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| Reprinted from Boating Life |
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| By Randy Vance |
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A brand new cruiser for $50-something? And trailerable? Surely not. But, there at the dock it rested, nodding with the slight roll of the tide in the marina basin, lines holding the muscular form at rest, engine silent, waiting for a turn of the key. With no obstacles between us and it, who could resist?
After taking an easy step from dock to swim deck, we passed into the cockpit through the transom hatch. A three-step swim ladder was recessed in the platform, ready to deploy and retrieve swimmers, but not interrupting foot traffic when stored. A guilty glance back from the helm proved what only registered subconsciously in my exceeding eagerness to fire up the engine--there was also a retractable shower hose by the companion-way.
The helm fit as it should and the instrument panel was as required--accessible, visible and convenient. The tilt wheel and adjustable seat made it the best seat in the house. As luck would have it, the key was in the ignition.
In close quarters, the 279 was easy to manage. It responded predictably to small throttle and wheel movements as we backed from the slip and pin-wheeled out of the tight quarters. Easy, close-quarter maneuvering is a welcome characteristic of this rig, and not often found in boats its size. Helping matters is a well-placed windshield, which offers a full command view while docking and cornering.
Outside the harbor, while a stiff breeze and tight chop shook up the small boaters, the 279 glided over the breakers with a Pepsi-sipping pace. In a boat this large, there's a reluctance to put her into a hard turn. It doesn't seem natural. We'll spill the drinks, dump the galley contents, throw the passengers about. Not in Glastron's 279. The deep-V hull glided into the turns, rolling comfortably inward and sticking tight. DuoProp drives are known for their ability to grip and hold the water, but there's still a feeling in a craft this large that it will squat and ventilate the props in a hard turn. But for us, the 279 hooked up in sharper turns than you'll ever make.
Back at the marina, we slid alongside the dock. Time for a walk through of the cockpit and cabin. A cocktail galley sink with chrome and gold-trimmed faucet also housed an icebox below for keeping the day's refreshments cool and handy. Cockpit seating was bountiful and comfortable--just what the crew ordered for a refreshing day. But the real treat was the standard snap-out carpet, was beautiful.
We had to remind ourselves this is a trailerable cruiser. There were two or three inches of headroom to spare at the center of the cabin--plenty for us, anyway, at 6-foot-1. Portside, the galley had an alcohol/electric stove, 12/110V fridge and dockside power. To the left of that was the electrical panel with circuit breakers and voltage metering gear. Starboard was a spacious head with combination sink and shower and a manual, china pump-out head.
The forward berth was spacious for two. One of the nicest features below was the extensive ventilation. A screened central hatch pops up, and screened portholes to the left and right open to create excellent cross ventilation. In the north, that may be all the air conditioning you'd need for a weekend. For southern boaters, the optional AC (with reverse heat) package is advisable (even at $3,065). If there were any downside for this roomy cruiser, it would be in the midcabin. The entryway was broad and tall for a boat this size, but the berth would be most comfortable for one adult or maybe two kids.
We thought the 5.7GL Volvo DuoProp engine was good power for this boat. The rig has a tow ring on the transom and we experimented with the engine trim to customize the wake for some great boarding. The ramps were sizeable with maybe a little too much slush on the edge, but still, a good time could be had behind this boat, as well as on board.
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed: 41.4 MPH
Acceleration to 30 MPH: 9.7 sec.
Time to Plane: 5.7 sec.
Minimum Plane: 17.9 MPH
Noise @ Idle: 59 DB
Noise @ 30 MPH: 82 DB
Test Engine :Volvo 5.7 Gi DuoProp
NICE TOUCHES
- Roomy engine compartment with easy access for service
- Dual battery switch lets owners isolate batteries to protect charge level
- Step-through windshield gives convenient access to anchor locker or optional windlass
- Recessed transom ladder for easy access and solid footing when not in use
- Hydraulic trim tabs are standard for dry, level ride with any load
- 20-degree deadrise hull takes rough chop in stride
- Transom ski hook is essential even on this cool cruiser
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| for GS 279 photos, specifications, options, etc. |
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| © 2007 Glastron Boats |
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