better NEW boat in our area.(indiana) We really enjoyed it this past summer and can't wait for spring. It has plenty of power for us plus it seats nine.(which made my wife happy and was the sole reason for giving up my Stratos Fish-n-ski)

 

[peevuto]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

The Glastron MX is a boat that is cheap and looks cheap! Very poor finish on this boat compared to the Bayliner 175. With all the good reviews on the Bayliner 175, PLUS the fact it is finished way nicer and costs less, I would definitely go with the Bayliner!!

 

[rpstrickland]

Re: Glastron 185 GX

Re: Glastron 185 GX

I am looking at a 2003 Glastron GX 185 it looks great but has gel coat cracks on the windshield area and around the handles on the bow area. Hairline extendin down about 2-4 inches did not see anything else wrong with the boat on test drive has 184 hours on it.. Should I run or is this minor

 

[barboyr]

Re: Glastron MX 175...good first boat????

We have a 2002 175SX with a 4.3 Volvo. After 8.5 hard years, we have added 2 batteries and 2 starters. We can pull 5 out of the hole at one time to make a pyramid. Sons have done wakeboard flips and we have taught grandkids to wakeboard and ski off of the back. We added a tower and changed the prop. We love it.