So we spent the day at the Sacramento boat show yesterday, so we could get an idea about sizing, comfort, options, and pricing on a bowrider for the two of us.
We've had PWCs for a decade, and we now have a place with a dock and a Hydrohoist (that will handle up to 4500 lbs).
By the end of the day, there were three boats that seemed to be good values and good layouts.
Boat #1 : Glastron GLS 195. 2012 model year. On the floor for $30K. Had a Volvo Penta engine, V8, 220 hp rating. This boat was nicely equipped, including a depth finder, pop out cleats, integrated cooler. Single axle trailer. It also included the tank with a shower for rinsing off feet, which would be a nice feature.
Boat #2: Glastron GT205, 2012 model year. On the floor for $28K. Had the Volvo Penta engine, V8, 220 hp as well. This boat was slightly less optioned, with fixed cleats, no depth finder, a cooler for a 6 pack, but an extended bolt-on swim deck and a tandem axle for the trailer.
Boat #3: Four Winns H210, 2012 model year. Asking $40K. This has the same 5.0 liter Volvo Penta, but its output is 270 hp. Nicely set up - storage was more nicely integrated, the "fit and finish" was nicer, the trailer has a tandem axle instead of single, the upholstery had a more substantial feel.
We know that the Four Winns is considered a higher grade of boat. But I'm unsure why we'd spend $10K more for it. All of them have 2 year warranties on the engine and drive train, and it's the same dealer. Also, we're wondering if we can get 270 hp out of the Glastron boats, since the bore, stroke and compression are all the same. but the hp is developed at different RPM. So is it an ECU tweak? Different head design? Different cam profiles? Different exhaust manifold? We're unclear as to how the additional hp is generated.
Our intended use is just cruising in freshwater lakes, occasional tubing, occasional ocean trips. Advice and feedback would be helpful. Thank you!
We've had PWCs for a decade, and we now have a place with a dock and a Hydrohoist (that will handle up to 4500 lbs).
By the end of the day, there were three boats that seemed to be good values and good layouts.
Boat #1 : Glastron GLS 195. 2012 model year. On the floor for $30K. Had a Volvo Penta engine, V8, 220 hp rating. This boat was nicely equipped, including a depth finder, pop out cleats, integrated cooler. Single axle trailer. It also included the tank with a shower for rinsing off feet, which would be a nice feature.
Boat #2: Glastron GT205, 2012 model year. On the floor for $28K. Had the Volvo Penta engine, V8, 220 hp as well. This boat was slightly less optioned, with fixed cleats, no depth finder, a cooler for a 6 pack, but an extended bolt-on swim deck and a tandem axle for the trailer.
Boat #3: Four Winns H210, 2012 model year. Asking $40K. This has the same 5.0 liter Volvo Penta, but its output is 270 hp. Nicely set up - storage was more nicely integrated, the "fit and finish" was nicer, the trailer has a tandem axle instead of single, the upholstery had a more substantial feel.
We know that the Four Winns is considered a higher grade of boat. But I'm unsure why we'd spend $10K more for it. All of them have 2 year warranties on the engine and drive train, and it's the same dealer. Also, we're wondering if we can get 270 hp out of the Glastron boats, since the bore, stroke and compression are all the same. but the hp is developed at different RPM. So is it an ECU tweak? Different head design? Different cam profiles? Different exhaust manifold? We're unclear as to how the additional hp is generated.
Our intended use is just cruising in freshwater lakes, occasional tubing, occasional ocean trips. Advice and feedback would be helpful. Thank you!