We usually save this space for new boat models with new names. But Glastron goes about this “new” business the way automakers do. Change what needs to be changed--the body style, interior and maybe some construction methods--and leave the familiar name as is. Look at the Honda Accord--new car, same model name. Glastron has done the same thing with the GX 205, introducing a fresh look and leaving well enough alone with the nomenclature.
This is the third generation for the upscale GX series boats. An all-new deck on the 205 stretches the gunwales higher and the floor lower for a more cavernous passenger area than this model's father and grandfather featured. Drivers are safely away from the windshield and, when seated, their sightlines don't kiss the frame.
The 8-foot beam on the GX 205 is carried far forward. That and a roundish stem turn the bow into more of a circular seating area. Curvaceous lines are also found along the gunwale and coaming area and across the stern. The addition of bucket seats and wavy trim on the upholstery creates a more appealing passenger area in terms of appearance and comfort, and segues well into the aerodynamic hull.
Glastron uses Genmar’s VEC closed-mold process to build its runabouts under 23 feet, so there are no visible inconsistencies along the exterior. The 205 also has a unitized deck, which means the floor, consoles, footwells and seat bases are molded into a single piece of fiberglass. That eliminates gaps and flex, and is meant to result in a more firm and quiet ride.
Tampa Bay on a windy day isn’t an ideal venue for showing off a new boat model, but that’s where we tested--and those conditions are reality for boaters on large lakes. Fortunately, the Super Stable V (SSV®) bottom on the GX 205 lived up to its billing. The balance and soft 20-degree deadrise at the transom kept it on plane throughout the rpm range. Bow rise was so close to nil that we had to run six tests to find a minimum planing speed (16 mph).
In two- or three-foot waves, with two people and a full tank of fuel, the Glastron GX 205 held 35 mph in gradual 360-degree turns. You’ll feel bumps moving through thinly spaced chop in any runabout, but the ride should be more stable when there are fewer structural components screwed and bonded together--and that was the case here.
We also like:
- Storage areas are finished fiberglass and/or carpeted
- Four gauges on top of dash are set back in a wood-grain panel; four more run beneath that
- Optional Bimini top
- Grab handles and visible hardware are stainless steel
- Custom color-matched EZ Loader trailer
TEST PERFORMANCE:
Test Engine: Volvo Penta 5.7 GL (260 hp)
Test Prop: 14.5 x 20, stainless steel
Test Load: People (365 lbs.); Fuel (35 gal.)
Top Speed: 55.5 mph @ 4,950 rpm
Time to Plane: 2.4 sec
Time to 30 mph: 5.9 sec.
Sound Level @ 3,000 rpm: 31.2 mph, 81 dba
Sound Level @ 3,500 rpm: 36.7 mph, 86 dba
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