2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

whisky700 · Jul 23, 2007

Thinking about getting a 2008 Glastron MX175. What's the concensus on power for these. Is the 3.0 Volvo enough? What if you used a 17 pitch prop for those multi skier days. Is the fuel mileage that much better with the 3.0. Any advice or experience with these is most welcome. Thanks.

gcboat · Jul 23, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

If you have the option for the 4.3 and it won't break the bank then go that route. It's a much sweeter engine, damn near bulletproof and you won't be putting all the strain on it you would with the 4 banger. Besides, the parts will probably be cheaper if you ever need to replace something. Neighbor has a set in his boat with over 1,000 hours on them - still purr like kittens and still strong. But his maintenance is flawless. The prop situation - going with anything bigger then what is recommended is not a great idea. There is just so much more strain on a marine unit that you'll probably wear it out before its time. The fuel consumption is really not an issue comparing the two powerplants. With the smaller engine you'll need to run it harder - more gas.
My $.02

Silvertip · Jul 23, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

Look at in another way -- If you have to worry about the difference in fuel economy between the 3.0 and 4.3 you probably shouldn't own either one because your first fillup with either one will make your heart pound. There is not that much difference. Only you can decide how you intend to use the boat. If the vast majority of the use will be cruising with an average load of 2, 3, or 4 people the 3.0 will do just fine. Get a four blade prop with a drop in pitch and it will tow just fine. However, when you say multiple skiers, that assumes you have a few people in the boat plus the skiers so now the 4.3 makes more sense. Again, it all depends on how much "multi-skier" towing you intend to do.

ziggy · Jul 23, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

if ya got the option now for more hp. do that. generally, ya can't have to much hp on a boat. and most folks, in the end want more hp......

Scout Sport Fish · Jul 23, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

Personally I'd skip the MX line and go for the GT line. I work with Glastrons regularly and find the GT's ALOT more fun.

5L Pentas are my favorite!

tommays · Jul 23, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

IMHP the 4.3 makes a 17' boat stern heavy at best and for sure if your 6'6' BIL just has to sit in the rear seat

it is 3500 dollars ? on and entry level boat and 4 is a crowd on a boat that size

Can you reach the motor for repairs without pulling it to do normal things like change a starter

Tommays

Dakota47 · Jul 23, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

The 4.3 is alot faster.. i have one and they scream by the 3.0`s(all 17ft-19ft runabouts).. The GM 4.3 Vortec V-6(220 hp) is alot better for sking/tubing than the 3.0 GM motor(130hp).

Kimper · Jul 24, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

You may want to read this recent thread:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=208705

I got lots of good advice there on some similiar questions you were asking.

whisky700 · Jul 24, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

Is anybody happy with their 3.0 purchase? I'm talking a 17 foot boat here.

tommays · Jul 24, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

I have had a 3.0 on a 19 ' boat for 12 years and love it

BUT water sking is NOT my main use i travel with it 50 or more miles min and like the real word 4+ MPG with full canvas up to push against

It is also generaly to rough to go much faster than 20 to 25 MPH in this area with a 19' boat

i also have use of my BIL V-8 correct craft

Which is a fine ski boat but not much good at running around

I WOULD ALSO look at how the 4.3 is crammed in there service may be FUBAR in a boat that small the way the sun deck is over the motor

Tommays

180Diablo · Jul 24, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

I would say Im happy with my 1993 3.0L purchase. Now granted my situation would be different then someone else's. I'm not married, nor do I have any kids or friends that routinely want to come up to my cottage on weekends to go boating or tubing etc. Also as my very first boat purchase(29 yrs old), it is the newest, highest horsepower and the largest boat I have looked at (and purchased) in my search for a decent used boat in the past 3-4 years. My gf and I since June of this year, have so far only used it to boat around my lake and go through locks and up the river going 10km/hr. Which is alright with us, next week we are on holidays and we are hoping to tour the Trent Severn waterway a little bit farther.

Definately if you were tubing/towing frequently, the 4.3L would be the way to go.

MrX-175 · Jul 24, 2007

Re: 2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

whisky700,
I just took delivery of my '07 MX175 a little over a week ago.
The dealer I went through in Washington gave me the boat with the 190HP Volvo Penta for $2200 more that the 3.0. I just got through the first part of the break in so this afternoon I took it up to about 4400 RPM and buried the needle on the stock speedo that tops off at 55 MPH. I don't know how accurate the gauge is but it was moving.
I almost bought the 4 cyl boat but I can't tell you how happy I am that I went with the 6.
If my dealer gave me the upgraded engine for $2200 the should all be able to do it.
Oh yeah, I love my new boat.

2008 glastron mx175, 3.0 or 4.3L

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