Is a Glastron(1997 185 ) a decent quality boat

[ceasarea]

I bought it this summer and am happy.....but its my first I/O (4.3 volvo)and i think it's a nice looking boat. I am wondering if its still a popular boat and was it a quality boat. It seems like other brands have flooded the market.Thanks

 

[southkogs]

Re: Is a Glastron(1997 185 ) a decent quality boat

Glastron is a good enough brand - not like owning a Ferrari, but not a Yugo either. The "brand landscape" of boats now compared to 30 years ago is almost laughable. There's plenty of brands out there, and some are marketing well … but there used to be a fiberglass boat maker on every street corner.

Especially in a boat that's older, condition is the key.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Is a Glastron(1997 185 ) a decent quality boat

.... i think it's a nice looking boat. I am wondering if its still a popular boat and was it a quality boat.

I think that Glastron still being in business today is more than you can say for several boat builders of 30 years ago.

Have you looked at their website? Some brand new designs are really great looking boats aimed at folks in the market for a ~16-24 foot open bow type boat. Concentrating on that size probably helps keep costs down compared to offering many different model lines that include cuddy and aft-cabin boats.

The main thing though is YOU are happy with it and hopefully it'll treat you well as you take care of it.

Mark

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Is a Glastron(1997 185 ) a decent quality boat

Glastron used to be made, and sold in Austin, TX among other places. President LBJ had a ranch not too far NW of Austin and boated in what is now Lake LBJ....think the original name was Lake Marble Falls (as there was a huge rock quarry nearby)...one of the 5 "Highland Lakes" in Central TX. Moving right along, They made a 20' deep V monohull runabout for him and put a Chevy 454 in it apparently largest engine in that size boat for the day. Secret service always went along for security, some in his boat and some in a chase boat. He used to get his kicks, as the story goes, outrunning the chase boat as it had no 454.

In the area, and I was there at the time, the badge reflected quality, were popular, and they had several models of up scale boats for the night life on Lake Austin, among other uses. Remember sales brochures where the "uppety" folks had their Glastron tied to their dock and the pictures showed them, in their evening apparel, including tux. getting in their boat for a trip to a party on the lake.

I don't know about '97 but some time ago I pulled up a www on the current then mfgr'er and seems they are very technology competent now as then. I don't know about the wood in the line nor when it was phased out (surely it was) nor how much. Their hull designs are well thought out. Since you already bought it you have what you have.

Good luck,
Mark

 

[ceasarea]

Re: Is a Glastron(1997 185 ) a decent quality boat

Thanks guys...I am very happy with it. It's sleek , fast out of the water , well designed , stable and very comfortable. There is also tons of room to work on the engine. What else can you ask for.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Is a Glastron(1997 185 ) a decent quality boat



I love Mine !

 

[ceasarea]

Re: Is a Glastron(1997 185 ) a decent quality boat

Nice lines on the boat....I am not really sure the new ones are the same ....way more plain inside..sort of cold looking ...Just my opinion

 

[V153]

Re: Is a Glastron(1997 185 ) a decent quality boat

Glastron's as good as any other if you take care of it. I'm kinda partial to the older models myself. The "James Bond" years are my favorite.

Not to nitpick Mark, but LBJ's boat has a 409 in it. It did in fact smoke the SS chase boats, much to their chagrin.

Donzi Sweet Sixteens w/302 were no match for the mighty 409.

 

[ceasarea]

Re: Is a Glastron(1997 185 ) a decent quality boat

Great pics....Glastron's just seem to be made with quality....and they seem to well thought out....what else can you ask for in a boat.