Searay Bayliner or Glastron

[kazbar]

Could anyone give me a guide/opinion into the differences and advantages of the following boats.

1. 1995 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer (waiting on spec)
2. 1998 Glastron GS 249 5.0GL (220hp) Volvo V8 with SX drive
3. 1997 Bayliner 2655 Cierra Single 5.7L Mercruiser with Alpha 1 drive

All will come from the USA and they are priced within 3k of each other


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[Geoffs]

Whatever you go for, go for something with a diesel, IMHO. I run a petrol boat and it's a pain in the butt. Either got to pay £1 per litre at the water side, or hump jerry cans around. If you go somewhere (like Weymouth) with no water side petrol, youve got to hump cans to nearest garage. Can get diesel everywhere.

For my money the Sea Ray is the better boat. Just seems all round better build quality and fittings etc.



<hr width=100% size=1>Old Chinese proverb 'Man who sail boat into rice field, soon get into paddy'

 

[andrewa]

I got a 1993 Sundancer 270 from Gordon. No leaks around windows or seams, build quality seems first rate. Beware if thinking of a repower though, engine bay designed for V8 power not straight 6 so rather on the short side. Trade off is a nice large double berth under helm. Really pleased with mine. Don't know about Glastron had a 1998 Bayliner 1802 previous not as well finished as the Sea Ray though no real complaints. Need any info send me a pm.

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[Dave1258]

Bayliner!! ......................(but then I'm biased)

Happy boating with whatever you get. Dave

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[Kevin]

Sorry for popping up again.

Id go Bayliner they will sell quickly should you want to sell it and for the price you will have more choice than the Sea Ray and thus get a better boat. Bayliner looks newer in design and they sell really well.

Any further help please pm me or email if that is available from my profile thingy

Kevin

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[ArthurWood]

Sea Ray - better build quality. Had 1991 270 w/V8, which is now 290, I think. Plenty of space for 2+2. No probs in 3 yrs
Glastron - forget it
Bayliner-more boat for money, but quality??


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[Kevin]

Hi

Searay are overpriced, they source second rate components from China, their mid 90's boats look like mnid eighties boats, over here they are cleverly marketed as high quality boats when its all hype in the states they are looked upon as mid table so so make, prices reflect this hyped image I think

Bayline what you see is what you get a solid boat that looks good, no pretence of being a high quality boat and again prices much lower to reflect this.

Kevin

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[barryjl]

Had a brand new Glastron which fell to bits! Then went for a Larson (same group as Glastron) and that fell to bits as well - BIG TIME! So from my exprerience stear clear of Genmar range (Glastron, Larson). Never heard anyone say anything bad about Searay, so that's what I would go for but would really seriously consider older, secondhand UK built boat.

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[chuckaduck]

Bayliner but I am biased but should be the best value for money

 

[gjgm]

the engine is the expensive bit. Think I d be keen to know the service histories of those rather than who made the hull.

 

[KevB]

I agree with what Geoffs said. The Sea Ray has a superior build quality and layup. Forget petrol, must be diesel.

 

[Nautorius]

Ok,

I have had a small Glastron and it fell to bits within 3 months of light use on Windermere, and I strugled to punt it on after 9 months. But, glastrons do offer a lot of boat for the money, and the 249 is a nice size boat. It should be noted that for the UK it seems very bare and the 1998 version is not that plush if you like your creature comforts. Verdict-no frills boating.

Sea Ray. nice looking boat, and will depend on engines. Better quality than the Glastron and does feel it. Well developed hull for inshore passages. The negativity is in relation to their Bolsa Core hulls which can absorb water if damaged. Hull moisture level is an essential check on survey prior to buying. Other downside is that they are not as popular in UK as the Bayliner, yet are percieved to be better quality and generally loved by their owners who are 'brand loyal'. Also it has a great Canopy if in good condition, if not get it replaced with one made in UK.
Verdict strong possibility dependent upon engines and spec.

Bayliner. Built to a price, good boats. Popular in the UK and the 2655 is a good choice. 5.7l is a tad thirsty but the Alpha 1 drive does not get corroded away like the B3 drive. Nice boat, good spec and right for UK market. Will however need UK canopy as US one is useless if it comes with one.
Verdict, if you can stomach the petrol bills, go for it!

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[jhr]

Sea Ray (I'm biased, too). Build quality and sea-keeping will be better than the others. Bayliner will give you more for the money and I think the boat you are looking at post-dates the days of dodgy build quality, so would be my second choice.

Glastron? Non, merci /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[enterprise]

Bayliner............ Again biased but sold a Ten year old 2255 for same as bought 5 years previous!, fittings tend to be cheaper though so expect to be changeing these if over 10yrs old otherwise build quality no better or worse than many of it's rivals.

Always had a slightly poorer image than searay but think this is more stateside hype than any factual examples, fittings are better than bayliner, but price difference dousn't warant the extra inital cost.

Glastron's are poorly finnished IMO, looked seriously at a 249 diesel at London boatshow 3 yrs ago, was dissapointed to say the least after it ticked all the boxes, what a let down.

Strongly sudgest trawling the boatyards for all three models to better appreciate the merits of each.

A trip to Essex boatyards which will give you a relaxed look around is well worth the effort & expense.

 

[adey]

[ QUOTE ]
Sea Ray - better build quality.
Glastron - forget it
Bayliner-more boat for money, but quality??

[/ QUOTE ]
Best advice in this thread.

[ QUOTE ]
Searay are overpriced, they source second rate components from China, ....in the states they are looked upon as mid table so so make....

[/ QUOTE ]
Everything on my 2001 SeaRay says "Made in USA"
SeaRay are well regarded in the US.
[ QUOTE ]
Sea Ray... The negativity is in relation to their Bolsa Core hulls which can absorb water if damaged.

[/ QUOTE ]
Don't think the 270 has a balsa cored hull?
[ QUOTE ]
go for something with a diesel, IMHO

[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on what you want it for. 50hrs a year or less as a day boat then petrol. Lots of longer cruising, go diesel.
If the SeaRay and the Bayliner are in similar condition then I'd get the SeaRay.
Edit.... The Searay 270 is normally twin engined so would be better as a diesel. A Searay 240/250 would be more comparable to the other two.
Edit again.....Original post is three years old /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[jhr]

[ QUOTE ]
Edit again.....Original post is three years old

[/ QUOTE ]
Well spotted; I wonder if he's bought one yet?

Sea Ray /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.