Bayliner 175 versus Glastron MX 175 ??

[Sam]

I was hoping for opinions comparing these two boats. They are both small bowriders with entry-level features. This would replace our 1994 SeaRayder jet boat, which has been good fun, but we are looking for something a little more conventional. The glastron has penta, or optional extra mercruiser. The bayliner has mercruiser standard. We do day-excursions for swimming and sometimes a little tubing. Own a small boat dock with a lift. Does anybody know any particular reasons they would choose one or the other? Thanks in advance.
Sam

[Sam]

Okay, let me generalize the question, and maybe that will generate more interest?

What is the best-designed currently-produced small I/O bowrider, and why?

My wife and I are trying to decide one priority, that is, comfort or maintenance-ease. Padding and carpet and vinyl are nice to look at and touch, but nasty to keep clean and eventually replace. Its not an easy choice for us.

[brad from]

Hey Sam.

I've been rolling around the same question for a while.
I believe Glastron model is in direct (product/marketing/etc) response to the Bayliner 175 that's been priced at 10k for some time. From what I can tell of the pricing, the glastron is gonna be almost two grand more by the time you write the check.

Stuff I've noticed...
.The glastron has a wraparound windshield (curved)
.The glastron's engine compartment is larger, and, in my opinion, seems designed better.
.The difference between Volvo and Mercruser is minimal in my book, the block is the same, exact ford engine, pistons, etc. I'm told all of the core engine parts are interchangeable--though I'm no mechanic, the volvo looks easier to work on.
.Bayliner is made in Mexico, just across the border from McAllen, so production and shipping cost is low for us Texicans. The factory is new, modern, and they use injection moulding which is strong. I haven't checked out the '04 models, but the 02 and 03 models of bayliner (according to the glastron sales dude at the boat show) had wood frames/beams covered by fiberglass, vs glastron's 100% fiberglass hull. Wood/fiberglass is strong but has the potential for rot over long term.
.The bayliner swim ladder is a finger biter. Let me know if this has been updated for the 04 line.
.The bayliner, low end runabout series has been likened to a copycat. They observe other's innovations and incorprate into their designs. You may well notice the emphisis some makers put on development and hydrotesting that is missing from bayliner's proccess. Bayliner seems to "draft" the other boat makers (this is my humble opinion).










Okay, let me generalize the question, and maybe that will generate more interest?

What is the best-designed currently-produced small I/O bowrider, and why?

My wife and I are trying to decide one priority, that is, comfort or maintenance-ease. Padding and carpet and vinyl are nice to look at and touch, but nasty to keep clean and eventually replace. Its not an easy choice for us.

[from]

Oh, I forgot...

The Glastron sales dude pointed out the Snap Out carpet feature on his boat (again, I haven't checked out the new 175 model, so I don't know if this applies). The Bayliner had glued down carpet. I didn't think of this, but he said it'd be a pain to replace as it rotted. I don't know how much the glasstron snapout liner would cost though. He counldn't give me an exact price..."not too much" wasn't a good answer for me.

Hey...I just found this... It might be exactly what you want.

http://www.boatingmag.com/article.asp?section_id=8&article_id=219

[lox-n-cc]

[Sam, before you decide, take a look at the New Stingray 180RX. I was recently at a boat show and I thought this boat compares favorably to the entry level Bayliner and the Glastron. The delivered price was $11,995 by my local dealer. I thought the construction was superior and the fact that the boat will run at 45mph was real plus.

Scott.

[Wade]

The Bayliner 175's gas tank is off center so when the tank is full the boat will ride funny. I also have been told that it has a wood deck. The Glastron is all fiberglass, no wood. Either of these boats have alot of storage. I would personally spend $3000 more for a Sea Ray 180 sport or a Larson sei180, both of these have a lifetime warranty on the hull and lots of storage. Both come standard with snap out carpet.

[captword]

a diferent aproach, but an answer. When you come down to a general concensus of boats that you are looking at. Say two as you have mentioned. the easiest way to tell the peoples view of what you are comparing, is to look at used boat prices. look at a bargain trader and look on the web at boat listings. The boat of the two you are looking at that seems to have the higher resale price might be the one that you want. people seem to like them or one model might get fewer complaints wich shows in the resale price.
Howard

[peevuto]

No Way!! These posts are full of mis-information. The Glastron MX 175 does not have any carpeting available, the windshield is short and does not wrap around more than a couple of inches, the console is very plain, plastic an cheap looking, and has no features except for bench seating.

