WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2001-06-14 15:00:00 | 198 views |
Comments

Uncompromised performance highlights this ride.
Click on the link below to view the boat video shot during the
WaterSki Magazine 2001 Boat Test.

Keep in mind that these are Mpeg videos and if you are running a
slow connection speed, the video might skip on the initial play.
Just hit the play button after your initial viewing and the video
should play without interruption the second time around -
Enjoy!
Gekko GTR 22 Video
WSM: Why would anyone want this boat as opposed to the
GTO?
Gekko: They are the same boat except for the deck design. The GTR
is a step-over and the GTO is a walkthrough. What we find is the
GTR buyers have owned inboards before, so they don?t have a problem
with the step-over. What they like about the GTR is that behind the
windshield it?s like a closed-bow boat. You have a much larger
observer?s seat, a cooler in the deck, more under-deck storage, and
it?s warmer in cold climates. The GTR has the advantage of
closed-bow storage with open bow roominess.

How does this stack up against some of the other three-event
boats on the marketplace?
From a performance standpoint, it is always rated high. It?s been
the best tracking towboat, with world-class wakes at all speeds and
line lengths and little or no chine spray. From a user-friendliness
perspective, you have a low step-over to the back for easy access,
a huge swim platform ? and once you get used to it you?ll probably
prefer it because there is no wood and no maintenance. It?s wide ?
the widest direct-drive out there, so it?s stable and also has a
ton of interior room. On the bottom of the boat, it has a radical
hull design and a sharp forward deep keel, so it is great in rough
water.
The bottom design also channels a lot more water underneath the
boat, giving us quick starts and eliminating chine spray. Some
buyers are way into the performance side, and I think we have a
real strong story there. Others are into the user-friendliness
side, and we have a strong story there as well. Our cockpit, too,
seems to be a strong point. The gauges are easy to read, they are
all in the right spot, it?s easy to operate the throttle ? from an
ergonomics standpoint, we?ve tried hard to make everything work
because we are all hardcore users, too.

What would you consider the strongest features of the GTR
22?
We feel strongly about the performance, quality and value.
Performance-wise this boat is at the top of the heap. It?s always
been rated as a world-class tow boat. There is never an issue with
the performance of the Gekko GTR. Regarding quality, we spec the
best materials, best gelcoats and it is 100-percent hand laminated.
We use a carbon graphite, reinforced, tricked-out aerospace
construction, so we know that process works. The GTR also has a
full featured dash board with electronic speedos. From a value
standpoint, a guy can get into the GTR 22 with a Scorpion motor, a
tandem-axle trailer and all the tricked-out stuff for approximately
$30,000, so the value is outstanding.

On the Water
Performance
Top speed 43.7 mph, 5,200 rpm
Accel. to 36 6.28 sec.
Accel. to 30 to 36 2.5 sec.
Noise levels (db)
Idle 64 D, 67 R
36 mph 91 D, 104 R

Comments
For the skier who wants value and performance, the GTR-22 should be
checked out. A relatively strong hole-shot with soft, manageable
wakes at all line lengths and speeds allows this model to boast
attention when it pulls up to the starting dock. Once again Gekko
maintains its high standard for tracking ability and this is a
great boat to drive for the beginning slalom course driver.
Tracking 1
Spray 1

Chill Factor
The low-profile transom allows for an easy step-over from the
cockpit to platform. The extra-wide observer?s seat can hold three
people comfortably, and there?s an in-dash cooler, which is
convenient for quick soda refills. The GTR has a fairly wide beam,
allowing the cockpit to have good room side to side.

Summary
Gekko is one company that has remembered boats are supposed to be
fun without giving an inch in behind-the-boat performance. The GTR
is a rocketship from the helmsman?s perspective. From acceleration
to cornering, the Gekko comes to life with the best of them. Skiers
get the benefit of outstanding tracking and butter-soft wakes
thanks to the hull chines, which channel water back under the boat.
It also features an extremely deep vee entry to soften up the ride
in rougher water. For hardcore skiers who need a little room on
board to stretch out, the Gekko?s extra width, large storage areas,
giant platform and rear bench that converts to a sundeck all give a
feeling of roominess – especially for a boat that can give slalom
skiers PB?s.

Scale: 1 World class, 2 Tournament quality, 3 Suitable for
experts, 4 Suitable for advanced recreational use, 5 Suitable for
recreational use.

Contact Information
Gekko Sports
PO Box 555
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: 612-226-6900
Fax: 612-226-6901
Web: www.gekkosports.com