Glastron GLS 215
By Capt. Rob Smith
Glastron’s 215 is one of four all-new boats in the company’s new GLS Series. The entire series is more than just an entry-level runabout and the 215 fits well for the growing family or a family that just wants more room to enjoy their time on the water. The GLS has wood-grain accents, upscale upholstery and lots of stainless steel fixtures and hardware instead of plastic which give the boat an up-scale look.
The 212’s retro windshield works well with the boat’s lines. Note pop-up breast cleat which many price-point boats omit.
Up Front
One feature I noticed right away were six pull-up cleats for tying your boat up properly at the dock – two bow, two stern and two breast cleats. Many affordable boats only have four cleats. The bow looks smaller than it really is. I was able to feel comfortable stretched out and I am 6’ tall and 230 lbs., so at least two adults or several kids can use the bow to relax in. In the side panel are dual stainless steel drink holders, a stainless grill over the speaker and extra beefy grab handles for security.
This is a subtle variation on the bow rider design with a seat across the bow that is almost as wide as those seen on deck boats. Note the handy way the cushions pull up to reach storage.
In the Cockpit
Moving to the cockpit, you have one of the distinctive features of the GLS Series: the retro flat glass windshield. I am seeing more builders going back to the old days with the windshields. This one looks sporty and retro on this series. The windshield is also supported well, so the kids hanging with their feet dangling in the walkthrough will be ok. Glastron also looks ahead to the possibility you may have the dealer add a wakeboard tower and has the cockpit reinforced for the Xtreme tower they offer.
The companion seat is attractive but when it is swiveled aft it rubs on the side of the boat. Look closely at the seat’s pedestal and you’ll see that it is the five-bolt variety, not the three-bolt model seen on some boats which invariably loosens with time.
Cockpit Dimensions are Important
Gunwale to gunwale in the cockpit, I measured 72”, which means you have some room to move without tripping over feet. This is an important dimension and is only possible because the beam is 8’ 5”. When comparing boats make sure that you pay attention to the beam because some low-price point boats will shave valuable inches off the beam which makes the boat smaller inside, reduces stability, and also reduced weight.
Another important measurement is the height of the gunwales in the cockpit. I measured 37” high deck to coaming. That means your young children will be secure in the boat. Remember, small children should never ride in the bow when the boat is underway – they’ll want to be there, but don’t let them.
The sole locker has a mat to drain and protect gear. We proved how large it was by cramming all the canvas into this box when the rain passed and we could shoot video again. This boat has a full fiberglass liner for the cockpit and standard snap-in carpet to increase your comfort.
Simple instruments make piloting a dream. Note red horn button in the lower left.
The stereo is a Sirius Satellite Ready AM/FM/CD with four speakers and an auxiliary input for your own mix of tunes from your MP3 player or iPod.
The helm and companion seats are up-scale SuspensionAire bucket seats with bolsters. They were a little snug to the sides, but you only notice this when spinning them completely around to face the stern. Bench seating is aft with a lounge and a walk-through to starboard.
At the Helm
The helm has a non-directional wood grain tilt wheel. The primary gauges, speedometer and multi-function, are 5” gauges mounted high in the dash for clear visibility. The other gauges are 2” gauges mounted below. The center of the dash between the 5” gauges is designed to add a GPS if you would like.
A well-designed locker for watersports gear and fenders.
At the Stern
This model has a starboard entry. Take a look at the video to see how it works. Under the sunpad, I found the standard 220-hp 5.0L GL Volvo Penta carbureted engine. Glastron offers 10 engine options from MerCruiser and Volvo ranging from the 220-hp to a 320-hp stern drive. Access to check points seemed good and there was room to stow the wet life jackets using the heat of the engine to dry them. The water tank for the optional swim shower is mounted on the port side.
Once on the stern, you have a small integral swim platform that doesn’t completely cover the outdrive unit, so do be extra careful about hitting the lower unit when slipping into the water (obviously the engine must never be turned on when swimmers are near your boat). The GLS 215 has a standard stainless steel three step telescoping swim ladder and a large grab handle that is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.
Specifications
The all-new GLS 215 measures 21’4” length overall with a beam of 8’5”. She tipped the scales at 3,330 lbs with a 5.0L GL Volvo Penta 220-hp engine. Her draft measured 16-½” with the drive trimmed up and 31-½” with it fully extended. Her fuel capacity is 34 gallons. She is rated for up to 10 passengers.
Test Results
I tested with three people on board and nearly a full load of fuel to come closer to a typical load rather than giving you a very light load performance report. Since the performance of these boats is very weight sensitive, you can probably get better performance with only one person aboard. She was nimble, getting up on plane in 3 seconds and passed through 30 mph in 6.2 seconds. These means that skiers and wakeboarders will have an easy time getting up.
Her top speed was clocked at 48.7 mph while a more reasonable, and fuel conserving, speed of 26.6 mph was measured at 3000 rpm which will deliver about 114 miles on a full tank of fuel.
Capt. Rob wrings out the 215 GLS and finds she tracks well in a tight turn.
Steering and Handling
Seated, I was looking through the center of the windshield, not at the windshield frame. Bow rise was minimal and I never lost sight of the horizon as it climbed up on plane. These two attributes are important. A windshield frame at eye level is nuts and I find it on all too many boats that I test. Low bow rise when getting on plane is frankly fairly rare on this size stern drive boat, and I count it as one of the most important aspects of the boat from a safety sand point.
The boat ran straight with no noticeable steering torque and turns were smooth. Trimming down a bit, she takes a hard-over turn without losing grip—and without being wet on the flat day that I tested the boat.
Glastron seems to have met their goal of delivering more boat amenities at an affordable price. With a base price around $33,498 with the 5.0L engine and an EZ-Loader trailer, this boat is priced lower than most boats on the market her size and about the same as other price-point boats in her class.
If you are trying to get the best value in this size and price range, then I urge you to take the Glastron GLS 215 for a test drive to confirm my description of her handling, as this may well be the most important attribute of the boat that sets her apart from her competition.
Interview with Irwin Jacobs, June 2009 (Genmar)
Why Not Standardize on One or Two Brands? (Genmar)
Why Boat Prices are Growing Faster than CPI (Genmar)
Ever Thought of Selling Out to Brunswick? (Genmar)
Shiploads of Genmar Boats Going World-Wide (Genmar)
Will Dealers Specialize in One Brand (Genmar)
Do VC Companies Know What They're Doing? (Genmar)
How Jacobs Got in Boating Business (Genmar)
A Passion for the Boat Business (Genmar)
Why Jacobs Prefers Freshwater Boating (Genmar)
A Midwestern Boy With A Dream (Genmar)
Glastron DX 215 Deckboat Has a Unique Layout
Glastron GT 225 Scores High in 20-Boat Comparison
SX 175 (2006-) (Not in Production)
SX 195 (2004-2005) (Not in Production)
GXL 205 (2007-) (Not in Production)
GXL 205 SF (2007-)(Not in Production)
GS 279 (2002-2006)(Not in Production)