Glasstream boats
Glasstream is a small center console and bay boat builder with 137 registered hulls in the US fleet, most from the mid 1980s to early 1990s. The typical Glasstream is a 17 foot gasoline powered runabout suited for inshore fishing and day use. Buyers encounter limited inventory, an aging fleet, and parts availability concerns given the brand's small footprint.
Are Glasstream boats reliable?
With most registered hulls dating to 1985 through 1993, Glasstream owners face typical aging fiberglass issues including transom rot, deck delamination, and outdated electrical systems. The small fleet size (137 hulls) means limited aftermarket support and difficulty sourcing OEM parts. Two USCG recalls are on record, a modest number that suggests no widespread safety defects, but individual boat condition varies widely at this age.
Common problems to inspect on a used Glasstream
- Transom and stringer rot from water intrusion on 1980s and 1990s era builds
- Deck delamination and soft spots from aging core materials
- Oxidized gelcoat and UV damage on hulls over 30 years old
- Corroded wiring, switches, and outdated electrical panels
Registry footprint
Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.
Recalls (2)
- ⚠ Recall
17CG099S5/10/2019VENTILATION; LABEL; CAPACITY
What this means before you buy → - ⚠ Recall
17CG120S4/12/2019HULL ID NUMBER
What this means before you buy →
USCG MIC entries (1)
Frequently asked questions
Are Glasstream boats reliable?
Glasstream boats from the 1980s and 1990s face typical aging fiberglass issues like transom rot and deck delamination. Reliability depends heavily on individual maintenance history given the fleet's age.
What is the resale value of a Glasstream boat?
Resale value is low due to limited demand, small brand recognition, and an aging fleet. Expect pricing well below comparable models from larger builders with stronger aftermarket support.
Where are Glasstream boats made?
Glasstream boats were built in the United States. The limited registry footprint (137 hulls) and concentration of builds in the 1980s and early 1990s suggests the brand is no longer in active production or has severely reduced output.
What size are Glasstream boats?
The median registered Glasstream is 17 feet, with the fleet consisting primarily of small center consoles and bay boats suited for inshore and coastal use.
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