Space, Style, and Performance
By Captain Keith Burton
The DX 235 from Glastron reflects the latest thinking in deckboat design and engineering. The DX 235 is a twin-console deckboat, but with its full wrap-around windshield, she looks like a large bowrider. But this vessel enjoys the extra space inherent in the deckboat design.
The DX 235 is available in four color choices. The builder allows owners to match exterior graphics and colors with interior seating.
Baker’s Dozen
As with all deckboats, space and amenities are among the main benefits of the DX 235. She can hold up to 13 people—not bad for a 22-foot boat. At the bow, a huge wraparound seating area and a bow boarding area are part of the design. The bow contains a built-in stainless steel ladder and a small forward platform to make it easy to get onboard while the boat is beached. Sunbathers will like the bow sunpad that fills the footwell, making a huge area to enjoy the sun. Take the pad out and you can also mount a small pedestal table. There is also a nifty starboard access door for getting aboard while docked.
That’s a Wrap
One of the first things you notice about the DX 235 is its full wraparound windshield. Such windshields are appearing on more and more deckboats, which used to only have a small windshield at the helm. The full windshield adds a lot to this boat’s premium feel.
Glastron’s designers have provided a lot of value in this boat for the money. It isn’t a “cheap” boat, but it costs less than many competing boats. You still you get many of the same features as are found on the more expensive boats. A non-skid surface coats the fiberglass deck, and attractive snap-in carpeting is available.
There is a compact enclosed head with its own window on the port side. The helm is attractively laid out with black-on-white gauges set in a simulated wood panel. There is also an elegant simulated wood tilting steering wheel. The captain’s seat is well-bolstered and comfortable. It both swivels and slides forward and aft.
The seating area also wraps around the interior of the boat starting just behind the head compartment and around toward the stern. At the stern, on the starboard side, is a door to the boat’s huge ski platform. Also at the stern, a padded seating area (with small storage locker) gives skiers and wakeboard a comfortable area to don their equipment. After their run, they can use the freshwater shower.
50+ MPH
The DX 235 performs well. We saw a 51.9 mph top speed with a 350 Magnum MerCruiser (300 hp) with a Bravo 3 stern drive. The boat also is easy to drive with power steering. The boat turned smoothly and moved over the chop without pounding. We also found the boat quieter than many others of its type that we have tested. Glastron’s engineers created a very strong hull that minimizes noises generated by engine vibration and wave slapping.
Skiers and wakeboarders will like the way the DX 235 accelerates. She gets up on plan in 3 seconds, which is right there with most ski boats. Handling was better than we expected. While most deckboats are decent performers, this boat was particularly smooth and took cornering without dramatics. It is very predictable and anyone that has spent time on boats will find the DX 235 easy to handle and dock.
Overall, the DX 235 should be a good choice for people looking for an attractive and sporty deckboat with a lot of features at a great price. This size is within reason for easy towing, and there’s ample room on deck.
