Strong and comfortable, the 2670 is ready to please and ride the rough.

It is difficult to believe that it's possible to cruise on three-foot waves and still enjoy a smooth, stable ride. But, with the hull design utilized by Glacier Bay Boats, big water seems to have absolutely no effect on ride quality. The catamaran design on Glacier Bay's 2670 is not new. Recently, however, the technology of twin hulls in ocean going models have found its way into the pleasure boat market ¨C with impressive results.

Glacier Bay has been a true believer in deep catamaran hull designs since its inception in 1990. The twin hulls boast sharp pointed entries, which cut into waves and hold direction rather than pushing the boat to one side. At the same time, the narrowness of the hulls allow the boat to sink deep in the water, rather than bouncing off the surface. An identical deadrise on the inside and outside of the hull also maximizes the softness of the entry. As the hulls move forward through the water, they are buoyed to a semi-planing position by large offset strakes and a keel pad at the transom. The air that's trapped between the sponsons further cushions the ride.

In order to provide definitive information about the Glacier Bay ride, we used a three-axis accelerometer to sample movement at a rate of 50,000 times per minute. In comparison to a deep-V hull of identical length, the Glacier Bay achieved dramatically lower impact loads, effectively eliminating all jarring and pounding.

Glacier Bay originally developed their boats for rigorous waters of the Pacific Northwest and since they reinforce the stem of their hulls with Kevlar and eight layers of premium E-glass 24-ounce, woven roving. There is a foam-filled, collision bulkhead forward and additional foam-filled compartments between each of seven full width bulkheads.

The 2670 will immediately stand out at a marina. It¡¯s distinctive square lines offer a perfect platform to provide a myriad of conveniences. The large, self-bailing cockpit has a non-skid floor in diamond groove fiberglass. This deck, combined with the rock-steady ride, permits the use of comfortable deck chairs for additional passenger comfort.

Extending aft of the transom, between the twin outboards that powered our test boat, is a unique stern platform featuring a locker and compartment, which houses a drop-down, three-step, stainless steel boarding ladder. With stainless railings on either side, this platform offers safe and easy access in and out of the water, or boarding and debarking from a dock. There's also easy access to the foredeck thanks to the high deck rails and wide walkaround where passengers can enjoy the forward padded seat cushion, or use the huge fender and anchor locker.

The helm is exceptionally wide, providing ample room for the Lowrance wide screen, combination fish finder and GPS plotter. A stainless wheel is located to the left of the drivers seat and conveniently turns with hydraulic-assisted steering. The curved windshield is tinted glass in an aluminum frame. Windshield wipers add to the all-weather capabilities and there's even a portside settee that hides a large cooler. Fishermen will appreciate the two side wells with pumps, 32-gallon live well plus the aft sink with cutting board. To organize fishing tackle, there's a six-drawer storage cabinet and plenty of rod racks in the cockpit and cabin. For easy clean up, there is a centrally located saltwater wash down tap.

Despite the space lost to the tunnel, the 2670's cabin has a full rectangular queen size bed, an electric flush marine-head, shower, vanity sink and teak storage cabinet. To ensure a bright cabin, there are two tinted deck hatches, along with a pair of heavy-duty opening portholes.

Our 2670 Isle Runner model was rigged with twin Evinrude E-TEC 150 hp outboards. Everyone on board was pleasantly surprised when the Lowrance GPS indicated 44.2 mph at wide-open throttle, two miles higher than previously recorded. While cruising at an easy 28.5 mph, each engine sipped 7.3 gallons of fuel per hour. Turns were flat and much wider than with a V-bottom, but once you get accustomed to this characteristic, it becomes a non-issue.

Glacier Bay has brought the ride, stability and comfort of a larger boat to the small boat market. Their 2670 is perfect for anyone who regularly cruises on choppy or unpredictable waters.

Specifications
Length: 26¡¯1¡±/7.9 m
Beam: 8¡¯ 9¡±/2.71 m
Draft (engine up): 18¡±/.45 m
Dry Weight: 4,800 lbs./2,177 kg
Water capacity: 22 gals./83 L
Waste capacity: 15 gals./68 L
Fuel capacity: 180 gal./681 L
Max hp: Twin Yamaha 150 hp
Base Price: $160,000 w/twin Yamaha F150s

Price Supplied by
Gordon Bay Marine, MacTier, Ontario (705) 375-2623 www.gordonbay.com (Page Top)