Boat Review - Glasstream 228 TE
May 13, 2019
By Florida Sportsman Editor
Modeled after their popular 260 TE, the Glasstream 228 TE is her hot “Little Sister.” Offering all of the same attributes of the larger model rolled into a smaller package. The 228 TE is scaled down appropriately for the angler who wants to take advantage of inshore opportunities more quietly and effectively without giving up the ability to deal with open water on a windy day and also wants to do it all riding in a sporty package.
Despite giving up 4-feet of length, this model still manages to maintain identical capacities both in storage and bait holding capacity as the larger 260. A 240-quart insulated fish box is located beneath the forward lower deck. The raised casting deck forward reveals matching rod lockers to port and starboard and a 30-gallon live well at top center. The rear casting deck is home to a pair of additional storage compartments alongside of a center located 35-gallon live well with high speed pick up. A forward accessible console storage area is quite large and offers plenty of options for storing bulky items such as safety gear and equipment.
As a cruising boat the 228 TE can be outfitted with removable Sun Deck cushions forward and aft complete with removable backrests for a low stress day at the sand bar. For sheer sport running or to get to the fishing grounds first, as you'd expect from any Glasstream boat you can do it quickly. The 228 TE features a high performance setback transom with a jack plate behind their popular “High Lift” single ventilated step hull design. Rigged with the maximum horsepower rated 300 Mercury Verado you can expect speeds up to 70-MPH. This boat offers a Sport boat meets Fishing model solution that can be optioned out to the nines with fishing as well as cruising accessories and offers the best of both worlds on the water.
Glasstream 228 TE Specifications
Length: 22 feet, 10 inches
Beam: 8-feet
Draft: 13-inches
Freeboard: 20-inches
Weight: 3050-pounds
Fresh water: 18-gallons
Fuel: 75-gallons
Recommended power: 250-300 Horsepower
MSRP: $69,900
The Glasstream 228 TE will get you there in a hurry offering top speeds up to 70-MPH.
The race boat inspiration on every Glasstream shines through, even at idle speed this 228 looks fast.
This padded foredeck offers a comfortable sunbathing solution at the sand bar.
With cushions removed the foredeck becomes an elevated casting platform.
Twin rod lockers forward are handy for storing rods and other gear items out of the weather.
A forward lifting hatch provides a large access point to the console.
The console interior provides another large dry compartment for storing safety gear and other necessities.
This heads-up helm orientation becomes especially useful during high speed runs.
Boat Review - Glasstream 228 TE
A wide rear bench cushion combined with a removable backrest is quickly added for extra riders.
And just as quickly removed to expose a 35-gallon well when fishing becomes a priority.
A perfect vantage point for both the angler to do battle and a friend to assist in the landing is demonstrated here nicely.
