Regal Vs Glastron

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Cat7Ken

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A salesman trying to sell me a Regal 2665 over a Glastron 279 has said the difference is like an Escort to a Mercedes and that when I'm listening to the Glastron creaking when at sea I'll wish I bought the Regal.

I have no doubt that this is an extreme comparison and Happy1 will be along any moment with a suitable description for said salesman - but should I really be looking for major differences in quality between the two??

Ken

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YES. I agree with the salesman.

Having looked at all the boats at boat shows for the last two years, i would aggree that the Regal is far better than the Glastron, Though it is a good boat as well, as Happy will say 'it is excellent value for money', and it is.

Sorry Peter, No offence.

cheers..

Alistair...



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.hamptonandmcmurray.co.uk>Hampton and McMurray</A>

Petrol Rules..
 
ask him about the aftersales service.

the after service is very much like Trabant to Merc. and the Regal is not the Merc.

See the post about the trailer.

Apparently Regal dealer has no interest at all in help with this problem and others.

My own experience with a Regal would be.

Buy Regal if you are a solicitor and can get legal work done free or go elsewhere.





<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boating-ads.co.uk> Boating Website</A>
 
Don't know either boat, but from when I lived in the States, people described Regals as sea-boats ( made in Florida??) , while people described the Glastron range as 'lake boats' and were prevalent on the lake that I lived on, and were cheaper , but it's 6 years since I came back.



<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>I am WHAT I say I am</font color=blue>
 
Hi Guys,

I would say without doubt that the finish on the Regal is better than Glastron, from what I saw at the LBS. However when looking at value for money, I found the Glastron fitted my needs, I was able to have a brand new boat with the engine warranty, at a price that may have got me a three year old Regal. I must say that having driven my boat, I find the hull and ride fantastic, you will find that the hulls are all made by the genmar group and come from the same factory.

When I looked at the GS279 I still thought that it was amazing value for money, I would however spend a few bob in upgrading some of the finishes, but that would not be absolutely necessary. I could not get any idea od secondhand value, as the GS279 was only launched this year, that would also be a consideration. I did find that the Glastron does have a lot of features that are standard, like depth sounder, electric windlass, full canopy's e.t.c that are extra on others, so have a good look about and decide what is important to you.

I must say that the GS209 I have is a super little boat, it is so cheap that you cannot lose more than peanuts on it. That said I am in a delicate situation at the moment as serious legal proceedings are pending with the dealer, for a stack of things.

Only you can make up your mind, however I would not buy my next boat without trying it out. I was lucky with the GS279 as I just gave them a cheque for it, as there was no real competition at that size, I had never been in it, or new what the engine would be like. I had an idea and luckily they proved right, the Volvo 4.3ltr is a well and truly tested engine that is superb. As for the KAD32 in the GS279 I have been concerned about comments on here, so would want a test drive first. Mind you I have also had comments on here proven totally wrong when put to the test, so make your own judgements.

Good luck anyway /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>
 
Blimey, I'm not the only one then /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>
 
Hi Pete,
How are you getting on with the dent in your hull?
Just to correct you, i presume you 'just wrote them a chq' for the GS209 and not the GS279 as you said? Unless you have moved on and not told us? EH?

Cheers

Alistair..



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.hamptonandmcmurray.co.uk>Hampton and McMurray</A>

Petrol Rules..
 
Sorry, yes the GS209, not that brave to do it on £54k /forums/images/icons/wink.gif Re the boat it is now a very serious issue, since the fire. I have had a meeting with my lawyers and a barrister in London, and issued an ultimatum to them, they have until a week on Monday to agree, or we commence court proceedings for breach of certain laws and substantial damages, plus an aplication for costs if we win.

Shame that it has come to this but that seems to be the industry all round.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>
 
What the hell happened???

<hr width=100% size=1>How much to fill'er up!
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Hi There,

I started off with a Glastron and thought it great Value for money. The problem was it did not give me much confidence in a swell! I realised that hull design and build quality do not matter on a fine hot day but when you get in to wind and swells you need to know your boat will handle it. I then struggled to sell it for a decent return. I moved up market to a Maxxum but was still not that happy. I then moved up to Chaparrals and what a difference. My brother had a Four Winns 3 foot longer and mine coped a lot better!

I now have a Regal 2760 (Now called a 2860!) It is easily as good quality as the Chaparrals and the Hull performs great. It cuts through waves and turns fantastically. Personally I would pay the extra. I did not originally and ended up swapping it in less than 12 months and that is expensive!

I did not buy it from the dealer to be wary of.... his service was terrible. However my Local dealer on the North of Wales has been excellent so far at getting parts. I also emailed the company in USA for advice about the cabin lights not working. Within 2 days I had a detailed Email about what to look for to get them working. Great service is what counts to me! If you can afford get the Regal...mine has put a big smile on my face!

You pay your money and take make your own choice.... Value that is function or quality with a little luxury that keeps the re-sale value up! Whatever you decide good luck.

N.


<hr width=100% size=1>Will I ever find the perfect boat?
 
Out of interest, which Glastron did you have, what engine was in it, and what year was it?

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>
 
I didn't think it would be such a hard decision choosing a sports cruiser. I now have sympathy with people who know little about cars selecting the most suitable vehicle for their needs and budget!! But this is a hell of a lot of money to get it wrong with!

Thanks for you valuable comments - very useful once again!

Ken

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The first was only a speedboat and was a 175SX 1999 with Merc 3.0l. Great boat but I needed a screwdriver full time to carryout on going repairs. I bought this boat new and lost a packet on it. No one would take it as a trade in including RYB the main dealers, and it was less than 12 months old! I have since tried out several other 17/18footers and they all handle a lot better and seem to stay in one piece without all the trim falling off.

