Below are some of the responses to some of the questions we’re frequently asked by Glastron owners (and by people who are interested in becoming Glastron owners).

1. 1. How long has Glastron been manufacturing boats?

   Glastron was the first large-scale manufacturer of fiberglass runabouts, and since 1956 has sold more of them than any other brand. During that period, Glastron has also collected dozens of awards for product design and performance.

   For more information, see the our story section of our web site.

2. 2. What’s the significance of the graphic on the side of Glastron boats?

   In 1961, the sweep spear graphic first appeared on two Glastron models. Over the next few years, this design element became closely associated with Glastron’s boats. Within a few years, it was a standard graphic on all the company’s products, and remains so to this day. In fact, the graphic is a registered trademark in the U.S. and in other countries around the world.

3. 3. What’s so special about Glastron’s SSV® hull?

   The Super Stable Vee® hull was developed and patented by Glastron in 1976. It combines the stability and quick-planing characteristics of a tri-hull with the smooth ride of a deep-V hull. It’s also known for being an extremely “efficient” hull and is the main reason that Glastron boats run so fast and plane so quickly. Over the years, the SSV hull has undergone ongoing minor modifications. But it remains the most recognized, most awarded, and most copied runabout hull in the marine industry.

4. 4. What is the significance of the safety rating on a boat?

   All boat manufacturers are required to submit data on every model to the U.S. Coast Guard for safety certification. The Coast Guard then determines each boat’s Maximum Capacity (specified in both “persons” and “pounds”), which is then shown on a placard located at the boat’s helm. The higher the number, the better.

5. 5. Can I buy a boat directly from Glastron?

   We do not sell boats “direct” from our plant; they are sold through our network of dealers located around the world. You may search for the Glastron dealer located closest to you by using the dealer locator on this website.

6. 6. Do you have parts for old Glastron boats?

   We routinely stock Glastron parts for five to seven years from the date of manufacture. Unfortunately, it is not feasible for us to inventory items for Glastron models that are older than that. To determine the availability of a particular part, please see your local dealer rather than contacting Glastron directly. Your dealer may also have parts for older models.

7. 7. What do terms like “beam”, “centerline” and “draft” mean?

   Following are a list of commonly-used marine terms.

   • Length Overall (LOA): Distance along the centerline from the tip of the bow to the aft-most part of the hull.
   • Beam: Width of the boat at its widest point.
   • Transom Width: Width of the boat at transom.
   • Depth: Vertical distance from the lowest point of the keel to the highest point of the boat, excluding windshields, lights and other removable components.
   • Transom Deadrise: Angle of the hull at the transom, as measured in degrees, relative to the water. The higher the number (e.g. 24 degrees), the more pronounced the angle of the hull’s V.
   • Maximum Depth: Vertical distance from the lowest point of the keel to the highest point of the boat, including windshields.
   • Cockpit Depth: Vertical distance from the boat floor to the top of the gunwale as measured at the driver’s seat.
   • Length Overall on Trailer: Distance measured along the boat centerline, from forward-most point of trailer to aft-most point of motor/outdrive.
   • Boat Height on Trailer: Vertical distance from the ground to the highest point of boat, including windshield.
   • Draft: Total number of inches of boat and/or motor and drive unit below the waterline. This number provides an indication of how much water is needed for the boat to clear the bottom. Draft is usually measured two ways: with “drive up” and “drive down.

8. 8. What can I do to ensure my family’s safety while boating?

   • Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while on a boat.
   • Make sure the boat has the required fire extinguisher and that it is fully charged.
   • Tie a whistle on your life jackets to attract attention in case of an emergency.
   • Be sure the boat has a paddle or oars in case the engine stops working and you need to get to shore. This is required in most states.
   • Carry a flare kit for attracting help at night.
   • Tell passengers to keep their center of gravity low when moving around.
   • Have an emergency plan and discuss it with your family before leaving the dock.

9. 9. What’s the proper way to “trim” a boat?

   Trimming your boat correctly allows you to operate your boat at maximum efficiency by controlling the angle of the propeller’s thrust relative to the waterline, which affects the running angle of the boat. Trimming “in” or “down” moves the drive unit (and propeller) closer to the transom. Trimming “out” or “up” moves the drive unit (propeller) farther away from the transom.

   When you first start to take off, you should trim the engine all the way down to raise the transom up and push the bow down. Once you feel the bow settle, trim the engine up to a point where the boat is at its optimum running angle.

   If you over trim (raise the drive too high), the boat will produce more exhaust noise than normal and may begin to vibrate—a condition referred to as cavitation. If this happens, trim the engine down slightly.

10. 10. Why do I need an hour meter on my boat?

    An hour meter allows you to see how many hours a boat engine has been used. This is particularly helpful for helping you determine when to have periodic inspections and scheduled maintenance performed on your boat.

11. 11. What do I need to do to winterize my boat?

    We suggest that you always take your boat to a Glastron dealer for service, where an authorized technician can perform various end-of-season and winterizing procedures. These include:

    • Stabilizing the fuel (or drain the fuel system completely).
    • Fogging the carburetor and cylinders.
    • Changing the engine oil and drive unit oil.
    • Lubricating all grease fittings.
    • Draining water systems and water tanks.
    • Draining toilet and holding tanks and flushing with anti-freeze.
    • Removing batteries and storing in an area not subject to freezing temperatures.

    In addition, you should:

    • Thoroughly clean the hull, deck, cockpit, bilge, ski locker, storage compartments, and engine compartment.
    • Leave doors, hatches and storage lockers open until completely dry.
    • Once it is completely dry, cover the boat.

    If you choose to perform end-of-season service yourself, be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions in your owner’s manuals for both your boat and motor.

12. 12. Do you have any tips for towing my boat?

    • Check winch and tie-downs.
    • Check taillights, brake lights and turn signals before starting out.
    • Reduce wind resistance by covering your boat and making sure that doors, hatches and windows are closed.
    • Start and stop gradually.
    • Drive at slower speeds to reduce strain on your vehicle, trailer and boat.
    • Allow more space and time when passing and stopping.
    • Check your mirrors frequently to be sure the boat is riding properly on the trailer.
    • Stop every hour or so and do a walkaround to ensure that everything is okay.
    • Make wider turns at curves and corners (trailer wheels are closer to the inside of the turn than the vehicle tires).
    • Allow at least one car and trailer length between your car and the car ahead of you for each 10 mph on your speedometer.