Glastron has built their reputation on looks, value and affordability. When we tested the GT 205, our first reaction was “this is indeed a great looking boat!” We had the optional wakeboard tower on and that not only added to the boat’s looks, but certainly didn’t hurt its versatility either. As for affordability, that’s certainly subjective, but the simple fact is that with a base 190-hp 4.3L Merc engine this boat comes in at a very competitive price. So just what is that price, and where does the value lie?

Printer Friendly Report

Capt. Steve Says...

First of all, I really liked the looks of this boat, particularly the great job Glastron did with the graphics. Of course, I think any boat looks good as long as it isn’t white, but this GT 205 seems to have raised the bar. If her comfort and handling are on par with the eye appeal, then we have a winner, especially with a base price under $24,000.

Handling and Performance

The Glastron GT 205 test boat had a 225-hp 4.3L GXi Volvo Penta which took us to a top speed of 48.9 mph. At that speed, the 4.3 was burning 17.5 gph that gave her 35 gallon (132 L) fuel capacity a range of only 88 miles. However, pulled back to a more economic 3500 rpm, we were running at 35.3 mph. At that speed we were burning only 8.5 gph which increased our range to 131 miles. If you want to do even better, consider that at 3000 rpm our speed was 28 mph with a 6.5 gph fuel burn. Not much of a change in range, 5 more miles, but this gives yet another cruise choice.



Our tests revealed two sets of cruise figures… one for best speed and another for best economy.

The GT 205’s handling characteristics were quite comfortable. Turns were met with a gentle slide that kept the “hanging on for dear life” in check. A 5-degree roll angle was sufficient to keep everyone planted in their seats, rather than tossed to the side.

Trimming

Once you get up on plane and reach cruise speed, start bringing the trim up. Look at your trim gauge and put the needle at about the ¾ mark. You won’t see a change in the spray coming from the side of the boat but you will feel a marked boost in speed and a more comfortable ride. Going too high ventilates the prop and you need to bring it back down.

Hole Shot

On acceleration the GT 205 has about a 16-degree bow rise, but because Glastron builds in a gradual decrease to the sheer line as it reaches the bow, you’ll lose zero visibility. Our tests showed us reaching planing speed in 3.3 seconds and we cruised through 30 mph in 8.5 seconds.

Bow Layout

Fully forward, the bow cushion comes out to reveal a non-skid step that makes a great launching off spot for diving off the bow. Re-boarding will have to take place at the stern as there is no beach boarding ladder at the bow. Under the side seats is storage that is self draining. All of the cushions are held in place with a pin and socket that I found a bit difficult to use. You have to get your fingers under the cushion which is held tight by the pin and socket. Certainly geriatric fingers will be unable to utilize this system.



Notice the one piece molded deck liner and optional snap-in carpet. This boat is also fitted with the stainless steel package. We love the small storage area at the base of the seat backs.

High marks to Glastron for the convenient storage compartment at the back of the seat, just below the seat backs. It’s also self draining so go ahead and put your cold drinks there, but it lends itself more towards the quick items such as sun tan lotion, glasses, or the hat that is about to blow off.

Sitting forward in the bow seating is comfortable. With your arm resting on the gunwales, your hand falls right to the stainless grab handle. This is a much better position than the handles on the side of the interior, as we usually see. It also looks better to my eye.

The walkthrough windshield is held open with a snap strap. The windshield frame is stainless steel with supports that not only double as grab handles, but support my full weight.

Cockpit Layout

Glastron held to their reputation of quality by building the GT 205 with a full fiberglass cockpit liner. In the center of the cockpit is sole storage that is padded at the bottom for protecting your gear. The lid is ventilated to prevent mold from gathering on your skis while in storage.



The glove box is roomy and self draining. Note how deep it is as well. To the right you can see how the window supports run down the console for use as grab rails.

Glastron provided dual wrap-around bucket seats that are open in the back for ventilation. Both seats swivel and slide fore and aft. Our test boat had the optional flip-up bolster for the captain (add $132), an option that you will want.

The helm had full instrumentation with Faria gauges with chrome bezels. Our test boat had the optional convenience package consisting of a depth sounder and hour meter (add $369). All gauges were mounted to a faux wood panel that was complemented by the wood steering wheel.



Note the amount of wood tone that really adds to the classy look of the GT 205. The depth gauge is part of an optional convenience package that also includes an hour meter.

