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2020 Glastron GTD 240

The GTD 240 is a great example of a well-designed relationship between power and boat.

This deck boat was designed for either outboard power or sterndrive or Volvo Penta forward drive (GTD 245). We’ve been aboard too many sterndrives retooled for outboards that were just average performers. However, we tested each version—and all three operated as if they were born to run with their respective propulsion options.

2020 Glastron GTD 240
The acceleration is quick and smooth. Courtesy Glastron Boats

The Mercury V-8 300 hp four-stroke was powerful and smooth. Sure, it ought to be with power steering and electronic throttles, but that only accounts for the ease of maneuvering. It is the relationship of the engine and boat—which functioned as if they were organically grown, not bolted together; that was so with every propulsion platform.

Glastron GTD 240 helm
There’s good visibility from the helm. Courtesy Glastron Boats

The acceleration is quick and smooth (2.9 seconds to plane), the top speed rewarding (51.1 mph) and in turns, the GTD 240 stuck tight to its line and held it all the way through. Now, there’s a trick from Mercury that helped achieved this—the dynamic throttle fed in power as the boat loaded up through the turns.

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That kept the hull on track, without losing speed or chine tripping—all proof of a well-designed relationship between power and boat.

Glastron GTD 240 cockpit
Forward seating position joins the helm seats to the wraparound seating in the cockpit. Courtesy Glastron Boats

The deck plan is one of my favorites of the new 2020 model year. There’s a double-wide helm console, and the portside console is replaced with a walk-through to the bow. It gives the captain and mate a cozy place to enjoy the ride with enough elbow room to make it comfortable.

The seatbacks flip fore and aft. Aft is the driving position; forward joins the helm seats to the wraparound seating in the cockpit—it’s simple, requiring just a little push from the fingertips.

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Glastron GTD 240 head
The door to the head opens upward and overhead, revealing a wide access way to a roomy compartment. Courtesy Glastron Boats

Forward, Glastron uses that wide starboard console to build a large head compartment. The door opens upward and overhead, revealing a wide access way to a roomy compartment. It can be equipped with an electric flushing head or a simple portable head. A filler cushion between the full beam aft-facing bench seat and the forward-facing bench converts the entire area into a sunning pad.

Other boatbuilders will be trying to copy this new style in 2021.

High Points

⋅A windlass option adds anchoring convenience.

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⋅Dual stern ladders are angled away from the motor for safe reboarding.

⋅Portside boarding step adds a third entry point.

⋅Close off the cockpit with a wind dam and windshield.

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Glastron GTD 240 performance data
Glastron GTD 240 Certified Test Results Boating

Specs

LOA: 24′4″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 1′6″ (engine up)

Dry Weight: 4,250 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 14/3,100 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 60 gal.

Price: $60,133 (with Yamaha F200 XB and custom trailer)

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury V-8 FourStroke

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Rev 4 18″ 4-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

Fuel Load: 20 gal.

Crew Weight: 250 lb.

More Information

Glastron Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; glastron.com

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