Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Glastron DS 205 DB 2012 vs Glastron GT 185 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Glastron DS 205 DB 2012 is a modified-V design and the Glastron GT 185 2008 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Glastron DS 205 DB 2012 at 20,1 ft versus Glastron GT 185 2008 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron DS 205 DB 2012 tips the scales at 2 900 lbs - 585 lbs more than the Glastron GT 185 2008 at 2 315 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 270 hp, the Glastron DS 205 DB 2012 has a 80-hp advantage over the Glastron GT 185 2008's 190-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron DS 205 DB 2012 carries 50 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Glastron GT 185 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Glastron DS 205 DB 2012 is rated for up to 10 people. Passenger data for the Glastron GT 185 2008 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Glastron DS 205 DB 2012 at 20,1 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Glastron GT 185 2008 at 18,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking - a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
ModelDS 205 DB
ModelGT 185
Model Year2012
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam88 in. (2.24 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches88
Deadrise17°
Deadrise21℃
Depth - Detail50.5 in. (1.28 m) Cockpit: 35 in. (0.89 m)
Depth - Detail44 in. (1.12 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (0.72 m)
Depth - Centimeters129.54
Depth - Centimeters111.76
Depth - Inches50.5
Depth - Inches44
Draft [max] - Detail28 in. (0.71 m)
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.79 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.71
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches28
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detail2,900 lbs. (1,315 kg)
Weight - Detail2,315 lbs. (1,050 kg) w/3.0 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - kg1315.42
Weight - kg1050.07
Weight - lbs.2900
Weight - lbs.2315
Width [transom] - Detail94 in. (2.39 m)
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Length - Feet20.08
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in. (6.12 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters6.12
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches241
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters5.61
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches5
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makenot available
Engine model4.3L MPI EC MerCruiser
Engine modelnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal50
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Horsepower220 hp
Horsepowernot available
Engine max270 hp
Engine max190 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard3.0 GL Volvo Penta (135 hp)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,400 lbs. (635 kg)
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Maximum people10 or 1,400 lbs. (635 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 5 in. (7.14 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader GM 3000S (painted)