Glastron 153 Surflite Hardtop

Showroom condition, 64 years old classic, mostly original 1962 Glastron 153 Surflite Hardtop in Aqua Blue & White, with original 1961 Evinrude Lark III 40hp outboard motor, and original Gator tilt trailer. I purchased this boat from the original owner who picked it up brand new from Waco Boats & Motors (see decal on back of engine) in 1962. This boat sat dormant in owner’s lake house garage (due to health reasons) from around 1970 until I purchased and picked it up in 2010. It was amazing what I found.

The boat is solid all the way through, to include floor, stringers, and transom. Original fiberglass gel coat finish is smooth to the touch without any crazing, spider cracking or oxidation, and shines like the day it left the dealers floor. Windshield is crystal clear and pivots on ball hinges as designed when hardtop is removed to allow airflow. Interior upholstery is all original without any cuts, tears, or separation of seams. The vinyl is firmer than when new, however it’s pliable and very usable. We regularly moisturize the seats with Babe’s Seat Saver. The engine starts easy, idles & shifts perfectly, runs strong, and is cosmetically near perfect. This boat was purchased new with the optional Hardtop and Bench seating arrangement. The Hardtop can be removed and boat used without it, to allow the tilt windshield to work. All original hardware is present and in excellent condition to include all badging, mirror and flag stem. This boat stays in my garage with custom cover in place.

I have made many improvements. The engine was serviced by Stone & Sons Marine, Houston TX, who specializes in vintage OMC products. Although the engine was in excellent condition, they did a tune up including points, replaced old hoses, installed new seals & serviced lower unit. I had a two-color custom cover made that includes vented poles, side vents, secure cinch strap runs length of cover under rub rail, Velcro flaps for cleats (so cover can be used at dock), Velcro inserts for light pole, around splash well for complete coverage, and secure straps to pull cover down to trailer. Also had a custom cover made for the engine. Hardtop liner has been replaced with a Cadillac auto headliner that closely approximates the original liner in same color. Shift and throttle cables were replaced. I installed interior LED lights (out of view) under gunwales. I replaced the bench seat hinges and screws with stainless, painted the wood inside the bench seats, and remounted in a slightly elevated position to allow any moisture to escape. Originally, the battery sat on 2 thin slats of wood that allowed the battery to shift during use or trailering. I removed those and made a new tray that’s larger to accommodate a battery box and straps to secure it. New positive and negative battery cables were made and installed. Custom Glastron bow flag was made. The trailer was in excellent condition, but I did touch up the paint, added rollers to prevent any damage when loading, changed lights to LED, added guide poles, and had the wheels (3), wheel fenders and front winch stand powder coated. Custom decals were made to replace originals that had to be removed. Hub caps were re-chromed.

I’m happy to discuss more details in person. This is a one-of-a-kind rare vintage original collector item. However, it can be used and still kept in its current condition if care is taken as we have. We entered the boat (on the trailer so we didn’t put it in salt water) in the 2016 Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance show in Seabrook TX. This is a high dollar car & wooden (mostly) boat show. Won the “Corinthian Award,” in the Judge’s opinion worthy of special mention.  I will include with this sale the poster we had made that tells the story behind the boat. This sale is for boat, trailer, engine, cover & vintage gas cans. Clear Texas titles in my name. Located in Cibolo TX. Prefer to find someone who is willing to properly care for and preserve this classic boat.

Asking $19,200. 

Serious inquiries only please.