I'm in the market for a used late model 24-26' midcabin cruiser in Buffalo, where the most common boats are Sea Ray, Chapperal, Rinker, and Bayliner. I'm also coming across some Glastrons. Are those any good? How do they stack up against those other boats?

No idea about their cruiser style but we've been very pleased with our 2002 20' bowrider. It was one of first few years for VEC hulls and there was a little concern over that being unproven. But <knock on wood> its been great. VEC hasn't been used on hulls in size your talking about though. The interior has held up well but we do keep it under a carport.

Biggest problem we've had is the toggle switches for depth finder, bilge pump, radio, lights, etc. I've replaced about 1/2 of them with cheapo marine toggles from Ace just to keep them going. I'd like to buy a whole set of matching nicer looking switches eventually.

Might be a harder ride in a bigger chop. Take a ride and see for yourself.

Look for an improved hull in their all new for 2009 GS289. It has been praised in Europe over the last 2 months for performance, ride and handling. Should be available in the US very soon.

Any personal reviews to back that up with seabuddy? Your first sentence could scare off someone from even looking at a potential boat for themselves. My Glastron isn't what jattea is looking for but I think it does a good job on Lake Erie and Lake Michigan in the chop I go out in and I've been out on both lakes in 2 foot chop often.

Bottom line, jattea, if you can get a test ride in some of the ones you are looking at, that'll give you the best opinion of all - yours. I don't know of a lot of Glastron cruisers on this site but take a look at the boats, if the layout and feel are right, get that test ride. Glastron does build some nice boats.

The Glastron is probably closest in price and quality to the Rinker, below the SeaRay and Chap, and above the Bayliner, a bit.

Just my opinion based on pricing and feedback from others over the last couple of years.

Do you think that a 195 and a 249 have the same balance point, entry vee, chine sweep, and other ride influencing design ideas?

That's why I said my Glastron is not what jattea is looking for. I just want people to be cautious and not use the wide brush stroke if they don't own or have much experience in that specific boat. So like I said, do you have any personal reviews to back that up with?

From boattest.com Glastron 249 test on boattest.com Granted it's a one time drive and not long term experience and doesn't talk about being out in chop but it gives a review with much more meat than a one liner.

I've owned two Glastron's, and feel that they are a good value in a boat.

A long-time user here and on thehulltruth, rwidman, is an owner of a 249 (which is also for sale, by the way) and I'm sure that he can give you an excellent first-hand review of the boat.

And judging from his various posts throughout the years, I'm sure it has been well taken care of.

I know that I wouldn't hesitate buying a used boat from him.

Good luck!

While I have never owned a Glastron I have been around many since they are common in the Texas area where I boated for years. I think someone said it well when they were classified as a "good value boat" They are not at the high end of the spectrum, but a decent value for the money.

Take a ride in a Four Winns 278 and then in a 249 in a bigger chop and decide for yourself. Ride needs to be compared against a similar boat model from different builders. Note, the Four Winns might be too big to compare to or too much more money. Or try a 2665 Regal and a 249.

Well, I have one (2003 Glastron GS249) and it happens to be for sale. Not because I don't like it, but because we decided to buy a trawler and enjoy the marina life in our old age.

There are lots of "extras" on the boat.

Here is a link to photos:

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/13606135/202765086

Here is a link to the broker:

http://au.yachtworld.com/core/listing/bo...p;access=Public