Glasstream 273 Sport I/O Review,.. so far.
03-29-2011 | 10:08 PM
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From: Estero Florida
Glasstream 273 Sport I/O Review,.. so far.
When I was interested in finding reviews or info I couldnt find much, so I figured I would write a review.
On a 1 to 10 scale 10 being a Nor-tech 1 a Bayliner (old one) i would rate the new Glasstream 273 Sport a -6-.
The hull is well built but it seems like it was designed on paper and had no change to the design after the molds where made.
A couple design flaws,. 1) No cup holders for front seats or places to put any. 2) The step into the cabin is useless and harder to use than step over. 3) Storage, I moved one of the batteries under the rear seat so the space under the engine cover wasnt a complete waste. I plan to also move the battery on the port side and the trim pump but have to cut to top glass liner to have access to the wasted space in behind it. 4) The anchor locker, useless! I cant fit a anchor big enough to hold the boat in it. 5) Rear seat (safety hazard), The hinges over hang the seat about 3". If you step on the front of the seat you better be ready to catch yourself. 6) Deck hardware,.. I dont know who or why but someone thought it would be a good idea to powdercoat the stainless pull up cleats. Looks good, but have a screw driver handy to pry them up when docking because they get stuck. 7) Gelcoat has many, many, many flaws over looked. I wet sanded and buffed 4 days worth of areas on the ext hull to make it better. The interior/cabin needs much attention (sanding, filling) also.
Rigging,... 1) I heard before I bought it about the wiring. Zip ties, electrical tape or nothing securing everything. 2) Engine mounted about 3/8" to 1/2" to the port side from center. 3) Rigging materials had many corners cut to save on construction. If I bought it new I would have deleted the electronics and upgraded the nessessary components.
Handling & performance,.. Seems good, very light with good power from the Mercury 496 Mag H.O. for the size boat. Handles great around dock. Right now with the 22p Bravo 1 that the builder must of never tested, I can get her to 59 mph on the rev limiter. I can cruise at 52-55 @ 4000-4100 rpm. Anything above 4200 rpm's the prop seems to just blow out and the slip percentage increases rapidly even trying to take it up slowly. I calculated the prop slip for the max speed to be between 19-20%. I will update after I get the correct prop dialed in. There should be at least another 8-10 mph to be had with the set-up correct.
Overall,.. 1) Taking the price in concideration, I think its good boat. 2) For most people who would never notice the problem areas I have it would be a great boat. 3) The stepped hull and modern design gives the boat tons of potential and great fuel consumption. 4) With a charger on the 496 H.O. boosting the power to 550-600 hp it will get exciting. 5) Very up to date styling and sharp design.
To sum it up, When I decide to sell in a few years after going thru fixing flaws, rigging (what should have been done by the builder) and dialing her in someone will have a great boat to enjoy. Glasstream has a great design that can use a few tweeks and new supervisor in the rigging department.
They might have discontinued the Sport and went to all outboards and CC outboards. With twin 300xs's I bet you'd be hard to catch.
Just my opinion.
__________________
On a 1 to 10 scale 10 being a Nor-tech 1 a Bayliner (old one) i would rate the new Glasstream 273 Sport a -6-.
The hull is well built but it seems like it was designed on paper and had no change to the design after the molds where made.
A couple design flaws,. 1) No cup holders for front seats or places to put any. 2) The step into the cabin is useless and harder to use than step over. 3) Storage, I moved one of the batteries under the rear seat so the space under the engine cover wasnt a complete waste. I plan to also move the battery on the port side and the trim pump but have to cut to top glass liner to have access to the wasted space in behind it. 4) The anchor locker, useless! I cant fit a anchor big enough to hold the boat in it. 5) Rear seat (safety hazard), The hinges over hang the seat about 3". If you step on the front of the seat you better be ready to catch yourself. 6) Deck hardware,.. I dont know who or why but someone thought it would be a good idea to powdercoat the stainless pull up cleats. Looks good, but have a screw driver handy to pry them up when docking because they get stuck. 7) Gelcoat has many, many, many flaws over looked. I wet sanded and buffed 4 days worth of areas on the ext hull to make it better. The interior/cabin needs much attention (sanding, filling) also.
Rigging,... 1) I heard before I bought it about the wiring. Zip ties, electrical tape or nothing securing everything. 2) Engine mounted about 3/8" to 1/2" to the port side from center. 3) Rigging materials had many corners cut to save on construction. If I bought it new I would have deleted the electronics and upgraded the nessessary components.
Handling & performance,.. Seems good, very light with good power from the Mercury 496 Mag H.O. for the size boat. Handles great around dock. Right now with the 22p Bravo 1 that the builder must of never tested, I can get her to 59 mph on the rev limiter. I can cruise at 52-55 @ 4000-4100 rpm. Anything above 4200 rpm's the prop seems to just blow out and the slip percentage increases rapidly even trying to take it up slowly. I calculated the prop slip for the max speed to be between 19-20%. I will update after I get the correct prop dialed in. There should be at least another 8-10 mph to be had with the set-up correct.
Overall,.. 1) Taking the price in concideration, I think its good boat. 2) For most people who would never notice the problem areas I have it would be a great boat. 3) The stepped hull and modern design gives the boat tons of potential and great fuel consumption. 4) With a charger on the 496 H.O. boosting the power to 550-600 hp it will get exciting. 5) Very up to date styling and sharp design.
To sum it up, When I decide to sell in a few years after going thru fixing flaws, rigging (what should have been done by the builder) and dialing her in someone will have a great boat to enjoy. Glasstream has a great design that can use a few tweeks and new supervisor in the rigging department.
They might have discontinued the Sport and went to all outboards and CC outboards. With twin 300xs's I bet you'd be hard to catch.
Just my opinion.
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Last edited by Sheer Insanity; 03-30-2011 at 12:00 AM.
03-29-2011 | 10:58 PM
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Nicely summed up IMO.
03-12-2012 | 12:33 PM
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Anyone else want to chime in? Would a spacer help this situation with the prop blowing out? I would think this boat would run mid to upper 60's easy with the 496HO the two step hull design and light weight - I believe 4700#s
03-13-2012 | 06:02 AM
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From: Merritt Is. Fl. USA
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Everything is for sale @ a certain $$
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03-13-2012 | 06:23 AM
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03-13-2012 | 09:15 AM
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