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The number 16 possesses magic. Shotguns chambered for 16-gauge ammunition command a special aura, compared with 10-, 12- and 20-gauge firearms. No birthday ranks higher in importance to a teen girl than her 16th. Fourteen-karat gold is more common, and 24-karat gold is pure, yet 16-karat gold is the refrain in the doo-wop classic “Sixteen Candles.” (The karat was invented as a unit of measurement in 16th century Greece, by the way). Whitey Ford, Frank Gifford and Joe Montana all wore number 16. Sixteen is a composite number, a square number and the smallest number with exactly five whole-number divisors. So “16” possesses karma, chi, a special power and a firm hold on our psyches.
That’s true for boaters, especially when talking about boats having an overall length of 16 feet. Not because that’s the length at which visual distress signals and Type IV throwable devices are required. No. The number 16 gets certified boat nuts breathing heavily because of the abundance of really cool, I-want-one-of-those-now, 16-foot boats. Boats like the GT 160 series that Glastron just debuted.
The GT 160s are runabouts embodying style and performance from a builder that’s made waves for 55 years. But like many iconic 16-footers, GT 160s also push our selfish pleasure buttons. They are roadsters of the sea, like the 16-cylinder Lamborghini Reventon or the V-16 Mercedes SL600 on land. Getting behind the wheel makes us feel special. Hitting the gas and going is a grin-splitting blast.
We tested the GTR 160. While reading what follows, think back to your first boat, or your first boat ride, or the first boat that made you utter an awestruck and hushed profanity as it blazed across the big screen of a darkened theater. Chances are good your memories include a sweet-looking 16-footer, like Glastron’s new GT 160 series.
These outboard-powered runabouts are available as open boats, or in closed-bow versions. To celebrate its 55th Anniversary Glastron is offering 55 of each of the four versions in a Collector’s Edition, with special gauges and other niceties, like the GTR 160 we tested. Standard GT 160 models are also available. Sports-car retro, describes all of these models.
Each boat sports a low, sleek, profile. The bow deck even looks like a racy hood. A steeply raked, roadster-style windshield continues the theme, though we didn’t like that its frame was right at eye level when we were seated.
Setting off the exterior of the GTR 160 is the two-tone red-and-white gelcoat that re-creates the classic Glastron aft-pointing “spear” along the topsides. Glastron pioneered two-tone molding techniques decades ago.
Helm seats are a pair of tritone racing-style buckets as well as a full-width transom bench. The optional multitone carpeting in our test model also lends a sports-car aura.
Gauges are retro-style, multifunction pods. The steering wheel is also classic, with anodized aluminum spokes and a padded grip. In our test boat, this was bolted to an optional hydraulic steering system with a tilt helm.
Ok, the GTR 160 looks like a sports car. Does it perform like one? When powered by the optional Evinrude 115 E-TEC (75 hp is standard), it wasn’t exactly blistering out of the hole. But the E-TEC proved a rocket at midrange, like we had given it a shot of nitrous once it hit 25 mph.
Its top speed of 43.7 mph feels exhilarating because you’re so close to the water. Glastron’s SSV hull provides excellent response to trim. It lifts nicely and is nimble to boot. Cornering is smooth and smart, without tripping or skidding — and that is saying something for a 16½-footer.
The GTR 160 we tested was loaded with options such as chrome accent vents, a Sony two-speaker stereo, twin forward-facing blue LED lights, a ski pylon, an 18-gallon fuel tank (standard is 12 gallons) and a deluxe single-axle trailer, as well as the power upgrade.
Base price for the GT 160 is $17,988, including the trailer. Optioned-out, the price rises to $23,988. Not bad for a boat that is a ton of fun and sure to grab attention wherever it goes.
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