GLASTRON GS 289 SPORT CRUISER

While many manufacturers have been cutting back lately on the costly development of new models, Glastron is going full speed ahead with seven brand-new models for 2009 including the GS 289 Sport Cruiser.

A lot of amidships cabin boats in this class are a little clunky looking or make cabin dwellers suffer from lack of headroom. Glastron’s newest flagship uses a curved bowrail, a sporty wrap-around windshield, along with a swoop-down look in the stern to create a look that says sportboat.

Powering the GS 289 is a single Volvo Penta 375 hp, which is the maximum power for this boat and is highly recommended. Its Duoprop outdrive pushed the 6,500-pound cruiser on plane in 4.7 seconds and took us to 30 mph in about 10 seconds. Top speed was an impressive 47.5 mph and the steering is very light and responsive with excellent cornering. The 20 degrees of deadrise at the stern helped to make easy work of the chop in Tampa Bay, Fla. and it doesn’t wander around the channel at idle.

The cockpit is set up for a variety of activities with twin facing couches that can either have a cockpit table or an optional filler cushion between them. An entertainment center with a standard refrigerator is faced with Alphastone, which is fiberglass that does an amazing granite imitation. Looming overhead is an extra-large optional radar arch that folds down if needed.

The GS 289 features a standard pseudo- teak snap-in carpet. The woody look continues at the helm as we grip a Woodgrain wheel and sit down at the extra-wide helm seat and look at an optional Raymarine big-screen C70 electronics display. So the captain can stay connected with the conversation, there’s a couch on the opposite side.

The cabin comes loaded with a stand-up head compartment and a galley with a standard refrigerator. You can comfortably sleep four in the Vberth and the amidships cabin that has a larger than standard opening.