The Bayliner 175 comes with full carpeting, nice console, is longer but lighter and therefore will be quicker, and is a much nicer looking boat.

It looks as if Glastron tried to compete with the Bayliner entry level model by stripping their SX bare, but left you with a boat that feels it and looks it.

By comparison, the Bayliner model is an entry level boat that does not look entry level, and kicks butt in every review online.

Don't believe me? Go look at the Glastron MX 175 in a show room and you will see how pathetic and cheap it looks.

[Hieu Phan]

I have been looking at 17 to 18 ft bowriders from the lowest, Bayliner, to the upper ends, Sea Ray, Chaparrals, Crownline, and Montereys. The first boat I looked at was the Glastron SX (right in the middle). I cut out Bayliner. It was just too plain and dull (vintage looking with the square glass). Glastron is also out. Since I am planning to have this boat for awhile, Sea Ray and Montereys are my choices right now (around $18K for both). I am waiting for the dealer to get the 180 Montereys in. What is selling me on either Sea Ray an Montereys is the service department. Both are Premier Service for Merc. I also like the easy maintance for a Merc engine.

If I had a better dealer, I would by the 180BR from Crownline, but I was not impressed by the dealers.

The minus about Sea Ray is the plastic hull fittings and the vinyl/rubber side railings. Montereys has a brass and chrome fitting which will last longer. I do not know if Montereys have stainless steel railing or not. Have to wait until the dealer gets it.

[peevuto]

First of all, you are comparing apples to oranges by comparing to boats in the $18k range. This topic is about entry level vs entry level, not entry level vs a mid tier, $18k boat.

Second, if you compare entry level boats only (which again, is what we are doing), the Bayliner has more features than the competitors and looks much nicer. Yes, it may have square glass, but it works well with the overal lines of the boat. Have you seen the Glastron MX windshield?? Its not even a wrap around and looks like a fishing boat!

If you want to spend another 8k for some features like curved glass and extra seat padding, then be my guest! For me, the additional cost for the very few extra features just isn't worth it. After all, I can replace the plastic gas cap with a chrome one myself for a lot cheaper!

I have looked at all the entry level boats, and for quality, features and price, the Bayliner can not be beat. Period.

[peevuto]

Oh and by the way, that Wade guy should get his facts straight before posting such BS about the gas tank being off centre affecting how the Bayliner sits in the water! The reviews on all the major boating websites discuss the off centre gas tank and how the hull is designed so superbly that there is no affect on how the boat sits in the water. They also go on to test the boat when they load up one side of the boat with passengers and she still sits level in the water. Not to mention the fact they took her out to sean in 2 ft swells and were amazed at how well she handled.

I wish people would get their facts straight before posting such garbage! But alas, I guess ignorance is bliss for some!

[Hieu Phan]

You will have not a great resale value for the Bayliner. But I guess if you are just the average joe and want to get in the water, go ahead purchase a Bayliner. Even if you compare a 185 Bayliner with Sea Ray, Monterey, Four Winns, Chaparrals, and Crownline, it does not even come close. The steel railing will help protect the boat much better than a plastic/vinyl/rubber railing. You can buy a Bayliner 175 and a few years later you will have to make some repairs or try to sell it at about 40% of its value. It's your money. I rather buy something that may cost more upfront but in the long run it will be cheaper.

Let see, your boat will be in a hot blistering sun all day. Plastic/vinyl/rubber breaks faster than a brass fitting or stainless steel railing. It's your call. Are you planning to have your entire boat covered when you are not using it to avoid the sun? If you are, the Bayliner will be just fine. But since you are buying a Bayliner, you most likely would not completely cover your boat. That would be extra $$.

What about the grade of the vinyl seats? Do you want a 38 to 40 gauge vinyl than the cheapy 175 Bayliner vinyl? Again, it will be expose to the sun and it will stretch during the day and retract during the night, this will cause the vinyl to weaken and eventually crack. It's your money. If you want to just get in the water than buy the 175. It will be good for a few years than you will be spending more money on fixing it.

What about some sound in your boat? You are going have to buy a radio and speakers, because the 175 does not come with one. I do not remember if the carpet is snap on or glued. If it is glued, good luck on trying to replace it. Within in a few years, the boat will smell like mild and mold.

Heck you can go to a Glastron SX for $5k more, which will be around $40 to $50 dollars more a month in payments.

