1966 Glastron Futura V-150 Project

[Rapier]

A teaser, but grew up with locally licenced copies of this boat. More to follow.

[carl minshall]

looking forward to this

[Rapier]

Pre the 150/160 GTs Carl, hope to start on it this weekend.

[Rapier]

Got this project mid-60s Glastron a few weeks back. Just under 15 1/2ft, they're rated to 90hp (this had a V4 Johnson on it). It has the normal deck gelcoat issues for that vintage (cover related), and the deck hardware is mazak that has pitted as usual. The screen is the original TaylorMade with 'Ventair' and the rest of the panelling, floor covering, vinyl and aluminium trim in original condition with lovely patina. Under the deck is a factory fitted 12 US gallon fuel tank. Built between '64 & '68, these boats were expensive here in their day, so maybe this Texas registered one found it’s way to the UK much later.

[Rapier]

The Glastron wet-sanded and part polished today - the deck has come out very nicely with Farecla 1200 grit, using a DA. Some lumps and bumps remain , but I didn't want to break the surface of them. I will fill a few breaks, chips and scrapes with coloured gelcoat. The colour of this boat is a near match to RAL 5009 - Azure Blue.

Most people confuse the lumps/bumps with osmosis; it is not - it's a gelcoat issue, sometimes from the manufacturing process, but repeated hot sun and cold frost cycles cause the rest. Boats left outdoors in all temperatures, under old style non-breathable PVC covers..

I use a 3M gelcoat restorer and a Meguiars RV/Marine polish, then a layers of their mould release wax no8, but Farecla make some fine products that will do the same.

The Magic Tilt trailer is a good fit and beautifully made. I do wish we could buy similar here in the UK, but there is little demand for such quality and the manufacturing process is obviously geared up for the volumes sold in the US.

[carl minshall]

A great find and in good original condition

[Rapier]

First of my 'self-gifting' to arrive; 11ft x 6ft of Nautolex to replace the original floor covering. Still made in the USA to the same patterns, and can be bought on eBay.

[Rapier]

Part 2 of the self gifting arrived in time for Xmas. Second-hand Attwood 6204 cleats from another Glastron.

[carl minshall]

very nice cleats, from the USA?

[Rapier]

Yes, found a willing seller on the Classic Glastron facebook group. Attwood 6204 tended to be stock on many boats all the way through the 80s. I think the design was copied here in plastic too...a few Brooms and Fletchers had them.