Tested By Capt. Bob Smith

I checked out some of Glastron’s latest entries in the marketplace recently in St. Petersburg, FL. This year, Glastron’s SX models are all new for 2004. These are considered their entry-level boats for many first time buyers, yet seemed to be more than just an entry-level boat. Gerry Kleckner, from Glastron’s advertising agency met me on the docks with a broad smile as though he were presenting his latest children to visitors. This model was decorated in the white with red graphics package, which is one of three optional packages you can choose. Most entry-level boats don’t offer color choices, so I could tell right away things were already looking good.

As Gerry pointed out while we were filming the boat, Glastron has a 48 year history of bringing affordable boats with continuous improvements and innovative ideas.

Swim Platform

The 195 is set up for water toys with a molded-in swim platform, tow eye, and stainless steel boarding ladder at the stern. The engine hatch is padded so you can lay out for some rays, or relax from a hard day. The hatch pops up easily by pulling on two loops in the backrest of the rear bench seat. Inside is one of six MerCruiser or six Volvo sterndrive optional power plants that you can choose from to fit your particular budget, and the way you plan to use the boat.

Cockpit Seating

This test boat had the optional SL seating package which included two bucket seats that had swivel and slide adjustments. She also had optional snap in carpet for easy cleaning and cool floors for the feet. Glastron has upgraded the stereo from an AM/FM with cassette to a Clarion stereo with CD. The helm station has all the standard instruments you need to keep an eagle’s eye on the functioning of the power plant. This one was outfitted with optional tilt steering. Between the seats is a nice locker for skis and kneeboards, and grab handles are available to all occupants for safety underway.

Specs

The 195 SX tops this line of affordable runabouts from Glastron. She has an overall length of 18’7” and beam of just over seven and a half feet wide. She has a nice inside gunwale height which is high enough to help keep the kids inboard, while not being too high as to make boarding from a dock difficult. She weighs in at about 2,500 lbs, so she should be capable of being towed by most family cars designed to tow a light load. When it comes time to take a break from cruising around you can get within 16 ½” of depth off your favorite beach. With the drive down her draft is 31 ½ inches.

Performance and Ride

We tested this one amid some summer storms on Tampa Bay. She was outfitted with a Volvo 5.0L 220-hp Volvo Penta with 14 ¼ x 21 pitch aluminum prop. This model comes standard with a Volvo Penta 3.0L GL Series engine. We found her best cruise to be at 3000 rpms, burning 9.1 gph with a cruising range of 103 miles. When pushed to the limits, she was running at 4400 rpms and burning 2.29 mpg, so you can expect to run about 64 miles on her 31 gallon fuel tank before refueling. I found the sound levels to be normal at 63 on the low end of the scale and topping out at 93 at full throttle.

The 195 SX from Glastron is not only affordable, but as our tests proved, she is also capable of delivering quite an exciting ride. Completely redesigned and ready for the market, the 195 SX is a good choice for someone who wants to get more for their money while driving a sporty ride, which will last for many years to come.

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