2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

[Boating11]

Hello All-

I am new to this forum but have found it very useful so far. Thank you. I am looking into the 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F. We have a dealer close by that has one for sale at a very good price. I have done a lot of research on the Glastron Boats and the reviews seem to be very good. I understand that this is considered a middle of the road boat this is a great boat for the price and good for new boaters and young families. I am close to pulling the trigger but thought I would get your opionions first. I love to fish and my wife loves to ski so I believe this would be a great addition. I am not a professional fisherman in any sort but also know this is not a true fishing boat either but should satisfy my hobby and my families. I know that Glastron is under new ownership and just wanted to make sure the boat is still as good as the reviews have said. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

This Black 18' GT 185 Bow Rider/Fish & Ski Model From Glastron Includes:
A MerCruiser 4.3L (190HP),
Matching EZ Loader Trailer with Swing Away Tongue,
XL Package: Fishing Package, Convenience Package, Snap In Carpet, Tilt Steering, SS Rub Rail Insert, Speaker Covers, Drink Holders, Horn Grill, Thru Hull Fittings, and Intake and Exhaust Vents,AM/FM Stereo With 2 Speakers and MP3 Adaptor,
Instrument Panel With Voltmeter,
12/24V Receptacle,
Trolling Motor,
Fish Finder,
Snap On Mooring Cover,
Bimini Top,

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

I say if you think you will be happy with the boat, go for it. You can get many, many years of service with this boat (or any new boat) if you take care of it and keep up on the maintanence. From the options you've listed, it sounds like a nice boat.

I'm sure other folks on here know quite a bit more about Glastron and other options than I do and I'm sure they will give you good advice. Good luck and happy boating!

 

[Philster]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

Sounds good.

Take the carpet out immediately and never use it, and cover the boat bow to stern when not in use.

Happy Boating.

4.3L engine = very good engine.

 

[Mike Zee]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

The 4.3 is a good choice on this for both power and economy(?). One thing i have to throw out there though. The 18.5 boat for you and your wife perfect. You, your wife, a child, good. It will get small fast from there. Just think a little in the future now, save a bundle later. I'm on number 5 now, at almost 24' it is perfect for our family of 5, a guest or two, about as big as i want to tow. Back in the day, i should have gone for a year older boat, upped in size from the first 17.5, went for a 20'er. I prob would have saved a bundle. But you know what works for you. If you want it get it, specs/manufacturer/options soung good to me. Get brakes on the trailer, they will say you dont need them, get them. Think of your towing vehicle, family, safety, distance.

 

[Boating11]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

Thank you very much for your advice guys, I really appreciate it. It sounds like a good deal too. We have a one year old and will be another 2 years before we have the second one. I figure this boat would be great for 8-10 years or so and then may need to ugrade to a bigger boat. They do have a 20' but the dealer doesn't have one in stock. This is a clearance b/c of 2011 but I will see what he can find for me. Keep the advice coming, I really like it. Thanks again.

 

[oops!]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

I think the package looks good.

As for the size..just sit in the boat with a few people in the show room for a few minits....

But I think it is as good as a first boat as any

 

[V153]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

Glastron's a good boat & the 4.3 is a great motor. Seeing as it's an '11 I'd imagine the dealer's wantin to move it. See if he'll toss in trailer brakes?

Ya you could do a lot worse for a first boat. Good luck!

 

[specialk]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

I have the 2008 Glastron GT-185 with 4.3l volvo. We bought it new from the dealer and it was our first boat as well. Knock on wood we haven't had any major problems. It has been a solid well running boat that we are averaging around 50 hours a year. My GT-185 also came with the matching EZ loader trailer with swing away tongue. It does have surge trailer brakes. You might just want to verify this with the dealer. It does make a difference in stopping and saves your trucks brakes.

PS: As stated above, the boat will get small real fast with more than 4 people. We typically have no more than 4 in our boat so it isn't too bad. When we had 5 in the boat it was very cramped and hard to move around. If I were to have more than 3 or 4 people go out frequently I would get 2 foot itis real fast.

 

[Albee]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

I have been very happy with my 2011 GT205.
Boating is a social activity. It is more fun with friends. My kids want to bring their friends. I am glad I got the 205.

Al

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F


1981 SX-190 this photo is from 4 weeks ago.

 

[90stingray]

I have an 01 gx185 w/ 4.3 too. She handles great on the water and is a great solid rig. I had to add my own swing tongue. Single axle trailer, no brakes. The size of boat works well for our family of 4. But it does depend on how you boat ... as to what size a rig you need. Goodluck. Post up some pics of whatever you end up getting.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[jkust]

Re: 2011 Glastron Bow Rider GT 185 S/F

Sounds like a nice first rig that's for sure. Glatron's aren't the best on the block but I think they do a good job of dressing them up to look like the best. My only hesitation is not getting the MPI version of the 4.3. The carb 4.3 is a venerable engine to say the least but given the carb version is in run out mode now, I would insist on the the MPI. I have a carbed 4.3 now and would like an MPI with its few extra horses plus easier cold starts and drive aways and if you get fancy Smart Craft guages. Of course the practical side of me comes out when talking about anything new as well. For the price of a new one you could likely get either a larger model used or an upper eschelon model used or some variation of more boat for the same or less money. Given boat designs stay nearly identical for years and years until the big model change comes, it isn't inconceivable that a 5 or 6 year old boat will look 95% the same as some new ones.