06glacierbay
Glacier Bay uses lots of new technology in the design and construction of its boats – especially in its newest addition, the 3080. New surface-piercing power rails adorn this 30, as well as the 34-foot Glacier Bay models.
GB customers want the smoothest, driest ride with as little boat motion as possible. Trying to push that technology further, these foam-filled rails at the chine trap water energy as it tries to ride up the hull sides to deflect spray and dampen roll moment. This even increases fuel economy up to 8 percent and provides lift for better handling, tracking and buoyancy.
The 3080’s cockpit has a mammoth swim platform on centerline with one trapdoor over a swim ladder and another covering access to steering hydraulics, etc. In the transom lies a fish box/drink box, which could also be plumbed for baitwell use. The starboard side has a well-gasketed dry box. And, of course, you get huge fish boxes in the cockpit sole.
We ran the 3080 with a pair of 250 hp Yamaha four-strokes, and it performed flawlessly, if still like a catamaran. Those used to cat quirks won’t mind. If you’re not familiar with a cat ride, it may require an open mind. This boat rides extremely well at that midrange between displacement- and planing-hull speeds. Still, for what is basically a displacement hull (read smoother riding), the Glacier Bay moves right along with a top end of 40 mph at 5,600 rpm, burning a meager 41.2 gph total. You can comfortably cruise at 30 mph (4,500 rpm) using only 25.2 gph for two engines. In a drift, it exhibits excellent roll stability.
The bridge-deck dinette seats three, and a settee opposite accommodates the same number of people. In an interesting use of space, the ingenious galley design hides a stove under the helm seat. Step down, remove the seat from the settee, and find the well-equipped galley underneath.
The vast expanse of dashboard in front of the starboard-side helm easily accommodates two 15-inch displays with plenty of room remaining. We particularly liked the standard intermittent wipers with a 2-gallon washer-fluid tank.
The 3080’s hull has four watertight compartments, each with automatic bilge pumps and automatic counters so you can – at a glance – tell how many times any of your pumps have cycled on and off.
Belowdecks, you’ll find a true king-size bed forward. The forward berth also hides an additional lower bunk for a child.
Yes, the performance idiosyncrasies of a catamaran are different from a monohull. But so is the ride. In fact, there, the difference is night and day.
Specifications
LOA……32 ft. 1 in.
BEAM……10 ft. 8 in.
HULL DRAFT……2 ft. 5 in.
DEADRISE……Catamaran
WEIGHT……10,500 lb. (dry)
FUEL……240 gal.
MAX HP……T250 hp OB
MSRP……$191,010 (T250 hp OB)
**Glacier Bay Boats / Monroe, Washington / 360-794-0444 / **www.glacierbaycats.com
