The GT 160 was first built in the early 1970s. It is an open, 5.03 metre long outboard boat that has inspired more and more skippers with its sporty handling characteristics. As a result, good used boats are only on the open market for a short time before they find a new owner. Glastron is now selling four limited new editions of the GT 160, and our test boat is from the Black Edition.
As with the other three versions, this is limited to 55 boats. The number is no coincidence, as Glastron is celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2012. In addition to the Black Edition, the Red, Sport and Anniversary Editions are also available. However, only the colour combinations are different. The basic equipment is identical - it becomes more individual with the help of the special equipment list.
You sit in the front seats in well-padded bucket seats. They live up to their name and provide good support even on tight bends with a lot of lateral forces. However, the seats can only be adjusted forwards and backwards. Adjusting the seating position is correspondingly easy. The rear bench seat, which is also well padded, can accommodate up to three occupants. This means that a family of five has plenty of room to move around on board. Storage space for bags is provided under the rear bench in the form of two elongated storage compartments that extend under the bathing platform. Water skis can be stored under the cockpit floor hatch.
When it comes to the engine, the buyer has the choice between 75 hp up to 115 hp, two-stroke or four-stroke. In our case, a 115 hp Mercury Optimax Pro-XS was fitted to the transom. The tank on our test boat has a capacity of 68 litres and costs extra. It is located in the centre under the rear seat. Two removable 23-litre fuel tanks are fitted as standard - so you don't have to rely on a water filling station or separate canisters - a commendable idea.
For road transport, the trailer captain needs a trailer with overrun brakes to be able to move the GT 160 weighing up to 798 kg plus engine and fuel. Due to the width of 2.13 m, an excess width permit is not required. The total weight of the loaded trailer is less than 1500 kg and can therefore be towed by mid-range vehicles. A total of three fittings are available for lashing the Glastron, one at the front and two at the rear.
Our test boat was the fifth from the current production run. To ensure that everyone on board could see this, the Glastron technicians mounted a stainless steel plate with the production number in the centre of the dashboard. Next to the plate, the skipper will find two round instruments with a sports car look. They inform the driver about the fuel level and battery voltage as well as the engine speed and rpm.
The switches for the bilge pump, navigation lighting and radio are just as easily accessible as the ignition lock. The radio control panel and two cup holders are hidden behind the metal flap of the glove compartment. When open, this lay on the painted dashboard in our test boat, which could lead to damage to the paintwork if we were careless.
The workmanship of the windscreen frame and the other installations is better. The battery is located in a plastic box, which is secured with a strap. Glastron installs a rotary main switch as standard for the voltage cut-off, which is easy to reach when the rear seat is folded up.
When it comes to the engine, the buyer has the choice between 75 hp up to 115 hp, two-stroke or four-stroke. In our case, a 115 hp Mercury Optimax Pro-XS was fitted to the transom. The tank on our test boat has a capacity of 68 litres and costs extra. It is located in the centre under the rear seat. Two removable 23-litre fuel tanks are fitted as standard - so you don't have to rely on a water filling station or separate canisters - a commendable idea.
With forward turning circles of 1 ¼ boat lengths to starboard and port, as well as turning backwards on the spot and rapid reversing behaviour, manoeuvring in narrow harbours is no problem. The transition from displacement to planing takes place between 2000-3000 rpm. The bow only briefly blocks the straight ahead view. The most economical planing speed is 3500 rpm and 24 knots. The fuel is sufficient for a non-stop trip of 102 nm until the 15% reserve is reached. If you sail at a maximum speed of 42 knots, the fuel needle is already down again after 55 nm.
We measured an uncomfortable 90 dB/A of driving noise. In a slalom, the fuselage follows every steering impulse without rocking or bobbing. In increasingly tighter circles, with the engine trimmed completely to the transom, the propeller only draws air late. This allows the skipper to slowly feel his way to his limits. The GT 160 handles evasive manoeuvres very well thanks to the well-dimensioned sports steering wheel and hydraulic steering.
Conclusion: The Glastron GT 160 lives up to its promise. With its sporty look, it is an eye-catcher in any of the four variants. The handling characteristics are impressive with precise steering behaviour on the one hand and small turning circles, directional stability and fast turning at low speeds on the other. The installations are neat and tidy. Only the cup holders on the rear seat and the glove compartment lid do not look particularly high-quality.
