• Glastron Boats was founded on October 14, 1956 in Austin, Texas by Robert R. Hammond, William D. Gaston, Robert A. Shoop and Guy W. Woodard.
• The mutual interests of the founders to build boats with fiberglass, a relatively new material at the time, led to the establishment of the company.
• The name Glastron was first suggested by Bettye Hammond (Bob Hammond’s wife). It was chosen because “Glas” represented the new material and “tron” sounded high tech.
• Glastron’s first two boats introduced for the 1957 model year included the 15-foot Fireflite with a monohedron hull and the Surf-Flite, a utility version for fishing.
• Glastron showed innovation early on by offering the choice of four deck colors: Matador Red, Fire Orange, Charcoal Gray and Aqua Blue.
• Three boats were added in the 1958 model year: the 14'6" Skiflite, the 17' Seaflite (available with the industry's first optional fiberglass hardtop) and the 14' Fisherman (built on a Seaflite hull).
• As sales grew at a 400% annual rate, the company searched for permanent facilities and purchased 8 acres of land in northwest Austin.

1960s

• Realizing the need for additional capital to expand, Glastron became a publicly traded company in 1960.
• In 1960, Glastron developed a technique for producing two-tone gelcoat hulls, which allowed them to incorporate the “sweep spear” styling into their boats. It was first seen on the 1961 Jetflite.
• In 1961, Glastron pioneered and introduced its first sterndrive models: the V-154 Futura with an 80-horsepower OMC, and the V-164 Bayflite with an 80-horsepower Volvo.
• Glastron developed the Aqua Lift deep-vee hull, which was an immediate success. By the end of 1963, deep-vee Aqua Lift models represented over 50% of Glastron's dollar sales.
• In 1966, Glastron introduced the company’s first tri-hull boat.
• The V-156 Sportster was introduced in 1967. It soon became the most popular model in boating history.
• In 1969, Glastron formed a relationship with California boat builder Art Carlson to market Glastron/Carlson Sportboats.
• Glastron designed and built the infamous Bat Boat featured in the “Batman” movie and television series.

1970s

• In 1970, Glastron boat number 100,000 was built.
• By the early 1970s, Glastron was world leader in fiberglass boat sales.
• The total-package concept, offering boats with private branding of sterndrives with the Glastron name, was introduced in 1971.
• Glastron began incorporating vacuum-formed instrument panels and glove box panels, which were met with considerable consumer acceptance due to the integrated styling.
• Glastron introduced the first mechanical steering to replace the standard cable and pulley system, which represented a significant innovation in safety.
• In 1973, a record 24,863 boats were sold.
• Also in 1973, the company built 26 Glastron and Glastron/Carlson boats for the James Bond film “Live and Let Die.” Seventeen boats were destroyed in the 100+ practice jumps to find the optimum speed and ramp design to achieve what became the world record 110' jump. The Glastron GT-150 flying over two police cars became a cover story in Time magazine.
• Glastron boats were also featured in the Walt Disney film “Boatniks.”

1980s

• In 1980, after designing a custom boat for the James Bond film “Moonraker,” Glastron introduced the Glastron/Carlson Scimitar. The 23-foot model boasted a hard top with removable tinted roof panels, a wraparound safety glass windshield, power seats, a center console and an overhead switch panel. Not surprisingly, it was selected Boat of the Year by Powerboat magazine.
• Glastron moved its manufacturing operations to New Braunfels, Texas in 1984.
• In 1987, Genmar Industries, the country’s largest independent boat manufacturer, acquired Glastron Boats.
• With its international brand name recognition, Glastron became an important member of the Genmar family.
• In 1989, the Glastron/Carlson 19CSS was introduced. Three other models followed: the 28CSS, the 33CSS and the 18CSS.

1990s

• In 1991, Glastron relocated to a larger, more modern production facility in Little Falls, Minnesota.
• Glastron launched an all-new line of SSV^® runabouts in 1993, which minimized the use of wood in construction. Innovative fiberglass stringer systems and rotocast components were applauded by the industry for their durability, reduced weight and improved performance.
• In 1993, Glastron added Ski & Fish models to its lineup, which quickly became the best-selling double duty boats in the industry.
• In 1996, the still-popular SSV series was updated as the SE (Special Edition) series. Glastron also introduced the GS (Glastron Sport) series.
• Glastron commemorated its 40th anniversary with the GS 205 Anniversary Edition, a limited-production model. It received the Product Excellence award for Outstanding Runabout Performance from Powerboat magazine.
• In 1997, Glastron began using multi-axial fiberglass fabric, which made its boats stronger and lighter due to the higher fiber-to-resin ratios.
• After a 6-year hiatus, the Glastron/Carlson high performance series is reintroduced, which included the CSX 23 sportboat and the CSX 21 bowrider. The CSX 18 was added soon after.
• A Glastron boat was prominently featured in the film “Weekend at Bernie’s.”

2000s

• In 2000, Glastron built a limited number of GX 205 Millennia Collector’s Edition models, which included features like a pop-up changing compartment and options such as a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, an air compressor and a carry-on refrigerator.
• In 2001, Glastron introduced VEC^® technology, a proprietary closed-mold boat building process.
• A new 95,000 square foot facility was built to house the new VEC technology. The marine press quickly dubbed it, “The Plant of the Future.”
• Glastron celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2006. A GXL 205 Collector's Edition is  offered in a striking copper metallic color scheme and comes with special  badging and a personalized placard.
• By the 2007 model year, 12 of Glastron's models were being built with VEC technology.