Would you buy a Yugo or a Honda? Spend the money now and knowing that you will be spending less in the future or save money now and fork it out later. The time value of money depricates over time. It's your call and your money.

I would by a Ralph Lauren Polo over any other shirts out there. I have some Polo that are 15 years old and looks great. I have other shirts that are non Ralph Lauren and they are tossed within 5 years. Again, it's your money.

[peevuto]

I will be storing the boat in my garage when not using it, thats why the nice 175 is the perfect length for me. I will be protecting the seats with 100% UV treatment cream so cracking will not be an issue.

Once again, you are missing the point. The Bayliner compared to an 18k boat, WILL have deficiencies like the ones you point out. But these deficiencies, to me, are not worth paying twice as much (steel railings, extra padding, etc), and I can make up for some of the deficiencies by some very easy TLC. In fact I could make the argument that I could add all the 'extras' you get for cheaper than the 8k you are spending. If money grows on trees for you... great, go ahead and get your 'upgrades'. But to me, the cost is not worth the upgrades. Besides... the Bayliner 175 includes a wake tower, stereo system and two tone Gel coating for $10,500 is an awesome deal.

The real point being made is that the Bayliner gives the best value for your money in the ENTRY LEVEL market.

[peevuto]

Oh yeah, and I can't believe that you are wearing shirts that are 15 years old... talk about style!

LOL, all kidding aside, all the issues you have raised, I have addressed with TLC and good storage practices. About the resale value... you are just wrong. NADA guides show that Bayliner holds their value just as much as the others. I would even argue that because of the value and price point I am coming in at, I will be able to sell my boat very easily if I need to at very little depreciation, to another entry level boater. In fact, because I am going to baby this boat, it will be like new for the next owner. Like my shirts, I don't plan on keeping this boat forever... it allows me to get into boating, discover what I need and don't need, and then upgrade later as needed to another boat. And because I am coming in at such a great price point with great value... I don't have to take a soaking when its time to sell it.

[Hieu Phan]

All of the 17 to 18 Bowriders are entry level market. It's what degree of entry you are will to go into. The 175 Bayliner at $9995 is a good deal. Boating is a luxury thing to do. You can do without it. To me, if you are going to buy a luxury item, do not be pinching a penny just to "buy a boat". If I was pinching a penny, I would upgrade to the Bayliner 185. It's $4K to $5K more. ($30 to $50 more a month-skip one restaurant meal a month). I see your point you are making, but in the long run it will cost you.

Totally a different subject now. So how is the 3.0 Merc performance for wake boarding or skiing?

[Hieu Phan]

I have classic solid color Polo shirts that are 15 years old like, green, blue, red, and white. Hopefully, the resale is good. The only way to find out is when you are going to sell it in a few years.

[peevuto]

I have looked at the Bayliner 185, along with the boats you have mentioned in the 18' range. The Bayliner 185 is about 4-5k more like you point out, but when you look at it closely, I can not see 4-5k more in value. Same with the 8k more you are about to pay... I don't see 8k worth of extras. Its like they are making you pay 8k for about 4k worth of value. Therefore, you must really want those extras A LOT to pay such a premium... for me, it just doesn't make sense to upgrade. I guess if there was something that was a HUGE difference, and not just a better looking console, adjustable steering wheel, or curved glass, then maybe I would consider it. But really, lets face it, the extras are very minor things. I would rather wait until I know exactly what extras I need, and which I don't need, so that when I do venture into the 18-20k market, I get a boat that I will be happy with for years to come!

If you read the online reviews regarding the Bayliner 175, you will see that the Merc 3.0 litre has a lot of power because of the light weight of the boat, and will hoist even the biggest whale of a skier out of the water no probs. Top end is 45, and at cruising speed, the Bayliner 175 gets way better gas mileage than any of its competitors.

If the Bayliner looked like the Glastron MX 175, I wouldn't be buying it, cuz the Glastron looks very cheap, and has next to no features. But again, like the many reviewers have said "the Bayliner 175 is inexpensive, but definitely not cheap."

That pretty much sums it up.

