Pack out a typical 18-foot bowrider with four adults, two kids, a bunch of gear andwatertoys... and see how long it takes for cabin fever to set in. Or worse, see who draws first blood.
That isn't the case with theGlastronGX 185. It's bruise-free, scratch-free ... and claustrophobia-free with a gang of six. It's also a breeze to drive and maneuver, making it one of the better entry-level runabouts on the market -- for around 20 grand.
Start with the padding. It's everywhere -- along the gunwales, in the walkthrough to the bow, around the edges of the helm station and at the driver's throttle elbow. Genmar's patented VEC construction also means you won't catch a finger on unfinished fiberglass inside any compartments -- it's all smooth.
There's enough room at the driver and passenger stations for a 6-foot-4 person to lock out his knees. One tester actually had to slide the seatforwardto drive. That doesn't happen often on an 18-foot bowrider.
Adding to the sporty image of the GX 185 is a wraparound windshield that stretches clear back to the rear bench seat. That also adds depth and security in the cockpit.
Safety features are evident at speed too. There's virtually no loss of horizon out of the hole and as the radar climbs to 50-plus mph in heavy chop the Super Stable V lives up to its moniker. It's solid on the water like a tri-hull, but turns crisply like a V-hull. The reversed chine knocks down spray and the resulting wake at 20 mph is, among recreational bowriders, as clean as we've seen forwakeboardingand kneeboarding.
Add one more comfort area around the GX 185: gripping a handle 75 feet back.
PERFORMANCE
Test Engine:Volvo Penta4.3L GL
Test Prop: 14.25'' x 23''
Test Load: Fuel (22 gal.); people (405 lb.)
Top Speed: 52.1 mph @ 4,800 rpm
Time to Plane: 3.5 sec.
Time to 30 mph: 7.4 sec.
Speed at 3/4 Throttle: 35 mph @ 3,600 rpm
Noise @ Idle: 63 db
Noise @ 30 mph: 88 db
DETAILS
Length Overall: 18'
Beam: 7'7''
Dry Weight: 2,245 lb.
Seating Capacity: 8
Load Capacity: 1,275 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 29 gal.
Maximum Horsepower: 225