Glastron boats have been around for over 50 years. Since then, the name has been synonymous with sporty speedsters that have even appeared as film stars. The Batboat in the film "Batman" and Roger Moore's legendary jump with a Glastron 150 in his 007 thriller "Live and Let Die" were such highlights.
However, our test boat 185 GT is also suitable for "normal" people. With its 18-foot length and a 3.0-litre petrol engine (135 hp), it is an entry-level model with which you can have a lot of leisure fun even without overnight accommodation. And it can be used on a wide variety of waters, because with an unladen weight of 1090 kg, the Glastron can still be trailered without any major problems.
Our test area was the Rhine near Budenheim, where the importer Europe Marine has its headquarters. A corner that can get choppy depending on the shipping traffic. On our test day, we had to deal with moderate choppy water, which the Glastron travelled through safely, dryly and smoothly with a little planing.
We took our measurements on the alternative arm behind the Rettbersaue river island. On average, we reached a maximum speed of a good 35 knots there. This means that 1.13 l/sm runs through the fuel line, which with the 91-litre tank minus 15% reserve gives a range of 69 nm. According to our standards, this type of boat should cover 60 nm, so the Glastron is already "in the plus" at full throttle.
The most economical glide is at 3500 rpm with almost 23 knots and a consumption of just under 1.00 l/sm. Here the distance travelled increases by a good 10 nm. At 84 dB/A, the driving noise is acceptable at 3500 rpm, but deafening at 95 dB/A at full throttle. - If you want to use the boat for water skiing and tubing, you need a flat stern wave and good tracking behaviour.
When accelerating with the drive "down", the bow is visible for about 2 seconds. Solution: The skipper briefly assumes the standing position, then it goes without blind flight. When gliding, a flat stern wave appears, which decreases further when the power trim is activated and the drive is raised. We had a maximum of around ½ on the trim display.
If you want to make fast turns, you have to trim the drive all the way down so that the propeller doesn't draw air and you have to start again. Trimmed in this way, you can make tight turns on the port side without hooking or rocking. In the other direction, however, the radius must not be too tight, otherwise the engine speed of the 3.0-litre Mercruiser (carburettor engine) will reduce automatically. The importer suspects fuel problems due to the centrifugal forces and wants to make adjustments.
The hull behaves "good-naturedly" during slalom courses or when the helm is twisted; the steering can be moved safely and smoothly during all manoeuvres. With no more than 1 ½ boat lengths, the Glastron turns with the steering fully engaged during slow manoeuvres. Together with the direct reversing behaviour in reverse, these are good prerequisites for precise harbour manoeuvres.
When travelling astern, a limit of 2000 rpm must be observed so that no swell water sloshes over the air intakes into the engine compartment, and on slow forward trips at speeds between around 3 and 6 knots, the hull travels reasonably straight except for small swerves that have to be compensated for.
Weight shifts have little influence on the course and moderate heeling. The driver and front passenger sit on sporty upholstered bucket seats. Side rests and footrests as well as the passenger grab handle on the side wall ensure safety. The steering wheel and single-lever control are easy to operate. The same applies to the pull switches with English labelling.
The steering wheel disturbs the view of the instruments (depending on the height setting). Reflections on the instruments and the split safety glass windscreen are minimal; however, there is criticism for the missing wiper and the sharp edges of the windscreen frame when the centre window is opened.
When the latter is open, you can comfortably access the front with a seating area, which can be converted into a sleeping area with an insert cushion. As with the tightly upholstered rear bench, there are two stainless steel handles to hold on to. Behind the bench is the sun lounger with a retractable head section, but there is no handrail to guide the lounger to the stern.
An integrated platform (standard) and an additional platform (extra), both with anti-slip structures, invite you to jump into the cool water on our test boat. To get in and out of the water easily, use the ladder located under a flap. Exemplary: both can be easily operated from the water. Carpets ensure safe movement on all floors.
We criticise the equipment with only one electric bilge pump; a manual bilge pump must be included. Another minus: we searched in vain for a fire extinguishing system and fire extinguisher on our test boat. The fan installed in the engine compartment, on the other hand, gets a plus.
It is not only the plastic workmanship that leaves a positive impression, but also the clear installation of cables and hoses with clamps and cable ties in the engine compartment. The lines are laid in loops in the track and are properly strain-relieved under the driver's platform. The fuelling system consists of a plastic tank, spring valve and engine filter. To secure the fuel hoses, the technician sometimes only uses a screw clamp.
The electrics are typical for a boat with a well-braced battery (88 Ah), main switch and splash-proof fuses in the supply lines. The latter also applies to the installation of three towing and trailer eyes (1 x forward,
2 x aft), water ski towing eye, five matching cleats (1 forward, 2 in the centre, 2 aft) and the storage space. The rubbing strake matches the boat, the lighting is not approved for sea areas and parts of German inland waters. Tarpaulins are on the accessories list.
Conclusion: The Glastron 185 GT offers decent driving and manoeuvring characteristics with the 3.0-litre petrol engine. If you want something sportier, you can order a 4.3-litre six-cylinder (220 hp); skippers who want to save money can order a "slimmed-down" GTX version that is around €2000 cheaper.
Data sheet: Glastron 185 GT
Shipyard: Glastron
Type designation: Glastron 185 GT
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 5,49 m
Width: 2,26 m
Displacement: 1,09 t
Price: 28.478,00 €
