TOPIC: 1973 Glastron V178 Starflite Project

looks like that Jonnie is running good for ya and the boat as a whole is getting attention in all the right places. It sure cleaned up nice Mark Good Job!

Thanks bud, I appreciate the kind words. I've still got a pretty good list of things I'd like to do, but overall she's truly a dream boat. I plan on doing some upholstery work and redoing the trailer this winter, having too much fun to tackle anything major right now. (Not to mention feeding that V4 eats up most of my "Mad Money", but I'm not complaining!)

I tinted the glass this morning before going out, with the top up it really helps keep it cooler in the cockpit!

71 V153 (Doug) wrote:

Yeah it's not bad Mark. And it's origional. I've seen much uglier tops trust me. Now you need to get on it with the 303 Protectant. It'll really work wonders on that old vinyl. Make it easier to get on & off too.

I couldn't locate any 303 locally, so ordered some online. It came in today, and even though it's about 97 degrees in my garage, I had to go try it out. (Already had the top pretty well cleaned up, but it still looked old and "weathered".) Man, that stuff is AWESOME! It restored the sheen, the vinyl looks NEW. Used it on the seats, dash, etc., made a whale of a difference. Thanks for the tip Doug! I paid $11.95 for a 16 oz bottle, but if it works this well I don't mind it a bit! Worth every penny, IMHO.

You got off easy @ $11.95 Mark. That's cheap! Heh heh. Yeah 303 is really, really great stuff. Don't believe there's a better vinyl protectant on the market. I recommend it to all my customers. Which is akin to slashing my throat considering I sell boat canvas & cushions? Oh well. Some heed my word, some don't.

I went out early, trying to get some smooth water and to beat the heat. Guess I should have gone out at dawn, it was already choppy at 9:30AM!


Got an honest 40MPH (by the speedo) out of her, can't complain about that!

Buddy it's looking better everyday and now it's rullnning better too. Keep up the good work. By the way I am not big on the tri haul looks but after purchasing a 16 MFG I like them my girl friend has no problem driving it. So stable and perdictable just wish my 115 didn't drink so much gosh she is hard on fuel. again your hard work is leaving a bright touch on that boat.

Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it. I've got a speedometer coming next week that will match the new tachometer better, also back-lit for night cruising. That Airguide speedo in my dash now will be available for a reasonable price if you know of anyone who needs one.

Have you posted any pics of the MFG? If not please do, I would love to check it out. I know the "tri-hulls" aren't as aesthetically pleasing, but you're right about being MUCH more stable, IMHO. I can get up and walk around, and she barely even rocks at all. It's not a slalom boat by any means, but the handling is plenty sufficient for my use. The AquaLift II hull planes out in a heartbeat too, I couldn't be happier with the whole setup.

I will get some pics been so busy since I got back as soon as I get done wet sanding and buffing there will be a photo shoot :.)

Mark, Wow, what a fantastic find - to this newbie boat guy, all of a sudden the 70's, blur for me that it was, looks good again. Sweet Sweet ride - nicely done - and I have got to love the sound of that engnie ramping up - working on the Starfire 100-S and with ANY luck, she will pur just as nicely.

Beautiful indeed,

Matthew

You guys are too kind, thanks for the nice remarks. I got the new speedo yesterday from Ferguson-Poole Marine, had to put it in right away. (You know how it is, couldn't wait another minute!) Here's the new look of the dash.

Just a couple shots at the lake today.... Finally got the new hatch door stained, sealed, and installed. Looks better than the broken plastic piece, or the big hole that's been there for months!

Great pics and you did a nice job with that hatch door!

Really nice job on the boat. I like what you did with the hatch door. I had pretty much the same idea to replace mine.
Chuck

The CGOA site is now rotating pics of "Daily Drivers" on the home page. Please don't think I'm bragging, (hope you guys know me better than that) but I had to share it with my FG family here;
www.classicglastron.com/
It won't be up there long, but I'm one proud Papa for a week or two!

Brag away Mark, I am listening. Good for you man!
Neil