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
Head: Portable
Washdown: Raw Water
Exterior Features
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Canvas
Bimini Top

= Standard = Optional

A Boat With Dual Personalities



Glacier Bay has bridged the gap between fun cruiser and serious offshore fisherman. The legendary Glacier Bay hull design, proven by various ocean crossings up to 1300 miles, has been fitted with the accoutrements of an inshore family cruiser, resulting in the new 2240 Renegade SX.

A wrap around windshield keeps all passengers, not just the skipper, out of the wind and spray. The catamaran hull, which carries its ample width all the way to the bow, has two large bench seats forward of the windshield. Aft of the windshield, an L-shaped lounge with a removable table and an additional small bench seat provide plenty of seating under the optional Bimini top. The control console located to starboard features great visibility, good ergonomics, and room for electronics. The swivel helm seat provides more captain-comfort than a bench seat, lessening fatigue on long boating days. Across from the helm, the portside console opens to reveal a utilitarian head with great storage for items that must stay dry.

While the rest of the boat says fun, the large, uncluttered cockpit screams Fish On! This boat comes ready to fish with standard features including gunnel mounted rod holders, rod storage under the starboard gunnel and in the head, a tackle storage center, and a bait prep station. The 30-gallon livewell incorporated into the bench seat aft of the helmsman’s chair is standard equipment; as are a saltwater washdown system and two fish lockers under the cockpit sole to handle the day’s catch. The transom cutout for access to the swim platform is just wide enough to serve as a step for junior boaters or a good place to sit while donning swim fins or SCUBA gear. Options for the boat include a retractable swim ladder and a fresh water system with a cockpit shower. The 2240 also features an abundance of storage and easy access for electronics installation and systems maintenance.

By far the most notable feature to me was the boat’s ride. During our sea-trial on a blustery day in Biscayne Bay, the boat sliced through the chop without a complaint at 40 miles per hour. We found the 22-footer to be quite economical, averaging well over two miles per gallon at 35 mph. Personally, I find the tendency of catamarans to “lean the wrong way” in high speed turns rather disconcerting. To lessen this predisposition, Glacier Bay has canted the engines outboard. (The propellers are not directly under, but rather outboard of the center of the motors.) While we did not have an opportunity for a side-by-side comparison, our test boat turned comfortably at 30 miles per hour.

Top quality hardware and construction methods are employed on the 2240, but I noticed that the test boat had a few rough edges and slipshod details. Larry Graf, the president of Glacier Bay, was on hand to explain that this prototype was assembled in record time to be included in the Miami Boat Show. He assured me that this boat is going be properly trimmed and all production boats will be meticulously crafted to Glacier Bay’s usual high standards.

One dilemma remains for purchasers of the 2240 Renegade SX: whether to take the kids for a fun day on the water or load up the tackle and head offshore in a quest for adventure.

By Capt. Vince Daniello

Test Captain