posted 11-03-2004 06:05 PM ET (US)        

First let me say hello to all (still) here. I've been away for a number of reasons (Elections, hurricanes, etc) for the past few weeks (months) - now that the election is over I sure hope this site returns to it's old self where the discussion was about boats.

So, I'm back...with a off topic post. I hate to start my "return" this way, but I need some advice for my mother.

Her new husband has been bugging me with questions about Bayliners and a bunch of other low end boats. He's dying to buy SOMETHING and to be honest doesn't seem to care too much. He's a former lake boater moving to salt water and thinks he wants a I/O bowrider. I kept pushing him to a Ventura or something similar but I think they're more $ than he wants to spend.

He called me about an hour ago with his checkbook out ready to buy a Glastron MX175. I'm not familar with them and wanted any and all feedback/advice I could pass on.

Thanks in advance guys.

posted 11-03-2004 06:22 PM ET (US)            

Glad you came back. I'm not going to be very helpful with information on that boat, I'm afraid...but I do have a thought.

Continue to give the man good advice on what type of boat to buy. You can't prevent anyone from making a decision (else yesterday would have looked a lot different for 50% of the people in this country - or the same...) Sometimes people need to make mistakes in order to learn.

There are signals and signs to a quality boat manufacturer: the type of materials they use (SS vs Chrome, etc), how they finish the boat (glassed boxes or exposed fiberglass backing) and the quality of the customer service at the dealer.

I won't badmouth a company I don't know a lot about (but have generally had positive (read; Fun) experiences on Glastron boats of the past), but will say that in boats, you often get what you pay for. It is not a cheap hobby - as most of us here already know.

Since he's looking to use it in a saltwater environment, he should be on the lookout for SS fasteners, railings, etc. he should also check the wiring and make sure it is all tinned.

For heaven's sake, get the man to read consumer's reports or at least a Boating Magazine or Trailer Boats Magazine review of the craft so he knows what to look for as far as potential problem spots.

The bottom line is that newbies sometimes need to buy a newbie boat to get out on the water. You'll be able to help him understand the differences in boats when he asks for your advice on repairs, etc. that you won't have to perform on your Whaler...and can advise and counsel him for his next purchase, which surely won't be too far behind this one.

Good luck.

Dave

posted 11-03-2004 06:37 PM ET (US)            

I for get the model name, but it was a 1997 17' Bowrider with V6 I/O. It was a good lake boat.

posted 11-03-2004 06:55 PM ET (US)            

I saw some "sea ray" boats for sale at Costco recently and felt very lucky to have a whaler. Ask this person which boat he would rather be stranded at sea in.

posted 11-03-2004 07:02 PM ET (US)            

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/ryanwhaler/DSCF0288.jpg

posted 11-03-2004 07:16 PM ET (US)            

He's the worst kind of impulse buyer and I bet he would have bought the thing if I had answered my cell phone when he called.

In the meantime, I did find some reviews in Boating magazine and others and it looks like the Glaston MX175 is actually a pretty well respected ENTRY level boat.

He's hell bent on a I/O for some reason, but perhaps my brother can talk him out of that too.

Ryan, if you weren't so far away, he just may be interested.

Anyhow, thanks again guys. Perhaps since we've talked him from the edge, I can enlighten him on how NOT to loose your *$# on a boat purchase by employing the old "you get what you pay for" rule.

posted 11-03-2004 07:16 PM ET (US)            

In all honesty I should have never been in the ocean in that thing. But we took it out all the time, four guys fishing for yellowtail off of san diego. It was old and ugly but had an 85HP Johnson and the thing ran like a raped ape.

I wouldn't trade my whaler for a glastron but I sure would recommend a glastron over a bayliner anyday.

posted 11-04-2004 08:20 AM ET (US)            

I wouldn't give a rat's ass what he buys if it were HIS money, but since my mother's involved, ya know....

I've tried to talk some sense into him about the I/O saltwater environment and having a boat with a bunch of upholstery, etc but that seems to be what he wants. It's gonna be a cruising/putting with the grandkids boat, so a CC is probably not the best for the situation.

I think he's leaning toward a Hurricane now...

Thanks again guys. It's good to be back.

posted 11-04-2004 09:58 AM ET (US)            

The boat you desrcibe and its competitors from Stingray and Bayliner are boats aimed directly at the entry level market. They are not Whalers but because of the price point and the desire to attract new buyers into brand loyality they do represent an excellent value and I can see the attraction for a new boat buyer. Of course we would like to see everyone buy a Whaler but if that is not to be these boats are a very good buy especially considering a similar used boat that cost almost as much. These boats have made substantial progress in their constuction techniques and that combined with a warranty can make them a better choice than someone's used vessel. A new family on the water even if not in a Whaler is still an asset to the boating industry and with time and education they still can come over to our Whaler family. Again welcome back and good luck with this quest.

Brian

posted 11-04-2004 10:51 AM ET (US)            

There's a guy here locally that has an old (smirkless) newport and he has that boat dialed in for any type of fishing. Casting deck up front, forward fish box, rear storage, low rails with the plexi splash screen, and more. He has a new Honda 90 on the back. Maybe you're right about fishing lots of people, but I've seen three guys in a 15 out here in the ocean.

posted 11-04-2004 11:31 AM ET (US)            

I used to fish with tow others on a friend's Montauk and it was OK but still 'cramped' with three of us fishing.