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| Reprinted from Go Boating magazine |
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| By Go Boating Test Team |
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Deckboats, pontoon boats, cuddies, ski boats, cruisers, wakeboard boats, sportfishers--with so many different kinds of "specialty" boats out there, we’re always glad to get our hands on a good old-fashioned runabout.
The deep-V runabout is the true heritage of sportboating, and this kind of boat is still one of the most popular with boaters, especially first-time buyers with young families. Runabouts offer one of the most complete day-boating experiences that can be had in a boat that fits on a trailer. High-speed cruising (even in rougher waters), watersports, fishing and entertaining are all par for the course.
Additionally, aside from all this versatility, small runabouts are some of the most fun to drive. With proper power and propping, they chew through the rough, they turn on a dime and they jump out of the hole—it’s like having your own roller coaster on the water.
So you understand why we were excited when Glastron invited us to Lake Mead in Nevada to test out its GX 205. At just under 20 feet, the GX 205 is right in the middle of the company’s GX bowrider runabout lineup.
Even though we were looking forward to getting our hair blown around in a good old-fashioned runabout, there’s nothing "old" about how the GX 205 is fashioned.
Molded Mastery
Because Glastron is a Genmar boating company, it utilizes Genmar’s patented Virtual Engineered Composites (VEC) molding technology in the construction of its boats. The VEC process replaces the traditional open-molding process with a computer-monitored closed-mold system that produces complex fiberglass parts of defined thickness and strength.
According to Genmar, the precision of VEC construction creates unitized parts that are structurally stronger, quieter and less prone to vibration than a boat manufactured with traditional open-mold construction. Additionally, the VEC process is said to enhance the consistency of the running surface and hull weight for better performance.
And eco-boaters will be happy to learn that the VEC process reduces styrene emissions by 90 percent during the lamination phase compared with the traditional open-mold fiberglass lamination process. Genmar even received the 2002 Clean Air Excellence Award from the EPA thanks to VEC technology.
It’s All Inside
The interior of the GX 205 reminded us of what runabout needs. We’re always glad to see a boat that focuses on doing the few things it needs to, and doing them well, rather than trying to be everything to everybody with a bunch of needless, space hogging amenities that are more about providing eye candy in the showroom than real usefulness out on the water.
Starting at the bow is a cushioned wrap-around settee, which is accessed through a walk-through windshield—ample storage is found underneath all the seats.
Moving aft, the starboard helm puts the driver in comfortable control. We found that the SuspensionAire wrap-around bucket seat with flip-up bolster offered a commanding view and a confident operating position—something made all the better with the standard tilt wheel. We especially liked the non-glare dash.
Instrumentation included a speedometer, a tachometer and, trim, fuel, oil pressure, voltmeter and temperature gauges. Switches for the bilge pump, blower, horn, lights and accessories were also handy.
Across the aisle on the port side is another SuspensionAire wrap-around bucket seat with flip-up bolster. The port side dash houses a large glove box, which is also where the standard CD/AM/FM stereo (with four speakers) is housed.
Between the seats is a deep ski locker with plenty of room for skis, wakeboards and other toys, which will help keep the deck clutter free. A note about the locker, glove box and other storage areas: due to the VEC molding process and Glastron’s attention to detail, all of these areas are factory finish and look as good as anything on the exterior of the boat--a well-finished boat where no detail is overlooked is something we always like to see.
The entire deck is covered with standard snap-in carpet, which will make cleanup easier.
Aft is a large bench seat with more storage below, and behind that is a large sunpad and a standard integrated swim platform. There’s also a standard telescoping ladder on the starboard transom and s stainless steel grab handle above the swim platform to assist in re-boarding. Watersports fans will also appreciate the standard stainless steel ski tow eye.
While our test boat was Red, the GX 205 can also be had in Black, Blue or Yellow.
Performance
Our test boat was equipped with a 260 hp 5.0 MPI MerCruiser with an Alpha I drive spinning a 21-inch pitch three-blade-aluminum propeller. With a load of two people and a half tank of gas, we jumped onto plane in 4 seconds and did 0 to 30 mph in 8.5 seconds. With the throttles all the way forward, we pushed the GX 205 to 51.6 mph at 5,000 rpm--plenty fast for an almost 20-foot runabout.
The wheel responded to all our input and we found the boat’s maneuverability to be nimble and confident. When we had the boat completely trimmed out, we experienced a slight bit of chine walk, but not enough to cause any concern. Even through there was a decent amount of chop on Lake Mead during our test, the GX 205 cut through the rough nice and clean. The ride was solid and we didn’t experience any full flexing or rattling. Thanks to the 260 hp MerCruiser, the GX 205 had plenty of power to push through the turns and maintain its 4pm level even in the hard, prolonged corners. We managed to pull some pretty serious Gs during our test.
Overall
We obviously had fun testing the GX 205, and we found that it delivered on all the major needs of a day-tripper runabout. Even though it’s published as a boat with room enough for 10, we’d say five or six people is a more realistic number when considering everyone’s comfort.
We think most of the options for the GX 205 correctly belong in the "Optional" category, save the Bimini top. Families bringing babies or youngsters along will always want a source of shade, and since we consider this a family-focused runabout, we’d like to see the Bimini top come standard.
There are other runabouts with similar dimensions for a lower price, but the GX 205’s solid construction and attention to detail justifies the sticker price. Thanks to its construction and polished features, the GX 205 is an investment in fun on the water that will pay off the years to come. |
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| for GX 205 photos, specifications, options, etc. |
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| © 2007 Glastron Boats |
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