Aft was bench seating with open storage underneath. This is a great feature, for you can see at a glance what is in the storage compartments without having to open anything. In the center was a carry-on cooler in a slide tray with stainless steel tracks. The center seat cushion lifts out to reveal a non-skid step to the aft walkthrough.



Note how the open storage lets you see the contents without having to open anything. The cooler is on a tray with stainless slides. Use the flip-open sunpad cushion to open the engine hatch.

Sunpad and Swim Platform

Aft of the bench seating was a sunpad that will keep any sun worshipers happy. In the center was a flip-open cushion that revealed a non-skid walkthrough for boarding and disembarking.

Then it was a simple step down to the swim platform, and then the standard extended swim platform. A three-step reboarding ladder was mounted on the starboard side, right in line with the captain’s line of sight.



Notice how Glastron went with not only the molded in platform, but added an extended one as well. The cutouts in the platform deck make hand holds for pulling yourself up out of the water with.

When stepping into the cockpit, the aft facing Roswell wakeboard tower installed on our test boat (add $2,679) made for a convenient handhold.

Engine Compartment

Under the sunpad is the engine compartment. I found the hatch to be a little difficult to open, but an easy cheat is to flip open the walkthrough cushion and push on that to open the hatch. Once inside, our test boats installation of the Volvo Penta 4.3L GXi was not cramped and left plenty of space to the sides for storage, which was separated from the engine by cargo netting. The battery was off to starboard and notably lacking in a cover. Also lacking was a fire extinguisher discharge port to the engine compartment.

Our boat was also fitted with the attractive XL Package that includes tilt steering, the convenience package of depth finder and hour meter, flip-up bucket captain’s seat, SS horn grill/speaker covers/drink holders/rubrail insert/thru-hull fittings/intake/exhaust vents, forward bow pull-up cleat, and full glass wings (add $1,500).

The cockpit sole locker will not fit wakeboards. Popcicle toes are free.

Other Notable Options

We wouldn’t want to leave off the snap-in carpet ($347) and might even consider the Sirius satellite radio (add $464). Engine choices range from our test power of 4.3L Volvo Penta GXi (add $1,979) to an upper end of a 260-hp 5.0L MPI EC MerCruiser (add $6,454). Lastly, there is no canvas package included on the standard list. Prices vary depending on desires and mounting points with or without the tower. Certainly at least a bimini is a must.

Recommendation

So what’s the bottom line? With a standard 190-hp 4.3L MerCruiser, you’re looking at under $24,000. That represents a serious value for a boat of this class with this list of features. Certainly there are options to be desired, but not everyone wants all options and having choices makes a good deal of sense. For our money, the Glastron GT 205 is a smart buy.

No matter what your price-point is for a 20' sportboat, I think the Glastron GT 205 BR should be on your short list.

Test Power: 1 x 225-hp Volvo Penta 4.3 GXi

						Range
RPM	MPH	Knots	Total GPH	MPG	NMPG	Stat. Mile	NM	KM	KPH	LPH	KPL	dBA
610	2.8	2.4	0.7	3.77	3.28	119	103	192	4.51	2.6	1.6	67
1000	5.0	4.3	1.4	3.67	3.19	116	100	187	8.05	5.3	1.56	69
1500	6.8	5.9	2.0	3.40	2.96	107	93	172	10.94	7.6	1.45	75
2000	8.7	7.5	3.9	2.22	1.93	70	61	113	14	14.8	0.94	82
2500	21.4	18.6	5.1	4.23	3.68	133	116	214	34.44	19.3	1.8	81
3000	28.0	24.3	6.5	4.31	3.75	136	118	219	45.06	24.6	1.83	85
3500	35.3	30.7	8.5	4.15	3.61	131	114	211	56.81	32.2	1.76	88
4000	42.2	36.7	10.4	4.06	3.53	128	111	206	67.91	39.4	1.73	90
4500	47.5	41.3	13.6	3.51	3.05	110	96	177	76.44	51.5	1.49	92
5000	48.9	42.5	17.5	2.79	2.43	88	76	142	78.7	66.2	1.19	96

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

Test Power: 1 x 225-hp Volvo Penta 4.3 GXi

Time To Plane	3.3 sec.
0 to 30	8.5 sec.
Test Power	1 x 225-hp Volvo Penta 4.3 GXi
Transmission	N/A
Ratio	N/A
Props	N/A
Load	2 person, 4/4 fuel, no water, minimal gear
Climate	93 deg.; 66% humid.; wind: 0-5 MPH; seas; 0-5 chop