We Say: I’m always leery when a builder dubs one of its boats with a cutesy name. So when Glastron told me its GT 205 is the “poster child” for its new line of runabouts, I boarded the boat for my test with more than my usual amount of journalistic skepticism. In this case, the spiel proved more than just talk.
With MerCruiser’s 220 hp 4.3 MPI Alpha sterndrive under the hatch, the GT 205 shot to more than 49 mph. A series of timed runs proved it achieves plane in under four seconds, dynamic lift occurring without the hump-climbing, visibility-reducing rise far too many runabouts exhibit while trying to get over their bow wave. Handling is crisp and predictable.
The layout impressed me as well. Check out the centerline transom walkway cleverly hidden beneath a hinged section of the sun pad. While you’re at it, note the way Glastron mounted the removable cooler on a sliding rack beneath the aft lounge. The diamond-style upholstery that sheathes this lounge, the pad and the rest of the boat’s seating is supple and attractive. A hidden stowage locker resides at the foot of the console, and stowage in the bow drains to keep gear dry. My one gripe is that the bolt-on extended swim platform doesn’t allow the swim ladder to be recessed beneath a hatch.
Who’d Want One: Boaters seeking high amenity at a low price.
Another Choice: Tahoe’s Q7i ($30,490 powered like our test boat)
Bottom Line: $28,995 base price with test power and trailer; glastron.com
