Bayliner 185 or Glastron GT 185

[ADKcurry]

We are looking to buy a used bowrider and have the opportunity to buy either a 2008 Bayliner 185 or a 2008 Glastron GT 185 with the XL package (composite floor, snap in carpet, stainless steel speakers, rails, recessed cleats). Both boats have a Mercruiser 3.0L engine. The Glastron is $500 more and has a hour meter that reads 34. The Bayliner has no hour meter but of course is being presented as hardly used. The Glastron has power steering and I don't think the Bayliner does.

We have looked at the specs and know the beam on the Bayliner is 4" wider and the deadrise is higher on the Glastron (21 vs 19 on the Bayliner). We have read about those specs online, but still not exactly sure how that impacts handling.

We don't tube or water ski so we are not worried about the 3.0 vs a 4.3 engine.

We would like to read comments from people on which boat they think is the better buy in regards to performance, durability, handling, holding its value, etc. Thanks

 

[MikDee]

The Glastron, IMO

 

[kjsAZ]

Bayliners are a lot better than their reputation which they acquired with their screw ups in the 80's but they are still a budget boat many people buy and then neglect often because maintenance costs money. Having said this I think the Glastron is the better deal if it's only $500 more and in equal condition and maintenance was done equally on both. The fiberglass floor with carpet you can remove is a big advantage over a glued in carpet.

The 3l engine is a very reliable dinosaur and pretty good on gas.... I run mine an entire weekend without refuelling with a 20g tank.

 

[Frank Acampora]

The 2 degree difference in deadrise won't make a noticeable difference in ride quality. However, I believe the actual riding surface on the Bayliner is shorter which would lead to a slightly less comfortable ride.

Bayliner was always an entry level boat and while Glastron was the innovator of the deep vee hull, they were never considered a high end boat like a Sea Ray or Grady White. Even though Glastron did design the first deep vee hull, even though they were used in a number of James Bond movies, and even though President Lyndon Johnson owned a 20 footer, the company has gone through a number of ownership changes and production facility locations. Thus, It can not rest on past accomplishments.

At this point, a 500 dollar difference is not that great and while I would still opt for the Glastron, ultimately it comes down to which hull do you like best.

 

[redneck joe]

I'm normally a Bayliner proponent but in this case it seems clear cut to go Glastron for just $500 more. Any Service records on either?

 

[ScooterMcTavish]

For $500 I'd go Glastron, assuming they are both in similar shape.

However, as I was advised in my similar thread, condition is the most important criteria. Was the boat taken care of?

I'd take the Bayliner over the Glastron even at the same price if the Bayliner was maintained and the Glastron wasn't. Though snap out carpet is awesome.

 

[ADKcurry]

Both boats appear to be well taken care of cosmetically. I have no records on either boat to know how well they were maintained. Hulls and interior on both are spotless. Thanks for the above comments -keep 'em coming.

 

[southkogs]

I'm with Frank - at this point, it's about which boat is more to your liking. For myself there would be two points to tip in the Glastron's favor: 1) I've always liked Glastron's designs and have never had a bad ride in one and 2) the composite/snap in flooring. It's a heckova lot easier (IMHO) to keep that kind of floor clean and cared for than carpet.

The newer Bayliners aren't bad boats. My folks have one, and it's a pretty nicely performing boat. Bowrider is a little crammed for my taste, but that's not uncommon.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Had a Glastron...... would buy another one....... get the Glastron

 

[oldjeep]

Can't go wrong with either. Doesn't the Bayliner also have snap in carpets? Thought that was standard somewhere around that 2008 time frame.

 

[SDSeville]

I had a 2005 Bayliner 185 and really liked it. However, I would go with the Glastron. 34 hours and XL package put it over the top.

 

[SDSeville]

Duplicate post

 

[ADKcurry]

Can't go wrong with either. Doesn't the Bayliner also have snap in carpets? Thought that was standard somewhere around that 2008 time frame.

I am not sure yet as I have only seen it in pictures. It looks like it isn't snap in though.

 

[HalfFish5087]

As Frank mentioned, Glaston like many others have been bought out/merged. Having said that I have had an older Glastron (mid 80s) 185 or 190 and I would very much love to still have it today. Boat appeared to be well made, rode well and never gave us any real problems. Haven't owned a Bayliner so I can't state too much on them, but they do seem to be at lower end of the scale.

If I were in your shoes, I would pick the Glastron. Knowing the amount of hours, more bells and whistles, and likely a better fit and finish would put it over the top IMO. Good luck!

 

[kjsAZ]

Bayliner was always an entry level boat and while Glastron was the innovator of the deep vee hull, they were never considered a high end boat like a Sea Ray or Grady White.

you know that the hull of the 175/185/195 Bayliners after 2002 is a Sea Ray design? Brunswick decided to standardize after they bought Sea Ray. In my opinion it isn't as good as the hull design they had before. I have a direct comparison as I fortunately have the old style hull and my friend has the newer one. The new one isn't bad, just not as good.

 

[Slip Away]

Glastron, without a doubt.

 

[ADKcurry]

Thanks for all the input. We bought the Glastron today. We took it for a ride and were sold pretty quickly. We had a 1987 16.5 bowrider with a 120hp Volvo Penta. What a difference 27 years and 15 hp makes in a boat - LOL. With three good size adults in the boat the planed out very quickly, took sharp turns well, rode the rough water well and overall was a great ride. We paid about $1300 under book value, so feel we got a good deal. Especially since to hour meter is only at 34. The trailer is really nice with electric brakes, vault hls hubs and a swing away tongue.

The registration sticker is a 2012. The story from the dealership is they got the boat back when the original owner could no longer afford the financing.

 

[Maclin]

Congrats! Of course it is all just hearsay without pics :wink:

 

[southkogs]

^^^^ CORRECT!! We demand proof of this alleged purchase!!

Congratulations. Y'all have a good time with it.

 

[oldjeep]

Nice! enjoy it