I then 'borrowed' a 209 with Volvo 4.3Sx 1999 realised it was no good and bought my first Chaparral 205 SSe cuddy with a 4.3l merc..same size BIG difference.
When I traded up again I and then 'borrowed' a 249 with a 5.0l Merc (1998) and then Bought the 240 Chapparal. Same size big difference in quality.

When I say borrowed I do not mean stole! I simply arranged extended tests from private people who were VERY eager to sell them.

In Fairness the Glastrons were cheaper and if on a tight budget you get a bigger boat for your money. For the Price of the second hand Chaparral 240 I could of had a new GS249 with Diesels! or a one year old GS279.

<hr width=100% size=1>Will I ever find the perfect boat?
 
on the other hand there's this Glastrom for sale on eBay at the moment that seems to fit your needs without breaking the bank - and you could just get on with enjoying the summer!<A target="_blank" HREF=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2425023082&category=1296>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2425023082&category=1296</A>

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Bowriders like the 175 SX are a big loser second hand, nobody wants them, but they are sold at boat shows to people on a budget, who don't realise the problems with them and the tumbling second hand values.

As for the GS209, I would be very interested to know what you felt was wrong with it, you just state it was no good. I have one of those at the moment and I find it a superb boat, just that I am having some dealer problems. The 4.3GL engine is very nice, and the new boat I have has a sink, cooker, coolbox (looks like a fridge) and Porta Potti, I am at a loss as to what you found wrong. It will cruise all day at 23knts (3,000revs) and if you want more power will give 42knts (50mph) WOT. It handles in the sea brilliantly, ahs a great turning circle and is easily operated by one person. In fact I would challenge anyone to come and try mine and say it is not cracking value for money. It's not a Rolls Royce, but doesn't claim to be, just a good average boat.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>
 
Regal

what a shame Regal in the states are not reading this forum.

It appears that Regal product has a good reputation but buyers are put off buy the sales outlet.

From reading these posts its clear that most boaters are aware, but its the new enterants into boats which get sucked in and hurt.



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boating-ads.co.uk> Boating Website</A>
 
Re: Regal

Maybe someone who has a Regal should E-mail them, And make them aware of these posts.



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.hamptonandmcmurray.co.uk>Hampton and McMurray</A>

Petrol Rules..
 
Hi Happy,

I felt that the 209 was 'No good' for me. It was still a good boat and great value. My main Issues were in relation to build quality. I take it that this has improved on newer models? The layout was great and the Chaparral was the same. The difference for me was the size of the cuddy was marginally bigger and had more headroom, the Glastron felt a little cramped and there were at least 2 leaks and so it was damp and musty. (Boat less than 6 months old) The drivers seat was not fully adjustable so was uncomfy in a big swell. The problems were when It crashed into (or off) big waves. The whole boat shuddered and seemed too flex. Maybe I was expecting too much for the money? On a sunny morning with light swell it performed admirably and did everything that I wanted it too. How have you found it?

Cheers N.

<hr width=100% size=1>Will I ever find the perfect boat?
 
I think you have to be careful with a statement that states 'it is no good', obviously I have an interest because I own one and use it most days, and find that does not ring true at all, but thanks for explaining that it was 'no good' for 'your' circumstances.

I have found the boat GREAT, This boat is very fast (42knts WOT, goodness knows what the optional Volvo 5.0 Gxi SX is like /forums/images/icons/wink.gif), I was out yesterday in a 3 - 4 and it handled superbly for it's length. I went with the family from the Hamble to IOW (Folley Inn) in a 4 - 5 and again no problems, I then went to Lymington, Yarmouth, back to Lymington and back to the Hamble. SWMBO would not go on it if she felt it unsafe. I don't really think that they have changed the GS209 much in the last few years, but as with any boat you will get the odd few teething problems (I have had my fair share of them!). I found most were down to the dealer, so you just need to stick at it until it is sorted.

I looked at the Bayliners and thought they really were the (old) Skoda of boats, the new ones made in the old Eastern block countries are certainly made to a budget. The Glastron is above that IMHO but as I stated earlier perhaps not as good a finish as the Regal, but there are ways of tidying bits up at minimal cost.

The current GS209 standard boat with a Volvo 4.3GL engine with SX drive is £22,000 (has come down £1k to that since I bought mine because of exchange rates)

It includes as standard :-
Snipe 4 wheel braked UK road trailer
Porta Potti
5 step SS ladder
Armchair seat in Cuddy
5 passenger seats in cockpit including one Back to back seat that goes flat to lay on
Full cockpit canopy
Galley pack (includes sink, cooker and coolbox that looks like a fridge)
CD radio
Full instruments (but not depth guage and hour meter, see below)
Engine warranty
5 year hull warranty

Extra's :-
Camper hood £600
Cockpit cover £350
Bimini top £485
Mooring kit £150
Anchor kit £65
Convenience pack (hour meter and depth sounder) £250

I have chosen all the options plus had a few little additions put on for luck /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

Now when you look at that compared to what else is around I think you will agree that it is good value for money. Let's face it you can't lose £20k /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif and I know that even after 3 - 4 years, ones without the galley pack sell for £16k.

What other boats are there that are around this size and this price, I would be interested to know, just in case I have missed one?

At the end of the day it is only just over 20ft, it is the type of boat that you would probably just keep as a spare boat for messing about, and odd night away (because of towability), when you get your real boat. We have slept on the boat a number of times for the odd night, two adults and baby in the cuddy, 16yr old and dog (animal kind) in cockpit. Ok with all the kit on board to sleep it is a bit cosy, but bigger than some tents /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

Anyone who wants a go who is suitably sensible and quailifies is welcome anytime at Chatham, just let me know.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>
 
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