Glastron GX180 fish and ski boat

[dan ross]

I am looking at boats to fish Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Also to take grandkids & family out for cruising around. I have a fairly new 4 stroke Merc 90hp from our deseased boat that I would like to use. My wife and I found an 18 ft Glastron fish/ski boat we like at a boat show.
Does anyone have any experience with Glastrons,-durability, ride, wave handling, etc. Good or bad, I'd like some information before I buy it. Any help appreciated. We are limited by the width of our Shore Station boat hoist and the depth of the water at our place. Thank you very much in advance and thank you Joe for this board. Also don't know if 90 HP is enough since the least they install at factory is 115.
please send advice to lure8765@aol.com
Thanks, Dan Ross

[jrterry1976]

I had a 18' Glastron w/ 170 Mercruiser Inboard. I can say that was a little overpowered, but I would think 90 would be borderline. Since you are looking at a bowrider, I assume you want to ski, 90 would be light for that. If you mainly want to fish, I would look elswhere. A bow rider fish and ski should be used for 80% ski, 20% fish, IMO. I looked at both Glastron and Stingray fish and ski's before I made my CC purchase.

19' Triumph F115

[dan ross]

Thank you. Dan

[Canazes9]

Dan

I don't think you're gonna find many 18' hulls with decent ride characteristics that will feel well powered with that Merc 90 4-stroke. That engine was like many of the early 4-stroke designs - a little down on power, really more like a strong 75. Not trying to dog out your motor, I'm a fan of the 4-strokes and I'm sure it's super quiet and efficient, just many of the 1st generation 4-strokes weren't particularly powerful.

I think Glastron makes a good boat for the money and if you think the basic design fits your needs then get a test ride and buy it if you still like the ride (which I think you will). If I were you I believe I'd cut my losses w/ that 90 and sell it, buy a 115 - 150 class (whatever it's rated for) for the new boat. You boat on some big water and you want the biggest hull you can practically live with.

I belive the biggest boat that you will be comfortable with your prescribed usage with that 90 will be a 17 footer and odd as it may sound there will be a substantial difference in ride and seaworthiness between a 17 and 18'. Just my opinion, I'm sure you'll get others. Best of luck you in your search!

19' Custom Aluminum, 150 Yamaha

[dan ross]

Thank you,
Dan
and thanks for this forum.

[KCook]

I agree with the other guys on the power concerns. If you have to stick with this 90 I would be looking for a aluminum boat for it, not fiberglass.

Kelly Cook

[dan ross]

Thank you,
Dan