Glasstream 328 SCX

Associate Editor Sam Hudson met with Steve Petty of Glasstream Powerboats to check out their latest 328 SCX.  There weren't any Glasstream Girls to model the boat (check their Web site: www.Glasstream.com), but Petty was happy to highlight some the 328's features.

Petty gave me a quick history of Glasstream boats, particularly their hull design. Developed as a racing prototype, Glasstream's original step-hull was one of the first of its kind—at the time, it was even considered radical. The hull originates from a 1988 race boat Turn of the Century which won the APBA Divisional Championship in Key West.

From that original boat, key features have ascended across the nine models currently in production. All Glasstream boats are 100 percent wood-free construction. The deck and hull are completely glassed together; the stringer system is a molded, foam-filled, fiberglass grid. All boats carry a 10-year hull warranty.

The Glasstream 328 SCX features a cabin with an 8-foot berth, wet bar, flatscreen TV, and port and starboard storage. The center console features a molded footrest for the captain, glove box, Lexan windshield and room for electronics and gauges. Forward center-console seat lifts to reveal a head and removable headliner for access to electronic gauges and wiring. All custom upholstery is marine-grade UV vinyl and built to withstand the elements.

Glasstream Powerboats

1143 East 15th Street

Panama City, FL 32405

(850) 873-6205

www.Glasstream.com

Specifications:

Length: 32 feet

Beam: 8 feet, 11 inches

Dry weight: 5,300 pounds

Rated horsepower: 600 hp

Fuel capacity: 218 gallons

Transom deadrise: 24 degrees

Cockpit freeboard: 31 inches

Cockpit width: 7 feet, 1 inch

 

Florida Sportsman's Rick Ryals and Glasstream's Steve Petty chat in front of the Glasstream 328 SCX. Glasstream has free-range over which custom graphics wrap around each individual boat. Notice the step hull behind the No Shoes sign.

 

An up-close look at the “performance control center.” This boat was rigged with a sporty steering wheel and hydraulic steering, Garmin electronics and Mercury Smartcraft multi-function tach/fuel gauges. Custom black look meshes with cabin and boat wrap.

 

Optional drop-down, dual bolster seats look ready to handle high speeds. All upholstery is marine-grade vinyl.

 

Forward center console seat fits two. Notice the trend of all the custom upholstery—Glasstream does it all.

 

Forward seat lifts to reveal head, mirror and a headliner that removes to access electronics and wiring.

 

Fishing or pleasure cruising? Rear aft seating for three can be removed before leaving the docks.

 

Steve Petty lifts the backrest from the optional stern seating. It's a cinch.

 

From left to right, walk-through transom door, a 30-gallon aerated livewell with removable divider and a washdown station.

 

Optional dive ladder fits snuggly between motors and baitwell.

 

This boat was rigged with twin 6-cylinder Mercury Verado 300s. Max horsepower is rating is 600. Fuel capacity is 218 gallons.

 

Underwater LED lights mounted above recessed trim tabs (not shown). Optional LED lights are also available on the hardtop T-top.

 

This boat is rigged with two 7-foot molded fish boxes (or storage compartments) on port and starboard sides. Anglers should not have any problems fitting a wahoo or bull dolphin inside.

 

Undergunnel rod storage keeps spinners out of the way until the gaffer dolphin shows up. Notice the combing pad that wraps around the boat, above.

 

This forward jump seat opens upward to reveal extra storage space. A cup holder is within arm's reach.

 

Battery switches and fuses are easy to access. All rigging and wiring is routed through easy access PVC rigging tubes.

 

View of the cabin from the deck.

 

Eight-foot, 6-inch vee birth terminates in a mirror and stereo speakers.

 

Onto the wet bar. In the cabin, two cup holders, storage space and an optional fan allow anglers to get out of the sun and make a drink.

 

Clear hatch opens to allow breeze into the cabin. On rainy days, keep cool in the cabin with optional air-conditioning.

 

Even a flatscreen TV fits inside the cabin. Below the TV is an optional AC unit that's ice operated.

 

Flatscreen TV is mounted on storage door. Keep DVDs inside for the kids and family members when fishing gets a little slow.