Glastron GS 259 for 2009

By Capt. Rob Smith

For 2009-10 the GS 259 has some noteworthy new features, so we did a full test to bring it fully up to date. Having just gotten off the new GLS line of bowriders, my expectations were high for the Glastron Sport Cruisers. The GS 259, to me at least, is a solid “cross-over” boat. Often a family finds that it needs more than a bowrider with a head or changing room, but isn’t ready to turn in the station wagon, mini van or small truck to make the leap all the way to a pocket cruiser. Thus, I call the GS 259 a “cross over” boat. Voilà, the Glastron GS 259 is here! It has a forward cabin big enough to do more than change a diaper, and the power to pull a skier or a tube. She also had a few other surprises in store.

Across the Platform

The standard molded-in swim platform has the typical telescoping swim ladder, this one with only three steps. I like the port side walkthrough as it keeps the people in the helmsman’s view better than a starboard side walkthrough does. Glastron designers show they use their boats too, as the battery switches are within reach of the swim platform just inside the transom walkthrough. You don’t have to pull all the canvas or knee-walk under it to the cabin to put the batteries to work when you get aboard or leave the boat. This is a good feature.

The Cockpit

Just inside the cockpit, past the cover for the battery switches, is a wet bar to port. It has a sink with a cover and a carry-on cooler for ice and sandwiches. Throughout the design, Glastron has elected to upgrade many of the fittings to stainless steel. The engine vents are tough stainless steel, replacing the plastic you find on many boats which is often the first thing to get smashed when docking. The vents on this model are practically indestructible.

The stern seating area is multi-functional. With a family on board, leave it in and expand the seating, but when you and a couple others want to go catch dinner, lift it out and make more room for fishing! Lately I am finding that interior freeboard is ample on all Glastrons. This one has 34” from sole to gunwale top so you can lean into a fish and the little tikes can belly up to the edge and not flip overboard. Continuing forward, there is a port side lounger that mom or the kids will enjoy. It was a little short for me to stretch out on, but when reading, it was comfortable with my feet on the seat and my knees bent relaxing the papers on my legs. A color-coordinated bimini is standard and a radar arch is optional.

Over at the helm, you have a double-wide helm seat with full bolster so you and your mate can sit up high and ride. The helm had all the instruments arranged for decent viewing. Wood accents dressed up the panels nicely. Visibility through the windshield while underway had minimal obstructions, and when coming up on plane, the bolster provided clear view of the horizon.

Going Forward

The dash has molded-in steps that lead up to a center windshield walkthrough. I found it both easy and safe to use this as I went forward. A bow roller and anchor locker are standard on this model. There is a stainless steel bow rail you can grab on to if the seas are rolling a bit and you draw the anchor duties. If you hate doing that, opt for the electric windlass --- I would. I would also opt for the starboard (helm side) windshield wiper as you never know when you’ll need it.

Going Below

When the sun gets a little extreme, a summer shower pops up or you just need to lay down and chill a bit, the GS 259 gives you more than just a cave to retreat to. Glastron does a good job of designing cabins, including this forward cabin, with more room than you might think you’d get in a boat 25’ in length. As I pulled the tape in the salon, I found 72” sole to ceiling at the base of the steps and sloped down to about 70” toward the galley. The aft berth has about 31” mattress to ceiling and will be perfect for the children or a great storage spot for the off-shore fishing run.

Glastron has updated and upgraded the interiors with more plush leatherette upholstery, Alphastone counters, microwave, refrigerator and a cooktop. The head is a full wet head with vanity, pull out shower and separate door with 65” of standing room.

Specifications

The GS 259 measures 24’10” length overall with a beam of 8’6”. She tips the scales at approximately 5450 lbs. without options. Draft is 22” with the outdrive up, and 36” maximum with it down. Fuel capacity is 56 gallons and she is rated for up to 2240 lbs. capacity passengers and gear combined.

Test Results

The test boat was powered by a 220-hp MerCruiser 5.0L with Alpha sterndrive. She was on plane in 4.7 seconds and up to 30 mph in 10.9 seconds. Top speed was clocked at 41.8 mph for a fuel burn of 18.5 gph. At a more comfortable cruising speed of 27.7 mph and 3500 rpm, she burns 9.2 gph and delivers a range of 151 miles on a full tank of fuel. Glastron offers engines from Volvo and MerCruiser ranging from the 220 hp 5.0L up to the 320 hp sterndrives. I found the GS 259 a joy to drive. With the 20-degree deadrise she gave a comfortable ride but also had decent fuel economy.

For more than a bowrider and less than a pocket cruiser, the Glastron GS 259 is a great value. Base price comes in at $61,327 with a 5.0 L Volvo Penta. She has some nice optional upgrades that I certainly would consider such as dockside air, electric windlass and a flat screen TV along with an electric china head (standard is a manual china head). Not ready for the cruiser series? Check out the GS 259. It is a good value with a great ride.

• Top speed for the Glastron GS 259 (2009-2010) is 41.8 mph (67.3 kph), burning 18.5 gallons per hour (gph) or 70.02 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Glastron GS 259 (2009-2010) is 21.6 mph (34.8 kph), and the boat gets 2.84 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.21 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 143 miles (230.14 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 220-hp MerCruiser 5.0L.