6 Rules for 1st-Time Buyers | Neptunus 650 Express | Glastron GTD 180
In 1956, four men in Austin, Texas started building Glastron boats out of plastic with strands of thin glass in it, instead of the solid wood that almost all other boats had been built from for the last 50,000 years. Some wood boat builders said at the time that these new, white boats looked like frozen snot. A decade later Glastron was selling 50,000 fiberglass boats a year, something that has never been equaled. This was the first big thing in the modern era of boating.
The sleek design of the Neptunus 650 Express, with minimal top hamper, produces very little roll in turns—we measured an easy 7-degrees into the turns, a plus when guests are aboard. At a 10-knot displacement speed, she has a range over 700 NM, while top speed with the twin 1,136-hp Caterpillar C18s was 33.5 knots. A remote-control docking system allows the operator to bring her into a slip from anywhere on the boat.
Some entry-level boats in this size range will jar your teeth out – even in light chop – usually because they either have a flat deadrise or a cathedral hull. They are made for very small lakes and canals, and they have the advantage of being stable. While they are affordable, and granny will like them, there are other options on the market we think should be considered. One is the Glaston GTD 180 that has a 20-degree deadrise at the transom and will provide a ride as good as anything in class. She also has a low bow rise on acceleration. Her helm seat will accommodate captains of varying heights, and a flip-up bolster allows the skipper to elevate enough to see over passengers forward while underway.
Four-stroke outboard engines are expensive to maintain with annual winterization dealer bills, annual oil changes, dealer inspections every 100 hours, 10 and 20-hour break-in periods, and all the rest of it. Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines can be winterized by the owner, and there is no regularly scheduled dealer maintenance for 500 hours/5 years. And, there is no break-in period. 5-year factory-backed coverage secures the investment.
A yacht with a sunroom and an atrium? Sea Ray says, why not? Their Sundancer 460 not only offers an electric sunroof, but also an atrium that allows the sunshine to reach down belowdecks to brighten up the accommodations level. With two private staterooms below, each with large heads and separate shower stalls, the Sundancer 460 is directed squarely at gracious two-couple cruising, especially for those who enjoy sunshine.
Most first-time boaters have been thinking about getting a boat for a long time. At first, they are shocked at the prices, but after looking at them for a year or two they get used to it. Rule #1 for a first-time buyer is to not buy a fixer-upper. They are not good boats, and a first-time buyer more than anyone else needs a good boat. They are forgiving. There’s plenty to consider, from the type, size, and power, in addition to cost.
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