Glastron GX 195 Review

Legendary performance boat builder Glastron Boats has expanded its 2021 lineup with the all-new Glastron GX 195, offering a fresh take on the classic family bowrider.

Stretching an even 19 feet in length and riding on a sporty 8-foot, 2-inch beam, the Glastron GX 195 appears familiar at first glance but, as you look more closely, it reveals a number of delicious updates, upgrades and overall improvements that add much to the boat’s value. The overall design is sleek and graceful, with a lengthened, exaggerated sheer line that gives the boat a fluid, cat-like stance in the water – one that’s only furthered by the sleek, spear motif that has characterized every Glastron since James Bond jumped a red-and-white GT-150 more than 110 feet over a road in the 1973 thriller Live and Let Die.

Glastron’s GX 195 blends legendary performance with thoroughly modern amenities.

Offered in four color patterns – white with a choice of crimson red, denim blue, jet black of phantom grey – the Glastron GX 195 blends that legendary performance with thoroughly modern amenities to create an exciting package indeed. Hopping aboard is easy from the dock – you can step directly into the cockpit using the Glastron step pads on the gunnel top, or board via the stern swim platform, where a starboard-side walk-through allows easy entry. The headrest cushion on the sun pad tips up for easy passage.

The sun pad is huge for a 19-foot boat, with a tilt-up head cushion for comfortable lounging. Tilting the cushion up further exposes the starboard-side walk-through, for easy dockside boarding via the swim platform. This boat shows the optional swim platform extension.

The stern is this boat’s fun zone, as evidenced by the large, full-width swim platform and its side-facing retractable boarding ladder, as well as the expansive sun pad across the transom. The upholstery work on the sun pad, and throughout the Glastron GX 195, is nicely done, combining a new premium vinyl that’s stain-resistant and super-comfortable on the skin with thick foam in the seat cushions that gives just the right balance between support and comfort.

There’s storage everywhere under the seats, including room for a dedicated trash container under one end of the big bench seat. Note the well-placed cockpit speakers, grab handles and drink holders.

The forward-facing transom bench seat is nicely proportioned and a comfortable height, which is a welcome change from older bowriders with seating that rests very low to the floor. With the generous interior upholstery treatment, the GX 195 offers an unusually comfortable and secure riding position – Bravo, Glastron, for getting this right.

The cockpit is spacious and inviting, with plenty of depth for an enhanced feeling of security when running in rough water.

Molded-in consoles along each gunnel provide drink holders for guests (there are 10 drink holders in total), while a neat side-mount receptacle located midway along the front of the bench seat base accommodates a removable pedestal-mount table. Adding the optional XL package adds upgrades like pull-up cleats, stainless steel assist handles and reed mat snap-in flooring for added comfort. Unsnapping the floor allows easy cleaning of both the mats and the boat itself.

The driver gets spoiled with a bucket seat with flip-up bolster on a swiveling and sliding base. The ComfortRide seat also includes a suspension feature for even greater comfort.

The driver and companion ride behind the protection of a full-height, walk-through windshield. To port, a reversible companion seat allows forward-facing or stern-facing seating as desired, while the stylish passenger console features a useful glove box, a storage bin with a USB charging receptacle, a pair of drink holders and a handy grab handle.

The helm console is fresh and contemporary, featuring a gorgeous sport steering wheel with tilt. Real carbon fiber panels are an optional upgrade.

The fiberglass helm features a modern, sporty look built around a brushed chrome-on-black steering wheel with tilt function. Digital multi-function gauges present all the essential info right where it’s easily seen, while a neat array of illuminated rocker switches to the right of the wheel control the electrical accessories, leaving space to the left for easy access to the four-speaker Kicker AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth streaming.

In-floor storage located between the consoles easily accommodates bulky items like water sports equipment.

The driver gets spoiled with a ComfortRide suspension seat – complete with a flip-up bolster and a sliding base that provides added comfort for people of all heights.

The bow seating in the Glastron GX 195 is surprisingly spacious, with low-profile rails and wrap-around back rests contributing to a heightened sense of comfort. A couple of stereo speakers, and a second receptacle for that removable pedestal-mount table, simply add to the bow’s appeal.

The bow seats in the GX 195 are quite spacious, with full height, wrap-around back cushions for added comfort.

Look under the bow seats and not only is there abundant storage space for gear, you’ll note the storage compartments are all fully finished, with no raw fiberglass to be seen. That even goes for the big in-floor ski locker, reflecting Glastron’s exceptional attention to detail in this boat. There’s storage under the big cockpit bench seat as well, giving the GX 195 the ability to carry all sorts of gear.

Standard power is a 200 horsepower MerCruiser V6, with a 250 horsepower engine available as an upgrade.

Standard power for the Glastron GX 195 is a beefy MerCruiser 4.5L V6 sterndrive that woofs out a solid 200 horsepower, and with torque to burn. But if you really feel the need for speed, an upgraded 250 horsepower version is also available, taking performance to a higher level altogether.

With its impressive amenities and fresh, contemporary styling, Glastron’s sporty GX 195 ticks a lot of boxes. Families in the hunt for a versatile and fun bowrider will find a lot to like here.