Glastron Boats for Sale

Austin, 1956

Bob Hammond, Bill Gaston, Bob Shoop and Guy Woodard founded Glastron in Austin, Texas on October 14, 1956. Bob Hammond's wife Bettye came up with the name. The company became one of the big names of the early fiberglass boat era and was known for hull ideas like the Aqualift and the SSV design. The Austin History Center keeps the company's records.

Genmar bought Glastron and later moved production to Minnesota. More recently it has been owned by Rec Boat Holdings, part of Groupe Beneteau. On June 15, 2026, Beneteau announced it would halt production at the Cadillac, Michigan plant where Glastrons were built and sell the plant along with the Glastron, Four Winns and Scarab Jet brands. It said parts and after-sales service would continue until a sale is finalized.

The James Bond boats

Glastron's best-known moment is the bayou chase in Live and Let Die (1973), filmed near Irish Bayou in Louisiana. Glastron built 26 boats for the film, and 17 were wrecked in rehearsals. A Glastron GT-150 jumped 110 feet on October 16, 1972, a Guinness record at the time. Glastrons also showed up in Moonraker and Jaws 3.

What you'll find for sale

• Classic runabouts from the 1960s and 1970s, including the GT-150, are collector boats now.
• GT and GTS bowriders: the mainstream family bowriders from the 1990s onward.
• GTD deck boats with more room up front.
• Older cuddy cabins and small cruisers.

What to check on a used Glastron

Transom and stringers. Many older Glastrons have wood in the transom and stringers. Push on the drive or outboard and look for flex or cracks. Tap along the transom to listen for soft, dull spots.

Floors. Walk the whole deck and feel for soft spots, especially around the helm and the bow.

Sterndrive or outboard. Get the hours and records. On sterndrives, check the bellows, gimbal bearing and lower unit oil. On outboards, check compression and the lower unit.

Upholstery and canvas. Look for cracked vinyl, rotten seat bases and torn covers.

Classic boats. On a 1960s or 1970s Glastron, original parts and trim can be hard to find. Ask what has been restored and what's original. Owner groups such as the Classic Glastron Owners site can help with parts.

Trailer. On an older Glastron, the trailer may be as old as the boat. Check the tire date codes, not just the tread, and make sure the lights work before you tow it home.

Water test. Run it up on plane, check the steering and trim, and watch the temperature.