Glastron 279 or Sea Ray 240 for boating in salt water

gmannj

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Aug 15, 2016
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2
Hi! I'm considering buying between a sea ray 240 or Glastron 279 for boating in salt water near the coast of Staten Island, NY. Which of these 2 boats will handle chop water and little rough water better? It usually very chopping in this area. The sea ray that I'm looking is a 2001 and the glastron 279 a 2004 for both are for the same price. I will greatly appreciate your input.

I like the sea ray better , but i'm considering the Glastron 279 because is near and seems in better condition and is faster.
 
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wahlejim

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 23, 2015
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884
When you are in choppy water, you won't be running top speed. It all depends on 3 things... condition, condition, and condition. How well were they taken care of. If either seller can provide you with service records, that is a good start. Spend the money on a boat survey, it could save you thousands in the long run.
 

CV16

Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 30, 2007
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445
Are either of the closed cooling system? Also, I'd think the bigger Glastron would handle rough seas better just on size alone. I also like twin motors for big water.
 

gmannj

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Joined
Aug 15, 2016
Messages
2
When you are in choppy water, you won't be running top speed. It all depends on 3 things... condition, condition, and condition. How well were they taken care of. If either seller can provide you with service records, that is a good start. Spend the money on a boat survey, it could save you thousands in the long run.

yea I agree..i'm trying to see which one will be smoother or safer in choppy water or if they both will pretty much about the same. I think the Sea Ray is better in choppy or rough water because it has deeper deep vee shape, . and I def will be doing a survey of the boat after getting screw on my last boat by not doing that. I think i should buy the Gastron since that is a newer boat, but I like the sea ray better because looks is a nicer boat in term of looks, but for the Gastron I get more for my money since is a newer boat.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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new doesnt equal good

with any non brand new boat, its condition condition condition.

deadrise angle, hull weight and distribution will govern its ability to ride well in chop.
 

wahlejim

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 23, 2015
Messages
884
^^^This....

In the long run, 3 years is not a make or break situation. I am guessing there is a reason it is cheaper. I have seen a lot of 1980 boats in better shape than 1983 boats. I have seen 1995 boats in better shape than 1998 boats. Don't worry about the "deal", worry about what is best for you. You mentioned the Sea Ray is appealing because you think it has what you are looking for, and the only positive thing you mentioned about the Glastron was the better deal.... my .02
 

Blind Date

Chief Petty Officer
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Mar 5, 2014
Messages
462
The SeaRay will hold its value better and be easier to sell. In the long run it will probably be the cheaper boat to own.

You didn't say what they had for power. No 5.0 V8's and no single prop drives.

I looked at both boats online. Look the deck hatch on the Sundancer and now look at the plastic one on the Glastron. Compare the quality of the port window on both boats as well. Open the door to the cuddy on both boats. It should be obvious why the Sea Ray is a considered a better boat. A good boat that hasn't been taken care of may still be less of a headache to own than a cheap boat that has been babied. Of course condition is relevant but don't dismiss the importance of a better built boat and how it will influence the ownership. I spent a lot time fixing things on my 23' Larson Hampton (which was mint when I got it) because it just wasn't put together like the SeaRay at the factory. All the care in the world can't fix that!
 

Leardriver

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 7, 2008
Messages
382
I looked at a 25 foot Glastron after owning a Sea Ray 240 Sundeck. The ride was like going from a battleship to a tin can. The hull felt thinner, louder, and flexier, if that is a word, and this was on relatively calm water.
 
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