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

Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
CD Stereo
Power Steering
Trailer
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover
Full Canvas

= Standard = Optional

Entry Level Redefined

By Captain Keith Burton

For small young families wanting to get into boating the choices are many. Almost every manufacturer builds a boat that is designed to entice the buyer into the showroom. For Glastron, a company that has made its reputation on family-oriented runabouts, an entry-level boat benefits from that company’s size and experience with a boat that gives entry level a new meaning. That is, a quality boat with the features and a lot of the performance you would see in boats costing more.

Glastron Construction

Glastron models start out with the MX series, then go upscale with the mid-level GT series and top out with the GXL series. Each series getting more sophisticated in design and features. But all benefit from Glastron’s advance VEC computerized build process that basically provides a boat that is constructed in two large pieces, the bottom hull and deck. This process includes embedded stringers and hull supports and makes for a boat that is extraordinary rigid with excellent sound absorption properties. The process also allows for a consistent build quality that matches what the engineers designed.

Sitting in the water, the Glastron MX 175 is a sleek, sterndrive bowrider. The MX 175 is attractively designed and outfitted with the type of features that would make many boat owners envious.

At the Bow

Starting at the bow, the MX 175 has the typical padded seating befitting a bowrider, complete with nicely styled vinyl and storage space beneath. There is plenty of room for kids and adults. At the leading edge of the bow, Glastron’s designers included a level step at the top of the forward gunnel to make it easy to get aboard when the boat is beach. The area includes an anti-skid surface and a step down within the bow seating area. An optional cushion is available to turn the step into a seat.

Helm Features

Moving into the main deck, the helm has a full set of gauges. Those include a speedometer and tachometer and auxiliary gauges for monitoring the engine. The gauges are arranged to be easy to see and appear with a design more in line with what you would see in a sports car. Rocker switches control the auxiliary electrics, which are backed up with circuit breakers.

Comfortable Seating

While many entry level boat builders use fold down seats for the captain and passengers, Glastron chose to use nicely-styled wrap-around bucket seats for the MX 175. This adds to the upscale look of this boat.

The aft seating is a full width bench seat that is back by a sunpad the runs the full width of the stern. All just like boats that cost much more. Under the aft seats are storage compartments that are open to the bow.

The MX 175 also has a completely fiberglass floor, which is just like more expensive boats. Optional is a snap-in carpet. But anyone who has tried to get sand out of the carpet of a boat will appreciate how much easier it is to clean up a boat with a fiberglass floor.

At the deck between the walk-through windshield is a large ski and wakeboard storage compartment. We noted that the compartment was wider than some others we have seen in boats this size.

While storage is adequate on board, we did note there were no storage compartments below the port and starboard gunnels as in most boats. Those areas are a smooth fiberglass.

Engine Access

The engine compartment is accessed via a large lift-up door beneath the sunpad and behind the aft seats. The door lifts with a modest effort assisted by two small hydraulic pistons. The engine’s service points are in plain view. We also noted that the engine’s serpentine belt can be changed with simple hand tools.

Performance & Handling

Running the MX 175 proved to be a bit of surprise. The rigid hull makes this entry level boat feel much more refined than expected. There is very little noise from water slapping against the hull, and the engine’s vibrations were much less noticeable than most boats of this type. The result was a boat that performed significantly better. The VEC build process is clearly more than advertising hype. We found ourselves motoring about at higher engine speeds because the typical high noise level from a 3.0-liter sterndrive was much less irritating.

We also found good speed from this boat with the basic 3.0-liter 135 horsepower GL Volvo Penta. A top speed of just nearly 45 mph with two people onboard is at the upper range of boats of this size and power. But with the solid hull, we found we could tolerate higher cruise speeds too.

Anyone can pilot this boat. It comes standard with power steering, which is another premium feature uncommon in an entry level sterndrive runabout. Steering is light and the boat performs turns in a predictable and linear manner. New boat owners should easily adapt to this boat and how boats handle with the Glastron MX 175.

We found fit-and-finish throughout the MX 175 to be better than the class average and certainly better than most boats at this price range.

Overall, the MX 175 represents an outstanding value in an entry level boat. It has adequate power, good fuel economy that is associated with its four-cylinder 3.0 liter sterndrive and is easy to pilot. Best of all, it doesn’t look like an entry level boat.