James Bond 007 Made It Legendary — Glastron Is Still Alive and Kicking in 2026
We Love James Bond — Because He Did What We All Dream Of Doing.
Full speed. No excuses. No hesitation. A real, well-crafted boat that doesn’t just look fast — it is fast, and it delivers when you push it to the limit.
In 1973, while others were still talking about performance, Glastron built the boat that made the impossible look effortless. The Glastron GT-150 didn’t just star in Live and Let Die — it became a legend by doing what every speedboat lover secretly wants: running flat out, jumping ramps, and making the impossible feel real.
This is exactly why we love James Bond. And this is exactly why we love Glastron.
The History – Where the Legend Began
We Love James Bond — Because He Did What We All Dream Of Doing.
Full speed. No excuses. No hesitation. A real, well-crafted boat that doesn’t just look fast — it is fast, and it delivers when you push it to the limit.
In 1956, four passionate boaters — Bob Hammond, Bill Gaston, Bob Shoop, and Guy Woodard — founded Glastron in Austin, Texas. They believed fiberglass was the future of boating and set out to build fun, affordable, and innovative boats for everyday Americans.
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, Glastron had become one of the largest and most respected fiberglass boat manufacturers in the world. They pioneered groundbreaking hull designs like the Aqualift and the famous SSV (Super Stable Vee) hull, which delivered excellent speed, stability, and handling.
Then came 1973 — the moment that turned Glastron into a global legend.
The producers of the James Bond film Live and Let Die needed a boat capable of an insane high-speed chase through the Louisiana bayous — including a record-breaking jump over land. They chose the Glastron GT-150.
26 Glastron GT-150 boats were used during filming. Only a few survived. One made the famous 110+ foot (over 33 meters) jump — a stunt so spectacular it made it into the Guinness Book of World Records at the time.
That single scene made the GT-150 immortal. It wasn’t just a boat anymore — it became a cultural icon.
What happened to Glastron?
- The company changed hands several times (sold to Genmar in the 1990s, later acquired by Groupe Beneteau in 2014).
- Manufacturing moved from Texas to Minnesota, and later operations were streamlined.
- Today, Glastron is still alive and part of Rec Boat Holdings (under the giant French Groupe Beneteau).
- The brand continues to produce modern bowriders and day boats, focusing on fun, family-friendly, and affordable performance boats while carrying forward its legendary heritage.
The spirit that made the GT-150 fly in 1973 is still present today — just in a more modern, family-oriented form.
Who These Boats Are Made For
We Love James Bond — Because He Did What We All Dream Of Doing.
Full speed. No excuses. No hesitation.
The Glastron GT-150 was never built for casual dockside posing. It was built for people who actually want to drive — hard, fast, and with a big smile on their face.
This boat was made for:
- Thrill-seekers and speed lovers who want raw acceleration and that unmistakable feeling when the hull gets on plane and the water starts flying past.
- Watersports enthusiasts — skiers, wakeboarders, and tubers who need a responsive, powerful boat that can pull hard and turn tight.
- Classic boat enthusiasts who appreciate timeless American fiberglass design and want to own a piece of boating history.
- Families and weekend warriors looking for an affordable, fun, and exciting day boat that delivers real performance without breaking the bank.
- Dreamers — the ones who watched James Bond fly that GT-150 over land in Live and Let Die and thought: “One day… that’s going to be me.”
Even today, the spirit of the GT-150 lives on in modern Glastron boats. They are made for people who still believe boating should be exciting, not just comfortable. For those who love the sound of a well-tuned engine, the spray in their face, and the freedom of running at full throttle where others only talk about it.
The Glastron owner is someone who doesn’t just own a boat — they use it. They live the fantasy that James Bond made famous.
Current Strengths (2026):
- Excellent value for money
- Strong performance in the 18–25 ft segment
- Modern designs with good handling and stylish looks
- Backed by the financial power and global service network of Groupe Beneteau
What Glastron Does Today – The Legend Continues
Full Speed Where Others Only Talk About It.
Glastron is still very much alive and active in 2026.
After being acquired by the French marine giant Groupe Beneteau in 2014, the brand has found stability and resources to focus on what it does best: building affordable, fun, and stylish American bowriders for real boaters.
Today Glastron specializes in:
- Modern bowriders between 18 and 25 feet
- Practical, family-friendly day boats with strong performance
- Excellent value for money compared to many premium competitors
Current flagship models (2026):
- GX 190 & GX 190 Sport — the best-selling models (highly popular)
- GX 195 & GX 195 Sport — slightly larger with more space
- GT 225 & GT 245 — more premium and spacious options
What makes current Glastron boats special:
- Fast planing and responsive handling (true to the brand’s performance heritage)
- Updated hull designs based on the legendary SSV concept
- Modern features: large swim platforms, premium seating, touchscreen electronics, powerful stereo systems, and smart storage
- Strong focus on easy handling, comfort for the whole family, and real-world usability
Glastron no longer builds wild muscle boats like in the 1970s, but it has successfully repositioned itself as a strong value-for-money performance brand within the Beneteau group. The boats are built in the USA and continue to carry the classic American spirit of fun and excitement on the water.
The bottom line: Glastron today offers practical, stylish, and genuinely fun boats that deliver great performance without the extreme price tag. It may have matured, but the thrill of driving a Glastron is still very much alive.
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