Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

[lakelover]

Meaning, when my boat died and I started researching new ones, I looked all over the web and couldn't find anything similar in size/design to the 1965 Glastron Ski Flite. It was a 14', rated for 50 hp, 4-seater with closed front deck. I know times and styles change, but I was really pretty surprised that there seemed to be nothing similar that I could find. Everything had gotten larger....a lot.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Is there just no market for something this style/size any more, or maybe there's a market, just not enough profit in smaller boats for the manufacturers? It was the perfect size for my needs.<br /><br />Any opinions? Thanks.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Bayliner (I know,I know) Made a 14 footer w/a 40 horse back in the late eighties or early nineties. I still see alot of these for sale that are in real good shape. I think alot of people bought these small b-liners and didn't use them as much as they planned. Just an idea. Also, alot of alumin builders have 14 foot models that would probably suit your needs, they just won't be closed bow. What benefit is the closed bow on a boat this size anyway?

 

[lakelover]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Thanks for the reply, Q.<br /><br />

What benefit is the closed bow on a boat this size anyway?

In northern NY in the off-season or in rough weather, I was glad to have it to keep dry and for wind protection. I did buy a utility boat that I really like, but some day I may also want to get back into the runabout style, to extend my boating season a bit.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Smokercraft and starcraft both make small runabouts 15' I think check them out!

 

[Link]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

I know for a fact that quantumleap is correct about bayliner making that boat in the late 80's and I think Livingston also bought a mold like it around the same time period. Won't have time until tomorrow to do a search. And yes a closed bow on a small boat like that on a large lake is a plus in keeping things dry!<br /><br />Will see what I can find<br /><br />Link

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

I know I love my little 67' 14 1/2' Wellcraft closed bow. They sure are alot of fun and have alot of nostalgia to them. I picked it up for a song($50.00)W/trailer and put about $300.00 and alot of elbow grease in it. It had a Merc on it, but it blew up, so I put the Johnson I had in my garage on it and it runs great. Seats 4 real well and rides good on all but the roughest water. Nothin' like those little old boats...<br /><br />

 

[lakelover]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Nice boat, Rick, just my style!

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Here's one at 14'7":<br /> http://arimaboats.com/gallery2.htm <br /><br />Nick in Spartanburg, SC<br /> http://www.geocities.com/jeff_nicholas/BBR.html

 

[JasonB]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Until a year or two ago, Glastron made the 16' GS160. I have a 15' tri-hull 'tron that I use to fish out of and love it.<br /><br />Other boats in the size/power range tend to be aluminum like the Tracker V16. <br /><br />If the motor died, why not find another motor? Old Glastrons never die, they gust get better with age.

 

[be_happy]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Simple N nice boat

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Ya my first boat was a 1976 Chrysler Courier it was 15.5 ft with a 75 Chrysler o/b, it wasn't very pretty but could take gang of people and still pull up a skier, we had 9 great seasons out of it. there are still many around up here still giving good service.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Old Glastrons never die, they gust get better with age.<br />

Well, not this one, it had a perilous life.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

Nice clean rig you got there rick. Looks great!

 

[MFG197]

Re: Why don't they make 'em like this any more?

why not get a small bow rider...and most of them have a tonneau for the bow area then on nice days you can open it up.