[Nick___]

You must remember that Brunswick owns Bayliner, Sea Ray, Maxum, Meridian Yachts and many many more. The Bayliner 175 is the exact same hull as the SeaRay 180. So everyone saying how much a Sea Ray hull is built better or brand X is built better it's not. Bayliner's have a lifetime warranty, like most manufactures do. The actual price out the door will vary per dealer, most are around the $12,000 mark out the door minus tax. To my knowledge you can't buy any new boat for that price. This talk about how a few rubber or plastic fittings will not hold up in the sun is not true, the boat holds up great. Bayliner used to make a cheaper boat, hands down. They had a thinner hull, plastic windshields, thin upholstry, thin carpet. They sold the boats for practically nothing. Fortunately in the early 90's they beefed up everything on the boats, and now I would put them against anyone in quality and performance. If you have to have the Crownline name, or SeaRay name to feel cool then a Bayliner is not right for you. If you have to have a red hull and green interior, a Bayliner is not right for you. If you want a great boat at a great value, a Bayliner is right for you.

[Hieu Phan]

The baylinger is single hull. Sea Ray is doubled. Sea Ray's vinyl is thicker and softer, carpet is better and snaped on, more foam and better quality for the seating, has a radio and speakers, better storage.

It's like buying a Chevy or a Cadillac. More dough...more quality stuff.

[Jesse]

Where are you folks finding Bayliner 175's for $10,000?

My local boat dealer quoted me 11,900 for one a couple days ago. I would love to find a new one for around $10,000.


Jesse

[Tailgate Jeff]

I'm a new owner of a 2004 Bayliner 175. I've been boating for 6 years and bought this boat to replace a quickly aging 25 year old tri-hull. For the money, it's a great boat. I've had it for a little over a month and have used it every weekend. The 175 is a well made boat and it uses quality materials in the construction. The overall workmanship is very good. I'm very happy with my purchase.

The 175 has plenty of power to pull me out of the water when I ski, more than enough power for tubing and she will do 47MPH (On GPS) with two people and gear. The off-center gas tank mentioned before is a non-issue.

I bought a quality cover for the boat so the interior should last for years.

I paid $10,745 out the door. That includes state boat registration, trailer tags and sales tax.

It's a inexpensive boat, not a cheep boat.

Happy Boating,

JEFF

[polokid]

Just to add my $.02. I bought a Bayliner 175 a few weeks ago and it is a great boat. I did a lot of research before I finally made my choice.Peevuto is correct, the Glastron is actually $10,800 before all the dealer charges and the Bayliner is $9999. By the time I was out the door, it was almost exactly $12,000. The Glastron is very cheap looking with no carpeting. The Bayliner has seating for 6 plus the bow will hold 1 person. The Glastron has a bench seat in the back for 3 and 2 other seats for passenger and driver. The boat is so light it makes for easy trailering. The boat is rated to do 43.6 on the water but I have had mine over 45mph ! It flys ! For an entry level boat, I believe you get a lot for your money. Another feature is the fact you can drain the mainfolds your self with an easy pull of a line right on top of the engine so that saves you having to pay someone to winterize it each year. Also it has a tube that goes down in the drainpan so you can drain your oil yourself thru the transom plug. This is another great way to save money. All in all, I don't think you can go wrong with the Bayliner.

[Hise]

This has been a great thread... (well except for the t-shrit part :-)) I'm comparing these 2 boats myself and can't decide. I'm leaning towards the Glastron precisely because of no carpet. I just don't understand why anyone would put carpet in a boat (unless there trying to cover up corners and joints that don't fit well). I don't want to deal with fish guts on carpet.... no doubt about, carpet is going to get wet on a boat (with bathing suits and the many days of rain while the boat sits beside the house). I imagine that the carpet can hold moisture long enough that eventually the plywood underneath will begin to have moisture problems. Likewise, the Bayliner has wood stringers... granted they have started to encase them in fiberglass; but, again, no doubt about it, a boat is going to have water in the bilge. If that fiberglass around the stringers starts to blister, water can make its way to the wood stringers.

The Glastron has a fiberglass floor and fiberglass stringers, so no wood to rot. The Glastron also has the same engine as the Bayliner, so the nice maintenance features you described are also available on the Glastron.

However, I prefer Bayliner's seating arrangement, and I like that the Bayliner's bow seats are larger, and I like Bayliner's price better :-) If I do wind up with a Bayliner because of the price difference, my focus will be on how to keep the floor and bilge dry while the boat is stored. I'd even consider after a few years, replacing the floor with that plastic plywood stuff (of course that would probably cost as much or more than the difference in the price between the Glastron and Bayliner.

It's going to be a slow process for me to make a decision.

