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Glastron DX 235

You might notice a familiar model designation, the DX 235. We did. Glastron is known to keep its most recognizable names, even when a model has been overhauled, much like Chevrolet does every few years with the Impala. In fact, we did a visual walk-through on this boat, taking immediate account of the contemporary styling and the new design direction for Glastron. We'd seen the name before, but certainly not the boat.

You might notice a familiar model designation, the DX 235. We did. Glastron is known to keep its most recognizable names, even when a model has been overhauled, much like Chevrolet does every few years with the Impala. In fact, we did a visual walk-through on this boat, taking immediate account of the contemporary styling and the new design direction for Glastron. We’d seen the name before, but certainly not the boat.

The bow is usually the most distinctive feature on a deck boat. While the DX 235 does not fall in with the growing trend toward winged, or picklefork, bow configurations, it is fresh. The interior space forward of the windshield measures 6 by 6 feet, enormous real estate for a boat under 23 feet. And because it stretches so far toward the cockpit, we could see how the windshield has also been pushed aft — so much so that when riding in the 235 we felt as if we were ensconced in wraparound glass. It was 48 degrees the morning of our test, making the cockpit protection very welcome.

Glastron’s design team matched the lines of the bow at the stern, where a tapered swim platform now comes standard. It’s logical to give buyers of this boat a usable platform because deck boats spend so much time at the beach. There’s even a small jump seat behind the transom, specifically created for hanging out or prepping to engage in water sports.
Top speed is vastly overrated when it comes to towing wakeboarders, tubers or skiers. Getting to 20 mph in less than eight seconds is most important, and the DX 235 did that. And let’s be honest — 50 mph is a nice number to reach, just for fun. We hit that too.

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Performance aside, the most appropriate use of a boat in this category is day tripping. We found the head compartment here big enough for an adult to comfortably turn around in, something all too rare in today’s deck boats. There’s no galley behind the driver, which we actually applaud because too many boats this size compromise the traffic area for a sink and counter space that might be used rarely.

Glastron also went against the norm by including an L-shaped cockpit lounge instead of a forward-facing co-captain seat. The configuration augments the overall interior flow. It may have kept the same moniker, but that’s all that remains of the DX 235 as we once knew it. Overall we put the 235 in a select group of updated deck boats that highlight the 2008 model year.

Notable Features
* Enclosed head in the port console has an Alphastone countertop.
* Jensen sound system comes wired for Sirius satellite coverage.
* All storage compartments are lined with carpet to keep gear from banging around in chop.
* Windshield frame is positioned high enough so a tall adult can see through it without crouching.
* Boarding platform on the bow is huge, with a foldaway ladder that will be used when the boat is rafted up at the beach.
* Large extended rear swim platform is standard.

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Vital Stats
Length Overall: 22’6″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 4,000 lb.
Seating/Weight capacity: 13/1,950 lb.
Maximum HP: 320
MSRP (w/ Volvo Penta 5.0 GL and EZ Loader tandem-axle trailer): $43,689
NMMA Certified: Yes

Test Drive
Test Engine: MerCruiser 350 Mag MPI
Test Prop: 14 x 19 stainless steel
Test Load: People (385 lb.); Fuel (60 gal.)
Top Speed: 50.4 mph @ 4,950 rpm
Time to Plane: 5 sec.
Time to 20 mph: 7 sec.
Time to 30 mph: 11 sec.
Min. Planing Speed: 19 mph @ 2,400 rpm

Glastron DX 235
Power Curve
RPM MPH Sound Level (dbs) GPH
Idle 3.4 64 .7
1,000 5.3 67 1.4
1,500 7.3 72 2.6
2,000 9.0 79 4.9
2,500 21.0 83 6.3
3,000 29.7 88 8.6
3,500 35.3 96 11.0
4,000 40.9 97 13.9
4,500 46.0 93 18.4
4,950 50.4 101 22.1

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Glastron DX 235
Power Picks
Volvo Penta 5.0 GXi $46,089 (includes EZ Loader trailer)
Volvo Penta 5.7 GXi DuoProp $52,591 (includes EZ Loader trailer)

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