Larson or glasstron?

[CharlesRiver]

Hey all,

I am looking pretty hard for my first bowrider, as some of you may remember. I had found a nice regal, but its out of my price range by about $3000. Im thinking about going to look at a couple boats, a 2001 Larson (3.0 merc) and a 1999 Glastron (4.3 merc).

Any opinions? They are both in the $11,000 range.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

I don't pay much attention to brand in a boat more then a few years old. It's condition, condition, condition.

You don't say how big the 2 boats are or how you're gonna use them... that'll help folks figure out if the 3.0 is enough motor for whatever it is you have in mind.

My .02

 

[sweet addiction]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

I agree with JoLin. Both boats will be great boats as long as the condition is good. Go for the boat that has been the best maintained. As far as I know there is actually not a lot of difference between Larson and Glastron boats of that generation, at least when it came to how they were constructed.

 

[jkust]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

At that age, I'd agree you could have a pristine, trailer queen or a rotted, poorly stored of any brand. The 4.3 so massively outperforms the 3.0 torque-wise...I'd lean toward the 4.3. Also unless you are in Canada...I wouldn't pay 11,000 for both boats together.

 

[sweet addiction]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

At that age, I'd agree you could have a pristine, trailer queen or a rotted, poorly stored of any brand. The 4.3 so massively outperforms the 3.0 torque-wise...I'd lean toward the 4.3. Also unless you are in Canada...I wouldn't pay 11,000 for both boats together.

Yup, And that being said don't think that a 3.0 - 4 banger is going to give you better gas mileage either. Don't get me wrong I love my 3.0 , It has been a bullet proof motor for me but it in no way is "easy on gas" like many people like to assume.

 

[jkust]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

Yup, And that being said don't think that a 3.0 - 4 banger is going to give you better gas mileage either. Don't get me wrong I love my 3.0 , It has been a bullet proof motor for me but it in no way is "easy on gas" like many people like to assume.

Exactly...the 3.0 is a venerable engine...it just provides less power. Nothing wrong with a 3.0 but why not have more of something than less of something if the price is the same in the used market. At the age of boats you are seeking the difference in price between a 3.0 and a 4.3 should be almost nothing if anything. Lots of info on boattest.com showing side by side fuel efficiency data and the two engines are close if not the same. The 3.0 is instantly noticable from a mile away on the water since it sounds do much different.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

As stated above condition in that vintage of boat is EVERYTHING. The price range seems kind of high for what you listed but that may just be the area you're in. For $11k though I would have a professional marine survey done for a few hundred dollars. If there is a reason not the boat they will find it. It's cheap insurance rather than possibly getting burned. Apples to apples I'd go with the Glastron as it appears to be slightly larger and has the 4.3 You may not always use or need the extra power but it's nice to have it for when you do. Also I go by the theory that the bigger the motor the less hard it has to work the longer it will last. Just my .02 cents. Either way good luck with whatever you decide on!

 

[sweet addiction]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

I go by the theory that the bigger the motor the less hard it has to work the longer it will last.

Dead on correct.

 

[CharlesRiver]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

Thanks everyone for the replies. I this I agree that condition matter a lot when dealing with older boats. It appears that the Glaston and the Larson are similar boats, as far as quality goes. I'm in NB canada and I will be boating in the Saint John river system, which is pretty large. I don't know that a lake boat is ideal, so I think I like the 21 degree Larson hull better.

Ok, now how about this twist... Same 1999 Glastrom 185 with the 4.3, or a 2001 Larson 190 with a 150 mercury optimax o/b.... ?
Assuming conditions are similar, which j believe they are.

2001 Larson SEI 190 O/B with 150hp Mercury Optimax Outboard - Nova Scotia Powerboats, Motorboats For Sale - Kijiji Nova Scotia Canada.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

For what you're spending you'll want to sea trial the boat before you buy, but I agree the deeper the "V" the smoother ride you're likelier to get. Just a personal preference... I'd go with an i/o over an outboard. I just find them quieter more out of the way and less in your face.

 

[jkust]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

Interesting...the Optimax is a 2 stroke so that's a big plus over a 4 stroke o/b IMO. I tend to like the I/O for the huge sunpad, and the quiet operation and less smoke. I sort of figured you are in Canada given the egregious overpricing. I do like that the o/b is a few years newer though. I think you would quickly decide after sea trialing each.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Larson or glasstron?

I prefer outboards for their easier(less) maintenance and half the weight.

I have owned just one I/O in my life(current one) and wish it was an outboard every time I crawl into the engine compartment to do any thing to it.