Sorry to have not repsonded to other topics about this; wasn't trying to leave anyone hanging, just putting on the ol' poker face before looking at it. We settled on a price that I think was fair; the boat is rock solid as advertised, and we couldn't have picked a better one in my opinion. It's the nicest all-original Glastron I've seen to be honest, and I can't wait to bring it to Red Wing; not perfect, but great overall condition. Thank you all so much for your knowledge and assistance that made this purchase possible, I can't say enough about the graciousness of this group.
We got to Brainard about noon, and visually checked out the boat for structual integrity and condition. The rear light didn't work, so we checked the fuses and replaced the guilty culprit; worked fine after that. We proceeded to ask to take the boat out from the garage and get it fired up. The owner stated that he didn't want to de-winterize it only to have us walk away, so we agreed to buy it on the condition that it would run as he said it would, and if it didn't, we could have our money back. Removed the back seat (and side pads and engine cover for you guys who have 18's), and removed the plugs to spray fogging fluid down each cylinder. Broke one of the plugs trying to remove it (of course), and were sent to ACE hardware to find a replacement. ACE doesn't have them, but Hanson's Marine ~10 miles up the road will have them. Hanson's Marine doesn't have them, but he calls Bay Lake Marina and they have them ~25 miles up the road. Finally get the plugs at Bay Lake Marina, and head back to Brainard and manually crank the engine 4-5 revolutions with a socket to get the oil moving around the cylinders. New plugs are in, won't crank - positive battery terminal is bad. Go back to ACE for a battery terminal at 4:03, ACE closes at 4. The guy closing the shop won't let me in for a quick purchase. Luckily, Holiday in Garrison, MN has terminals, so I bring one back from there. Get the motor fired up but it dies after one revolution (think 2 year old gas). Try to crank again, nothing, solenoid is clicking but not moving the starter. Rap on the starter with a tacking hammer lightly and it starts cranking over, fires up after a little fresh gas down the carb throat. Finally get to hear the aggressive grunt of a 228hp V8. In Love.
So we're going to replace the starter solenoid and thermostat assembly; can we bring those items to Red Wing and get some help from the experts? I don't know MerCruisers so well, and if someone who knows what they're doing can help us it would really be appreciated. Overall I'd rate the boat as an 8/10, and that's exactly what we've been looking for. All the neighbors stopped over throughout the day asking "Why are you selling the fastest boat on the Lake?!". It will need a clear coat this winter, but that shouldn't be a problem. I'll post pictures as soon as it's light out, got home too late to do it tonight. We also need help with a name for this thing, and we'll have to have a proper re-namming cerimony at the meet. Thanks again everyone, see you in Red Wing!
