Glastron has spent decades building a solid reputation in boatbuilding, so they’ll never hurry a new model out the door just to join a new trend. They could have introduced the upscale GXL 235 (or its big brother, the GXL 255) a couple years ago, but they chose to get it perfectly dialed in before letting us test one of the first boats off the new line.
Appropriately, we ran the broad-shouldered GXL 235 during a busy afternoon on Tampa Bay. We didn’t have to baby this big bowrider. The throttle cables are smoothly routed, so we could focus on maneuvering through the bay’s two- to three-footers without a lot of attention on speed adjustments.
Though we topped 54 mph and jumped quickly to cruising speeds with the Captain’s Call flipped on, the GXL 235 emphasizes stability. The wide running surface and stepless hull keep the boat parallel to the water throughout the rpm range. Our time to plane was an astounding 3.0 seconds (compare it to other boats in this category) and it stayed so balanced that we had a hard time determining a minimum planing speed.
A malfunctioning decibel meter kept us from recording sound levels, but we subjectively noted the quiet ride with a 350 Magnum MerCruiser. That’s due in part to the unitized deck, where the floor, consoles, seat bases and gunwales are molded on one piece. It eliminates gaps and the need for topside items to be bolted into the deck. A sturdier boat should also result.
Glastron also designed the wide swim platform into the mold instead of adding it later. It creates a seamless look and hides the lower unit. From there boaters enter the cockpit through a clever center walk-through, which is accessed by swinging open a hinged cushion on the sun pad. The cockpit felt huge, with the gunwales up to our shoulders--a feature that’s duplicated in the bow.
At the helm are eight gold-bezeled gauges--four across the top panel and four flanking the tilt wheel, so they aren't clustered. A clean design in this small area is reflective of the thought that's gone into the GXL 235.
Notable Features
- The U-shaped lounge can be filled with cushions for a gargantuan sun area or playpen.
- All hardware--safety rails, handles, etc.--is stainless steel.
- Storage inside coaming pads is upholstered.
- Black and woodgrain wheel has a sporty look and grip.
- Suspension is built into seat bottoms so you sink in and then they bounce back.
TEST PERFORMANCE:
Test Engine: MerCruiser 350 Magnum
Test Prop: DuoProp, stainless steel
Test Load: People (430 lbs.); Fuel (35 gal.)
Top Speed: 53.1 mph @ 4,950 rpm
Time to Plane: 3.0 seconds
Time to 30 mph: 6.2 seconds
Minimum Plane Speed: 16.5 mph @ 2,000 rpm
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