--Hise

The Glastron is very cheap looking with no carpeting. The Bayliner has seating for 6 plus the bow will hold 1 person. The Glastron has a bench seat in the back for 3 and 2 other seats for passenger and driver. The boat is so light it makes for easy trailering. The boat is rated to do 43.6 on the water but I have had mine over 45mph ! It flys ! For an entry level boat, I believe you get a lot for your money. Another feature is the fact you can drain the mainfolds your self with an easy pull of a line right on top of the engine so that saves you having to pay someone to winterize it each year. Also it has a tube that goes down in the drainpan so you can drain your oil yourself thru the transom plug. This is another great way to save money. All in all, I don't think you can go wrong with the Bayliner.

[Captain Adam]

Another testimonial - the Bayliner 175 Rocks.... I bought the bayliner 175 a few months ago at the Newport Boat Show, and it's been great. It is easy to trailer and to launch (one man operation). My family of 5 has plenty of room when fishing on the lake... it takes the waves good too - I've taken it out of both Boston and Plymouth Harbor's... I would say the one-way range is probably around 60 miles - I ventured 15 miles out and back, and still had half a tank - excelent MPG.
-Adam

[raaz]

Everyone... I myself own a 2003 Bayliner 175. I was 23 when I bought it so yes this is my first boat. Let me tell you from someone that has taken it out every weekend on the Chesapeake bay... I love it! Such a great boat. This boat was designed to compete with the used boat market. Why buy used when you can buy a brand new one for only 9,995! I have had her in 3ft waves. That is the limit for her. She can smash away 2 footers if needed but again it's a pounding sport boat. Pounder as they say... I have not had any problems at all with her and this is the 3rd season. Very, very soild boat and I highly recommend one to anyone looking.

Yes it doesn't have the sleek wind shield but I have gotten a lot of comments on her. She sits real nice in the water, very sleek. And also on a calm day I too have had her at the 50mph mark. I know..I know +/- for not vert accurate speedo.

[Guest23]

What about the grade of the vinyl seats? Do you want a 38 to 40 gauge vinyl than the cheapy 175 Bayliner vinyl? The Bayliner has 45 gauge vinyl.

[auskins]

I own a 2004 Bayliner 175 and i love it!!!
I live in a small town in Newfoundland, Canada and every one that sees her only have good things 2 say and many ask me how much i paid (they think $22 000 Canadian)
were it was ship this far she was a bit more then in America but i got her with all 6 life jackets, paddles, cover, trailer (i think all of them come with the trailer stander) basicly all the stuff u need out in the water
and she was $17 000 Canadain which is around
$10 500 american which is a pretty good deal
no drating and we always have a full take of gas and she don't seem 2 pull the one side but that is because we have her set up right (not many people do this and this is why they find there boat pulls 2 the one side)
and brad...i do beleave it's a GM block
thats what my Bayliner dealer told me and that is what it looks like 2 me
i had her up to 50 mph lots of times by myself (i know that might be off a bit)
when she is trim right she sticks right out of the water for 3 or 4 seconds and then she leveles off prefect
she is the nicest riding boat i every rode and i been in a few
bang 4 the $ she is the best boat in the water
u should try 2 take a demo out
there is a movie for the motor on the mercury site that shows u how 2 change the oil (the best thing about the boat)
and the resale vaule is almost the same amount as what i paid in my region

[williammarshbur]

the glastron in 06 has snap in carper a nice driver area plush seating full seating across the back which is padded volvo penta engine which is basically a chevy with lots of room to work . this boat also comes with a boldge pump , the styling of the boat looks great and sporty . the boat has a glove box with a stereo/ cd player, bimini top , cup holders in front rear and driver and passenger seats. this boat has power trim and tilt and an aluminum trailer. as i stated the carper snaps in and can be repalced easily which is a big plus if you have carpert in a bost. the take home price after taxes and fees and grand down was14,400, now the aluminum tarailer does cost more than gavanized but is much lighter for pulling. over all i like the glastron but would not tell anyone which boat to buy but what gives you peace of mind .

[dcwilliams]

I know this posting is old now but I just wanted to find out what boat you decided on ? I own a 2008 Glastron mx175 and love it. Mine came with snap in carpet , a stereo/cd player, and a bimini top. I have been skiing, tubing, kneeboarding, and wakeboarding behind it for three years with no problems. I added a wakeboard tower,depth finder,and swim step to the boat.

[dcwilliams]

Correction on my last post - I have purchased the wakeboard tower but have not installed it. Does anyone have good advice for installing tower on a Glastron MX175 ?