Glasstream center console opinions

[mjw930]

We’re looking for an inexpensive 18’ - 19’ center console with decent performance. I’ve been looking at some used boats but almost all of them are major projects so I’m seeing what I can get new. I crawled around a Glasstream 180 today and overall it looks like a decent boat for the price. Sure, it’s not a Blackfin, Young or Contendor but I’m not looking to spend that kind of money.

I know A.L. Kirkland has had a lot of issues over the years, he’s built some real duds but he’s had some diamonds in the rough too.

Anyway, just looking for any real world experience with their small 180 CC or 192 CC boats.

I really don’t think there’s that much difference between the majority of boats in this size and price range but I’m open for suggestions on any that stand out. In particular I’d like something with an efficient hull design that will get out of its own way and handle well. A lot of boats in this space are real turds when it comes to performance.

[flabum1017]

I can tell you from the late 1980's through the 1990's, they were junk. We were a dealer for them. Chopper layup, rotting wood, piss-poor wiring, cheap vinyl seating....

[JBS]

The ones I've seen in the past have not held up well in the salt water.They would probably be ok in a small lake.

[282]

The newer models are good looking boats. But....all of the ones i know about had some issues, some minor like powdercoat peeling quickly to soft spots in floors....I would go for a better name boat.

[mjw930]

After poking around a lot of boats and talking to a lot of people in the business over the weekend, Glasstream is off our list. Thanks!

[89LASER]

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bo...828608501.html

Saw it on Craigslist today

[CUDA]

https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee...833514674.html

[RSWORDS]

What's decent performance?

We have a 17 or 18' proline with a few year old 90HP 4 stroke Mercury for sale at the shop for sub 10k.

[mjw930]

What's decent performance?

We have a 17 or 18' proline with a few year old 90HP 4 stroke Mercury for sale at the shop for sub 10k.

Decent performance, to me, means it carves well in turns without wallowing or slipping too badly and is able to run high 40's, low 50' WOT. There are a lot of boats out there that handle with the boat equivalent to a 1970's crown vic. I'm looking for something that's the marine equivalent of a modern sport sedan.

I've found a 2006 Key West 186 with a Yamaha 150 that seems to check all these boxes. I just need to find the time to take a look at it.

[flabum1017]

Decent performance, to me, means it carves well in turns without wallowing or slipping too badly and is able to run high 40's, low 50' WOT. There are a lot of boats out there that handle with the boat equivalent to a 1970's crown vic. I'm looking for something that's the marine equivalent of a modern sport sedan.

I've found a 2006 Key West 186 with a Yamaha 150 that seems to check all these boxes. I just need to find the time to take a look at it.

go for a boat ride in it , have a couple people stand in the back of it sitting still in the water and see how much water makes it into the cockpit

[flabum1017]

A fixer-upper, great hull if no soft spots....... sell the motor and throw a 2.5 200 on it........... https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa...845524100.html

[mjw930]

go for a boat ride in it , have a couple people stand in the back of it sitting still in the water and see how much water makes it into the cockpit

Thanks for the heads up. I found out 2 things,

1. The model with the most issues with the deck drains back flowing was the 1720, pre 2007, with larger motors. It was redesigned in 2007 to change the drains and move weight forward to balance with the heavier motors.
2. The 186 models (the one I'm looking at) was redesigned in 2006 to use a smaller 40 gallon fuel tank which was positioned further forward to again, adjust for the added weight of the new 4 stroke motors.

So, the 2006 186 Sportsman I'm looking at has the same layout and CG as the current model and is perfectly fine with a 445 LB 4 stroke hanging off he back. there are some complaints of water on the deck with a lot of weight in the back but most of those are traced to clogged drains the prevent the back flow valves from working correctly. actually, any boat with a self bailing deck that has the drain holes at or slightly below the water line will have the same problem. On these smaller boats the deck is usually at or very close to the water line to get an acceptable gunnel depth so drains need to have check valves to prevent back flow. It's not unique to Key West.

Regardless, I will do a sea trial before I buy and make sure everything is in order. Again, thanks for the heads up.

[Ziemer]

Not sure what your budget is but I know of a 2009 216 Bay Reef Key West down on the west coast of FL. Believe $18k-$20k would buy it. Has a newer trailer and Etec.

[mjw930]

Not sure what your budget is but I know of a 2009 216 Bay Reef Key West down on the west coast of FL. Believe $18k-$20k would buy it. Has a newer trailer and Etec.

That sounds like a pretty good deal but I'm trying to keep it under $15K and under 19' to fit my wallet and my boathouse without modification. Thanks!