Glastron Delivers on Design and Performance with Its SX Series

The SX 195 sports a lot of new features for 2006 and raises the bar with its 53 mph top speed.

The 2006 Glastron SX 195 is truly a new boat, not merely a revamping of a 2005 model. The cockpit has been redesigned and now offers deeper interior freeboard and the beam has been widened four inches. The latter not only gives the SX 195 a roomier cockpit, but it also enhances a solid, stable ride.

Handling and Performance

The SX 195 sliced through the two foot chop of our test site like a heavier boat, ran true in parallel wakes and overall exhibited the handling characteristics of a boat three or four feet longer. We cranked in a 40 mph skier-pick-up turn and – with the outdrive at quarter-up – the SX 195 had only the barest cavitation as it powered through. The boat should satisfy all but drag boat owners insofar as pickup, but it can be achieved with a 260 horsepower MerCruiser or a 270 horse Volvo; our test boat was equipped with a 220 Volvo and was more than sufficient.

Creature Comforts

The helm is well laid out and the only option you would want to add is a depth sounder, and there’s room for it below the trim gauge. The steering wheel tilts, and the throttle is placed in a position that allows use of some of the accent padding to work as an armrest. There is also a cup holder for the driver here – something often forgotten. The passenger seat has a beefy grab rail and faces a huge glove compartment that houses the upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo; there are four speakers (part of the upgrade package). The under-gunwale storage on both sides features netting to hold things in and also to let them dry out; better than stashing wet things under the seats.

Overall Comfort

Aft is a beam-to-beam, plush-upholstered lounge. Glastron has done away with a walkthrough, a move that a lot of manufacturers are likely to follow. The result is a lounge with three separate storage areas that can be fully utilized. Each of the storage areas has its own plastic tub that drains into the bilge. The lounge is backed by a very large uninterrupted sun pad, and a beam-to-beam swim platform. The platform sports an optional three-step telescoping ladder and the grab rail is positioned perfectly. The aft cleats are positioned on the platform side, which is a design feature to keep the outer hull sides sleek.

Engine Access

The sun pad is also the engine cover and opens rearward. There is plenty of space to work on the engine, although to change belts, you’ll need to remove a section of the lounge back; it uses stainless Phillips head screws for that purpose. There is ample (really ample) room on the port side, while the space on the starboard side shares with the battery.

Moving Forward

As you head forward, you’ll step on a wakeboard/ski locker. It’s big and roomy, but could use a piston to hold it or some means of securing it open. There seems to be room for a lock as well, although our test boat didn’t have one.

The three-piece windshield has an aluminum frame and solid stainless steel supports on either side. The forward U-shaped lounge has storage beneath the side cushions, grab rails for the passengers, and cup holders for everyone. Again the upholstery job is excellent. There’s no anchor locker to speak of (there’s forward storage), nor are there any forward cleats, but this is something that tends to lack on many boats of this design and size.

The snap-in carpets, along with ample drain holes strategically located throughout the boat, allow for easy cleanup when the day is done.

Test Run

Our test boat featured a 220 horsepower Volvo 5 liter GL driving a 14 x 21 aluminum prop through a Volvo SX 1.60:1 lower unit. We tested the boat with 3/4 tank of fuel and two testers aboard. Cruise speed was comfortable at 3000 rpm where the 195 ran 32.1 mph, burning 7.1 gph on the Floscan, giving us a range of 126 miles (or 4.52 mpg).

Top speed observed was 53.4 mph at 4700 rpm. Zero to 30 time averaged 6.1 seconds over three runs, while time to plane was a mere 2.7 seconds.

Overall Impression

I was surprised at the docility this boat exhibited while running. Even at full-out the SX 195 never acted skittish; again, it behaved like a larger, heavier boat. She more than satisfied in acceleration, the finish was first rate, and the amenities plentiful. This is a good all-around bowrider that can handle big lakes or bays, keep teens happy, and little ones safe. Glastron bills the SX-195 as the quintessential bowrider. Works for me.

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions