Yet another boat comparison thread!

[This_lil_fishy]

Well I've looked at a thousand different boats and even asked for varying opinions on different models. Well spring is in the air so I've been looking a little harder, and with the ailing economy, boats that were previously outside of my budget are within it. So, I've moved up to looking at some nice bow riders (non-current but still new on the dealer floors). I am currently looking at the '08 Glastron GT185 and the '08 Doral 190. They are priced pretty even, excepting the glastron has the 4.3 190hp volvo and the Doral has the 220hp Injected volvo. The Doral also has a tonne of options already installed on it (full bimini with clear sides, cockpit and bow covers, huge swim platform, depth gauge...etc). However I like the glastron's cockpit more. When I say they are priced similar, to add the options to the glastron they would be the same price....or very close too. So my question is, what is your personal opinion on these two manufacturers as far as reliability/build quality..etc. I'm leaning towards the Doral only because the swim platform is huge and looks like it belongs there. As opposed the the glastrons swim platform that obviously looks like an add-on.

90% of this boats use will be me solo fishing small lakes and such, but it has to appeal to my wifes need for appearance and entertaining on lake ontario (the other 10%) for things like fireworks and...Orillias floating drive in movies! My current 13' is a bit of a handful on the big lakes. A full fishing rig is the obvious choice (these two aren't that I know) but the only way the purchase happens is if it also meets the wife's 10% need. I am sure I can find a way to fish out of one of these...a trolling motor on the swim platform should do...


Ian

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

The fuel injection would tip the scales of the two boats you describe to me.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

Why not find a model a year or two older and step up to a 20-21 foot model? You'd be amazed at the extra space another 2 feet will add. Either way, neither of those is really designed as a "fishing boat". They aren't really great for "entertaining" either as they don't offer much of a club seating arrangement.

If I were you, I'd look at something in a deckboat-style layout, like a Tahoe, Monterrey, or Crownline. I wouldn't bother with the difference in fuel injected versus carbed. It's not gonna be a noticeable difference. the V6's will be good for your purposes, although a 350 V8 is always a popular option.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

My vote goes for the Doral just because its a little larger(somtimes .5in is alot) and it has more power.. assuming both are new it should be a better buy. But I would sea trial both boats before buying and just decide for yourself.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

I would like bigger, but it wouldn't fit in the garage. The 190 just barely fits with a swing away tongue. They have the Doral 200 on sale as well, but it's just that much too big. Glastron has a ski-fish package, but the wife hates it. So it's a normal bow rider. Heck I was looking at the Bayliner 194 with the ski-fish package too...but it just seemed...kinda...well budget. Which when we first started looking was the point. Not so much anymore.

I am leaning towards the Doral though...very sharp..and I think the fuelie is a bit of a bonus...the wife was even thinking about taking up wakeboarding...lols.

Ian

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

Fuel injection would be a welcome bonus. Got a link to any ads/pics of the Doral? I'd like to see it.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

Here's the link to the image gallery...

http://www.boatmax.ca/cgi-bin/Searc...ery.asp?boatid=1890391&vehicleType=A&picpos=0

It doesn't show everything, but there's a full bimini with clear front and sides....and some other crap...

Ian

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

Well I'll say the Doral certainly has a more unique design than the Glastron. However, I'm wondering how much of that monstrous swim platform is included in the overall length of the boat. The Glastron may have significantly more interior space.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

It's not included in the hull length (I think that is true of any boat). With the swim platform the boat actually has a LOA of just over 22'! It's 32" long...plenty big enough for me to fish off of.


Ian

 

[Tabes117]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

Doral#1. More HP plus a good quality boat. Never disappointed with more HP, plus my family loves the extended swim platform.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

Trigger pulled, but on neither of those two. Instead I got an '08 Glastron GT205 for several thousand less then those two. Has the bimini top and small extended swim platform, trailer (with brakes), and bow and cockpit covers. They also threw in some fenders, and the safety kit....but wouldn't budge on the price. Only real shortcomming some might see is that it's the carb'd Merc 4.3. I really don't ski or anything, just fishing and entertaining, so am hoping it will do just fine. Heck, I'm more then happy with my little 50 on the back of my 14' fiberglass tank.

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=512300&adid=7618773

Ian

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

nice boat..... have fun with it....post some pictures when it gets wet.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Yet another boat comparison thread!

Thanks, hopefully in about two weeks (walleye seasons starts ). I've gotta finish rebuilding the l.u. on the old boat and get it sold and gone. It should go quick.

PS: Before you yanks freak, that price is in CAN dollars, so take another 25% off to figure out US dollar cost. Around here that boat original lists around $35K up to about $40K with the motor options.

Ian