Unlike a small Fletcher, for example, the Glastron is not primarily designed to satisfy your racing driver instincts and be thrown about with abandon, nor to cut through choppy water with a howling outboard astern. But that’s no reason to be put off, because these little boats are no sluggards and can still be expected to exceed 35 knots in good conditions. To use a motoring analogy, the Glastron is not so much a small two-seater MG but a more sophisticated comfy open-topped Renault Megane. These Glastron 175s (and their almost identical competitor, the Bayliner Capri) are primarily designed for lake and calm water, which, after all, is when most families go boating. However they are well able to contend with our indifferent conditions.

Glastrons are moulded using the VEC closed moulding process which results in very reliable hull and deck quality. Fitted with an ultra-quiet Volvo 3L sterndrive, the Glastron 175SX offers no fewer than seven seats, stacks of stowage, and some extra little luxuries such as a sound system and drinks holders. This is a boat in which you can pull a skier, tow a wakeboard or water toys and (despite the one-trick-pony reputation of bow riders) enjoy plenty of varied entertainment afloat.
Remarkably, when we last tested a Glastron 175 SX in 2003, the package cost of a boat/trailer, complete with transport and cockpit covers was just £13,995. Today you could find a used boat in good condition for a great deal less. Assuming that the engine has been regularly serviced, you should get years of boating pleasure.

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