Glastron boat dealers from across Canada were introduced to the company's 2011 product line at an open house held at its brand-new manufacturing plant in Cadillac, Michigan last week. 

Glastron’s 2011 runabout and Fish n, Ski models to 22 feet gain an all-new hull construction with a completely finished inner liner and floor construction. These new hulls are said to provide a cleaner, finished look in storage compartments and other interior openings.

Brand new for model year 2011 is the MX 180 BR, an outboard-powered bowrider designed to offer an affordable boat, motor and trailer package to new owners. The MX 180 BR sports sharp new gelcoat colours including the trademarked Glastron sphere design, with amenities including an AM/FM stereo with two speakers and MP3 adapter, finished ski locker with mat and hinged lid, moulded under seat storage with latch and integrated moulded swim platform. An XL package provides additional options such as full, side glass wraparound windshield, three-step boarding ladder, convenience package, flip-up bucket seat, ski pylon, snap-in carpet, stainless steel rubrail insert and drink holders. Retail pricing, including a 90 hp outboard engine and custom-matched trailer is in the US$17,000 range. Outboard power options are available up to 150 horsepower.

“New emission regulations from the EPA are forcing a significant increase in the cost of sterndrive engines which will affect offerings in the smaller boat segment,” said Roch Lambert, Group President, Rec Boat Holdings. “Outboard engines offer a clean, lightweight power alternative with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The new outboard powered MX 180 BR brings the affordability to boating back in line with consumer demand and we’re excited to be ahead of the game by offering a boat, motor and trailer package to a broader base of consumers.”

Since the purchase of Glastron by the Platinum Equity Group earlier this year, the manufacturing was moved from the Little Falls, MN factory to the Cadillac, MI facility, introducing 22 boat models with new processes, features and colours to a brand new production facility. The new operation is now fully operational with improved engineering resources and administrative operations.