1960 Glasspar Citation

This is actually from the 1961 brochure, but the Citation was the same in 1960 and 1961. I saw this ad as a 'sign'- when I first started looking in to the boat after I found it on Craigslist, this was one of the first things that I found. It was phographed in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and I used to live (and boat) in Tarpon Springs...


This is from the 1961 Glasspar Price list. It lists the boat FOB the factory for $1195. Of course, this is without power, but it still sounds like quite a deal to me!

As you can see from the specifications on the right, you could order the Citation in several hull and deck colors, in whatever combination that you wanted.



The only option available was a canvas top with side curtains.


The hull and deck used in the Citation were used in 1960 & 1961. The 1962 models had, as an option, folding 'lounge type' seats. It appears from photos that the hull used remained the same for several years after this, though the deck changed. Glasspar built a 'citation' model of one form or another into the 1970's.

Personally, I think that the 1960 and 1961 models are the best looking of the citations- And in a lot of ways, of the entire Glasspar fleet at the time. They have great classic runabout lines, a split cockpit, and a great-looking low profile tempered glass windshield. It is actually pretty amazing how 'modern' they look today, especially given the recent resurgence in retro runabouts.

I hear a lot about the low quality construction used in Glasspar runabouts. There are a lot of areas that could have been built better. It is very true that the odds are any old Glasspar that you run across out there will have problems with rot unless it's been exceptionally well cared for. Is this a result of poor construction? Well, there are probably things that could have been done better. But, remmeber, these were production boats, and getting them of the line as quickly and cheaply as possible was crucial to the company making money. Also remember that these boats were built in the early days of fiberglass boat building, and there was no real established 'right' way of doing things- there was still a lot of experimentation going on. Remember also that this boat is 1/2 a century old- And has probably not had the best life- so it's bound to have SOME problems!
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