Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 vs Glastron GLS 255 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 or the Glastron GLS 255 2011?

The Glastron GLS 255 2011 is the longer of the two at 25,3 feet overall. The Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 5,3 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 or the Glastron GLS 255 2011?

For trailering, the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 has the edge at 3 670 lbs dry weight versus 4 600 lbs for the Glastron GLS 255 2011. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Glastron GLS 255 2011 is rated to a maximum of 400 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 tops out at 190 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Glastron GLS 255 2011 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 and Glastron GLS 255 2011 share an 102 in. (2.59 m) beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 and Glastron GLS 255 2011?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 56 gallons and 56 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 and Glastron GLS 255 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 and the Glastron GLS 255 2011 are built by Glastron. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 vs Glastron GLS 255 2011

Glastron

Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007

2007

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Glastron

Glastron GLS 255 2011

2011

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 vs Glastron GLS 255 2011: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 vs Glastron GLS 255 2011 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Glastron GLS 255 2011 measures 25,3 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 5,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 at 20,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GLS 255 2011 tips the scales at 4 600 lbs - 930 lbs less than the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 at 3 670 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 400 hp, the Glastron GLS 255 2011 has a 210-hp advantage over the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007's 190-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 56 gal and 56 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 12 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Glastron GLS 255 2011 at 25,3 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 at 20,0 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

MakeGlastron

ModelDS 215 Deck Boat

ModelGLS 255

Model Year2007

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise21℃

Depth - Detail57.5 in. (1.46 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (.72 m)

Depth - Detail59.5 in. (1.51 m) Cockpit: 36 in. (0.91 m) Maximum: 72.5 in. (1.84 m)

Depth - Centimeters147.32

Depth - Centimeters185.42

Depth - Inches57.5

Depth - Inches72.5

Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (.76 m)

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Inches30

Draft [max] - Inches34

Weight - Detail3,670 lbs. (1,665 kg) w/5.0 GXi Volvo Penta

Weight - Detail4,600 lbs. (2,087 kg) with engine

Weight - kg1664.68

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - lbs.3670

Weight - lbs.4600

Width [transom] - Detail96 in. (2.44 m)

Width [transom] - Detail97 in. (2.46 m)

Length - Meters6.38

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet20

Length - Feet25.33

Length - Inches11

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 11 in. (6.38 m)

Length overall - Detail25 ft. 4 in. (7.72 m)

Length overall - Meters6.38

Length overall - Meters7.72

Length overall - Inches251

Length overall - Inches304

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail18.5 in. (0.47 m)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.48

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches18.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard4.3 GL Volvo Penta

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max190 hp

Engine max400 hp

Engine makenot available

Engine makeVolvo Penta

Engine modelnot available

Engine model5.7 GXi

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (816 kg)

Maximum capacity2,000 lbs. (907 kg)

Maximum people12

Maximum people12 or 1,800 lbs. (816 kg)

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailEZ Loader EXL 5200 (painted)

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)

Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 vs Glastron GLS 255 2011 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 or the Glastron GLS 255 2011?

The Glastron GLS 255 2011 is the longer of the two at 25,3 feet overall. The Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 5,3 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer - the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 or the Glastron GLS 255 2011?

For trailering, the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 has the edge at 3 670 lbs dry weight versus 4 600 lbs for the Glastron GLS 255 2011. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Glastron GLS 255 2011 is rated to a maximum of 400 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 tops out at 190 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Glastron GLS 255 2011 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 and Glastron GLS 255 2011 share an 102 in. (2.59 m) beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 and Glastron GLS 255 2011?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 56 gallons and 56 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 and Glastron GLS 255 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 and the Glastron GLS 255 2011 are built by Glastron. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Glastron DS 215 Deck Boat 2007 full specs ← Glastron GLS 255 2011 full specs