Both the Glastron DS 205 2013 and the Glastron GT 180 2012 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Glastron DS 205 2013 at 20,1 ft versus Glastron GT 180 2012 at 17,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron DS 205 2013 tips the scales at 2 900 lbs - 1 400 lbs more than the Glastron GT 180 2012 at 1 500 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 Glastron GT 180 2012 tops out at 150 hp. Engine specs for the Glastron DS 205 2013 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron DS 205 2013 carries 50 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Glastron GT 180 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Glastron DS 205 2013 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Glastron GT 180 2012 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron DS 205 2013 could be the deciding factor.