2010 Glastron GLS 215

By: Jake Thomas

Glastron has created some unique designs during its 50 years in the business – and continues to do so with its latest generation of boats. From the tail fins and hardtops of the late ’50s to the Bat Boat and legendary James Bond “Live & Let Die” boat chase, Glastron has turned a lot of heads on the water and in the media since its inception.

Heads were definitely turning at the ramp while launching our GLS 215 test boat, which was equipped with a 5.0-litreMPIMerCruiser and Alpha One drive. The Merc propelled the GLS from zero to 20 mph in a mere six seconds and from zero to 30 in 7.2 with a top speed of 50 mph at 5000 rpm.

Overall, the boat showed little bow rise onto plane and had a great turning radius for a 21-foot boat. Glastron’s years of R&D in hull design was apparent during the ride.

The boat has a long list of features and gadgets, including modular filler cushions and drawer-like storage behind the backrests in the bow area with plenty of legroom to spare. The wood trim accents and removable carpet create a classic and timeless appearance in an otherwise modern featured boat. A cavernous floor
locker and deep gunwales rounded out the body of the boat nicely.

The innovative rear seating hinges to transform the L-shaped bench into a mid-sized sun pad, which opens to create a rear-facing bench complete with wet storage and an easily accessible cooler. Although the hardware is a little noisy over the bumps, it changes the layout of the boat to suit different forms of entertaining.

At the helm, a sports car inspired dash boasts the usual array of gauges and the matching swiveling bolster seats have plenty of legroom with controls in close proximity. Some of the components of the windshield obstruct the peripheral view slightly, but the bow area seems to slope down creating a great forward view.

Heading towards the stern, the rear bench opens up and another hinged section opens to reveal a roomy walk-thru transom with large easy steps. Optional hot water shower and stereo remote at the stern can make for a great day lounging around on the large integrated swim platform. Access to the engine compartment may not be to your mechanic’s liking, but fluids and basic maintenance is easily accessible.

Overall the GLS 215 is a flashy and fully loaded bowrider. However, because of the automated construction, it lacks the connective tissue between components most noticeable in the finishing touches of a traditional hand-built boat.
Nevertheless, you would be hard pressed to find a better value in the 21-foot bowrider segment.

TEST BOAT ENGINE

MerCruiser 5.0L MPI, 260-hp V8 with Alpha One Drive and 21P aluminum prop

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)

0-20 / 6.0 ; 0-30 / 7.2

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)

5000 / 50

CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)

3000 / 29 ; 3500 / 35 ; 4000 / 38

SOUND LEVEL AT IDLE (800 rpm)

Helm – 92 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 92 dbA

SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED

Helm – 106 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 108 dbA