Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

[mikereno1]

I am in the market for my first power boat and have looked at a couple this far that were 18', but just seemed to small for what I need. I am now looking at the 20-22' range bowrider. The brands above are the most common in my area, st least in my price range.

My question is how do these generally compare in quality. I have seen tons of Four Winns and Reinell boats on the water up at Lake Tahoe, but fewer of the other brands. Is the above list the order you would place these in terms of overall quality?

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

if you are looking used, its more about how they were cared for, if new its more personal preference:noidea: I have a old Larson, it works great for me, so I might say Larson is best. I suppose someone with some other brand will tell you theirs is best. and don't get these starcrafters started:facepalm:

 

[Old Yeller Boater]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

yeah, need more info. if in the used market, care of the boat is more critical than brand...to some extent...but especially as you look farther back. I currently have an old larson which is a deep V and like how it rides in the water better than other boats I've been on.

 

[mikereno1]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

Looking for used boat, $15-18k, used primarily on Lake Tahoe which is high latitude fresh water lake, smooth in the mornings but can get very choppy in the afternoons. Used for some watersports (ski, tube, wake) and then going to different beaches around the lake

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

I'd make 2 groups . . . slightly favoring the first group.

(1) SeaRay, Chaparral, Four Winns, Monterey

(2) Glastron, Larson, Reinell

In terms of a used boat, the actual condition of the boat may outweigh the brand preference. So, it is a matter of the condition and having the features that you like.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

^^^ What Ted said, but I wouldn't be afraid to buy any of them.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

^^^ What Ted said, but I wouldn't be afraid to buy any of them.

This

 

[Chief9]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

Extremely happy with our Monterey

 

[boatguy19]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

four winns are good boats, actually all the above are pretty good boats just have to find one that fits your needs.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

it is all about the condition of the boat today- how was it maintained? How has it been stored ? Was kept in garage and whiped dry after each use? There is a ton of good info on what to look for in a older used boat. Whatever you decide do you home work.

 

[mikereno1]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

Is looking for cracks and tapping with a hammer the best way to evaluate for hull/transom integrity? Checking engine fluids and maybe a compression test sufficient for the engine eval?

Does anyone have a copy of a marine survey for a similar sized I/O bowrider I could use as a reference on what to check?

 

[jestor68]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

For the most boat for your dollar, why not include a Bayliner in your list of possibles?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

Is looking for cracks and tapping with a hammer the best way to evaluate for hull/transom integrity? Checking engine fluids and maybe a compression test sufficient for the engine eval?

Does anyone have a copy of a marine survey for a similar sized I/O bowrider I could use as a reference on what to check?

The methods you describe are not necessarily the best way, but only part of the techniques used by a surveyor. A marine moisture meter is also used (they cost about $400).

A compression test, visual inspection, and a sea trial are all used to evaluate the condition of an engine.

If you are spending a fair amount of money on a used boat, I would recommend having a professional surveyor do the inspections. Check the web sites for SAMS and NAMS as they are the 2 big organizations in the USA.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

Pretty sure all those brands are roughly comparable. As stated already, condition & care is going to matter more. We're in a similar boat search & we've seen really nice mediocre brands (Bayliner, VIP) & crappy higher end brands (Cobalt, Regal, Crownline). Really comes down to how they were cared for.

Have my eye on a beautiful Cobalt 232 right now that is ever so slightly out I my financial comfort zone!

 

[Chief9]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

Did you make a decision? Superbenk, Cobalt is a beautiful boat. I'd love to have one

 

[Chief9]

Re: Glastron vs Larson vs Four Winns vs Sea Ray vs Reinell vs Monterey vs Chaparral

Post pics of the cobalt if you can.