2004 Glastron 170 SX - Opinions

[sjtm]

Does anyone have experience with / opinions of this boat. I am considering it for our first family boat to be used for lake boat - mainly waterskiing / tubing, etc. It is equipped with a 90hp evinrude ob. I would like to know about quality of construction and appropriateness for our planned use. Thanks

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 2004 Glastron 170 SX - Opinions

Glastron was manufactured in Austin,TX. back in the '60's when I was there. There were 5 highland lakes around on the Colorado River (the other Colorado River) and provided ample sporting paradise for such toys. President Lyndon Johnson even had a 20 ft runabout specially made for him to run on his namesake lake (Lake LBJ, about 30 miles N. of Austin, TX.....was originally named lake Marble Falls, prior to his becoming President of the USA). It had the newly developed Chevrolet 454 V8 which Glastron installed for him with the proper outdrive and all, and he got a kick out of being able to outrun his SS troops in chase boats of lesser capabilities.....pics of his capers are on the www. I'm not telling you what I think of him, I'm just sharing facts associated with his presidency.

Over the years, it has remained in the forefront of boating and has produced boats with leading innovations....one in particular is their soft/dry riding semi-V hull on their 15-20 ft (more or less) hulls. They currently have a very impressive www site.....I never had one, just relating facts as I know them.

I would not have a problem with that boat nor the Evinrude engine if properly maintained. Both are show stoppers.

Mark

 

[V153]

Re: 2004 Glastron 170 SX - Opinions

If you have a small family the 170SX would probly be a great boat. I'm assuming it's a bowrider? Speaking from experience the Evinrude 90 is virtually indestructible.

So far as hull integrity? Well, all I can say is let the buyer beware. Same as any other boat. Sound it out!

Not to insubordinate but I believe LBJs boat had/has a 409 in it. True that he took great pleasure in smokin the SS guys in their 302 Volvo Donzi sweet sixteens.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: 2004 Glastron 170 SX - Opinions

LBJ had the 409CI----My family started out with Glastrons back in the 1970's---I own a beautifully restored 1981 SX-190-original gel coat---the 2004 VEC manufacturing is great- like any boat it is all about condition-how it is maintained. it should be a great boat 1st for small to medium waters. of corse my opinion is biased!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 2004 Glastron 170 SX - Opinions

May have been. This was in the 60's and I had a 409 in a '72 Chev. so apparently they weren't up to the 454 yet.....but it smoked the competition. Ha! Thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 2004 Glastron 170 SX - Opinions

I can't think of a better first boat.

 

[V153]

Re: 2004 Glastron 170 SX - Opinions

May have been. This was in the 60's and I had a 409 in a '72 Chev. so apparently they weren't up to the 454 yet.....but it smoked the competition. Ha! Thanks

Yup it sho nuff did! Those wimpy lil 188hp? Donzis were no match for the mighty 310hp 409 big block.

http://www.classicglastron.com/lbj-web-clip2.mpg

The boat is currently owned by the Prez of the Classic Glastron Association btw.

Legend has it whenever the boat needed serviced it was always the same Glastron mechanic. And there were two SS guys in & around the boat the entire time. According to the mechanic in an interview years later, LBJ kept telling him to go faster & the SS boys kept telling him to slow it down. So, like any good American he took his orders from the Prez & made it go as fast as he could ...

 

[freezerman]

Re: 2004 Glastron 170 SX - Opinions

I have a 06 GXL185 Glastron with 4.3 I/O. Love it. The VEC hull is great because it is formed in 2 pieces with the floor being fiberglass all the way into the bow. No worries about floor rot. It is a smooth ride and very forgiving to mistakes in handling. Both of my boys have learned to boat in it. The outboard should be even easier for 1st timer maintenance.