heck of a deal? what do you think?

Joined
Apr 28, 2004
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29
Hi, my wife and I are buying our first boat, and we think we've came across a good deal. 1979 Glastron open bow, with 80hp Mercury. He asked $1500 for it, and said he would pay for recommended repairs from mechanic. I picked the boat up from his house, took to local Marina. Suggestions: Starter Solenoid, both carbs rebuilt, plugs, fuel pump, impeller, tune up. Engine compression checked good, boat floor is ok. I called the owner, gave him the estimate, he said he would knock that off of the full repair cost. Anything else to look for....sounds like a really good deal.
 

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
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12,072
Re: heck of a deal? what do you think?

Sounds like you covered all the bases. Don't think that you could find a decent boat of anykind for under $1500. With a professional lookover and the, repairs as stated, I'd go for it if the combo fits your needs. <br /><br />If the boat is clean and it turns out you want to move up later, you can probably get your money out of it.
 

BF

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Apr 8, 2003
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Re: heck of a deal? what do you think?

I like Glastrons of that era.. my dad has a 17' with 120 I/O (probably would be about same performance wise as one you're looking at). Seem like sturdy well built boats.<br /><br />You didn't mention if the mechanic checked the lower unit... new lube for sure, a pressure test would also be nice... lastly would the owner agree to letting you test it on the water? If I were me selling, I'd say "sure, but I want to come along"... just to make sure you didn't do anything stupid before paying me the $$$$. If it were me buying, I'd want the owner to come along so that if the motor blew up, he was "in command" of the test drive (and couldn't blame me).<br /><br />I agree that it sounds good... and I've bought more expensive boats than that without a test ride, but since you're pulling it around already, why not? Maybe tell him you'll take it pending a test drive.<br /><br />Brent
 
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
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Re: heck of a deal? what do you think?

BF, I didnt mention the lower unit, but tune up and drain/refill lower unit included in the maintenance that is taking place now. We will ask about the test drive, however the only lake close by is "idle" only. If we get a year, maybe 2 out of the boat, I think it's worth it. We did find out that the nav lights and bilge pump are not working....but I'm not sure about how they are hooked up. We will check that and I dont think it will be a big problem anyway.<br /> :)
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
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Apr 28, 2002
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7,518
Re: heck of a deal? what do you think?

I had a 1970 (got it in 75) 19' Glastron with a 1980 80 hp Merc on the back. Ran it with the Merc for 7 years then put a 140 Rude on it and ran it for another 8 years. Great combo.
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
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May 22, 2003
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5,581
Re: heck of a deal? what do you think?

If you dont mind me asking,what was the total for the services required.It seems to me the owner of the boat wont have too much of the 1500 left when all is said and done.Charlie
 
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
29
Re: heck of a deal? what do you think?

$415 for listed services. I am in military and on post has a "boat rental" shop that does the labor for a lot cheaper than off post. Labor about $15 cheaper and no tax on parts.
 

WHITEBOYY32

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 20, 2004
Messages
31
Re: heck of a deal? what do you think?

i found a 1994 tracker pr0-18 at a bank repossession for 2500 dollars like new.....what bout that? to say i jumped on it and crowed would be an understatement !!!!!!!!!!!
 
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