The Classic Glastron Gulfcruiser V-195
As of March 28, 2005, I am the proud owner of a classic 1965 Glastron Gulfcruiser V-195. We bought it in Morro Bay.
The original brochure for this boat shows it like this:
This Page will concentrate on the V-195 Gulfcruiser.
Glastron made other Gulfcruisers but this was the last year they made the V-195. This was also the last year for the curved cabin windows. In 1966, Glastron came out with the V-205 Gulfcruiser, but it wasn't as stylish in my opinion.
One of the features of the Gulfcruiser was that it was like a camper for the water. With optional two-burner stove, sink and ice-chest, one could literally camp on the water.
Here's what the brochure from 1965 said:
"CRUISE, CAMP AND FISH IN THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF A BLUE-WATER AQUA-LIFT
"GULFCRUISER V-195 -- Looking for a safe, smooth riding, complete camper-cruiser that can be trailered and launched with ease? The stunning two-tone brown and white 19-foot V-195 is your answer. Equipped with the wave-taming Aqua-Lift hull and a wide choice of outdrives, it assures top performance and safety, and economy of operation. The comfortable 31 square-foot stateroom features a walnut interior, carpeted floor, four vinyl upolstered bunks and ample storage space. Standard equipment includes a Ventair windshield with flip over hatch, Tiltair windshield on the bridge, International Rules lighting, stainless steel bow and side rails, built-in 18-gallon fuel tank, helmsman seat, two jump seats aft and a vinyl soft top. The complete, self-contained galley (2-burner stove, stainless steel sink, 5-gallon water tank and ice box), port companion seat and a marine head are optional."
'65 Specifications: Name - Gulfcruiser, Model - V195, Deck Color - B - Brown, Center Line - 18' 7", Gun'l Length - 20' 2", Beams - 90", Trans. Width 83", Depth - 54", Transom Height - 47", Approx. Wt. 2130, Max. OBC HP - NA, Fuel Tank - 18 gal std. *, Complete Top Set - $210, Side Rear Curtains - $115, Windshield - Ventair Sl. Hatch & Tiltair Fly Bridge, Seating - Sleeps 4, Helmsman & 2 Stern, Steering - Mech., Std. Engine - 110 HP
* Extra 18 Gal. Tank $90 Installed
ENGINE OPTIONS:
Volvo 110 or MC (MerCruiser) 110 Std. 110 OMC, ME-0 (MerCruiser w/o Power tilt) 120, ME-PT 120, 140 IE, ME-O 150, ME-PT 150 or 150 OMC, 160 IE, ME-O 190, ME 190-PT (power tilt), ME-O 225, ME-PT 225, Twin 110 Volvo or ME 110 optional.
Prior Years
1964 (Check out that camper top in the lower left corner picture!!!)
STABILITY, COMFORT, PERFORMANCE...
Here's what the 1964 catalog says:
"The Gulf Cruiser V-195. This stately Queen of the Glastron fiberglass fleet is a practical overnight camper-cruiser ideally suited for family fun of fishing parties. Built on the famous Auqa-Lift hull and powered with a choice of MerCruiser, Eaton or Volco outdrives, it guarantees the finest performance and safest ride possible, plus the power and economy synonymous with a four cycle engine. The walnut interior and carpeted floor add to the beauty of the stateroom with its four vinyl upholstered bunks, Ample storage facilities, a galley - complete with two-burner stove, ice box, sink and 5-gallon fresh water tank -- and provisions for a full marine head add to its utility. The Ventair windshield with sliding hatch provides easy access to the fore deck, while sliding windows and Tiltair windshield on the bridge furnish additional ventilation. Standard equipment includes International Rules lighting, stainless steel bow and side rails, built-in 18-gallon fuel tank with deck filler, helmsman seat, two stern jump seats and a vinyl soft top. Truly a home away from home, the V-195 provides everything in a boat that can be trailered and launched with ease and without special licences or equipment."
'64 Specifications: Name - Gulfcruiser, Model - V195, Deck Color - T - Tropical Tan, Center Line - 18' 7", Gun'l Length - 20' 2", Beams - 90", Trans. Width 83", Depth - 54", Transom Height - 47", Approx. Wt. 2130, Max. OBC HP - NA, Lights, Switch - STD, Fuel Tank - 18 gal std. *, Complete Top Set - $210, Soft Top - STD, Side Rear Curtains - $115, Windshield - Ventair Sl. Hatch & Tiltair Fly Bridge, Seating - Sleeps 4, Helmsman & 2 Stern, Steering - Mech.
Marine head optional.
Gulfcruiser Inside Dimensions: Cabin -- 31.5 Sq. Feet; Aft Compartment -- 45.7 Sq. Feet.
Polystyrene Flotation standard
Top Installation: Complete Top Set -- $7.50, Top only -- $3.00
* Extra 12 Gal. Tank $75 Installed
* Extra 18 Gal. Tank $90 Installed
ENGINE OPTIONS:
Volvo 110, MC 110, MC 140, Int. 140, MC 150, Int. 160, MC 190, MC 225, Twin Volvo 110's, Twin MC 110's
In 1964, the Gulfcruiser was the top of the line. In '65, the Gulfstream V-204 and the Caribbean V-234 were.
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