Glastron DS 215 2008 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron DS 215 2008
2008
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VS
Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GT 160 BR 2012
2012
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Glastron DS 215 2008 vs Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Glastron DS 215 2008 against a deep vee Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 measures 16,5 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 14,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron DS 215 2008 at 2,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron DS 215 2008 tips the scales at 363 lbs — 350 lbs more than the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 at 13 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 300 hp, the Glastron DS 215 2008 has a 185-hp advantage over the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012's 115-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 215 2008 carries 56 gallons versus 12 gallons in the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 6 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Glastron DS 215 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: The Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 at 16,5 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Glastron DS 215 2008 at 2,0 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
MakeGlastron
ModelDS 215
ModelGT 160 BR
Model Year2008
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam7 ft. (2.13 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches84
Deadrise16℃
Deadrise17℃
Depth - Detail57.5 in. (1.46 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (0.72 m)
Depth - DetailCockpit: 25 / 21 in. (0.63 / 0.53 m)
Depth - Centimeters147.32
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches57.5
Depth - Inches21
Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (0.76 m)
Draft [max] - Detail30.25 in. (0.76 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Inches3
Draft [max] - Inches30.25
Weight - Detail3,630 lbs. (1,650 kg) w/5.0 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - Detail1,300 lbs. (589 kg)
Weight - kg1646.54
Weight - kg589.67
Weight - lbs.363
Weight - lbs.13
Width [transom] - Detail96 in. (2.44 m)
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Length - Meters6.38
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet16.5
Length - Inches11
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 11 in. (6.38 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in. (5.03 m)
Length overall - Meters6.38
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Inches251
Length overall - Inches197
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
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 - Detail12 gal. (45 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters45.42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max300 hp
Engine max115 hp
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelELPTO Optimax
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower75 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (816 kg)
Maximum capacity1,590 lbs. (720 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people6
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader GM 5200T (painted)
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 6 in. (6.55 m)

Glastron DS 215 2008 vs Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron DS 215 2008 or the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012?
The Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 is the longer of the two at 16,5 feet overall. The Glastron DS 215 2008 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 14,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron DS 215 2008 or the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012?
For trailering, the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 has the edge at 13 lbs dry weight versus 363 lbs for the Glastron DS 215 2008. 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 DS 215 2008 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 tops out at 115 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 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 is certified for 6. 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.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 0 lbs per hp compared to 1 lbs per hp for the Glastron DS 215 2008. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Glastron DS 215 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 84" for the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Glastron DS 215 2008 or the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012?
The Glastron DS 215 2008 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 12 gallons on the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012. That 44-gallon difference translates to roughly 132–220 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Glastron DS 215 2008 and Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Glastron DS 215 2008 and the Glastron GT 160 BR 2012 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.