Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Glastron DS 215 2008 vs Glastron GTSF 185 2013: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Glastron DS 215 2008 is a modified-V design and the Glastron GTSF 185 2013 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 215 2008 at 20,0 ft versus Glastron GTSF 185 2013 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron DS 215 2008 tips the scales at 3 630 lbs - 1 230 lbs more than the Glastron GTSF 185 2013 at 2 400 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 DS 215 2008 carries a rated maximum of 300 hp. Engine data for the Glastron GTSF 185 2013 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron DS 215 2008 carries 56 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Glastron GTSF 185 2013. 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 GTSF 185 2013 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Glastron DS 215 2008 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron GTSF 185 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Glastron GTSF 185 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Glastron DS 215 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model Year2008
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam7 ft. 5 in. (2.26 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.26
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches89
Deadrise16℃
Deadrise20°
Depth - Detail57.5 in. (1.46 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (0.72 m)
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters147.32
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches57.5
Depth - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (0.76 m)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches30
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail3,630 lbs. (1,650 kg) w/5.0 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - Detail2,400 lbs. (1,090 kg)
Weight - kg1646.54
Weight - kg1088.62
Weight - lbs.3630
Weight - lbs.2400
Width [transom] - Detail96 in. (2.44 m)
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Length - Meters6.38
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet20
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches11
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 11 in. (6.38 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Meters6.38
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches251
Length overall - Inches216
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches17
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail4 ft. 10 in. (1.47 m)
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters1.47
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches58
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 - Detail24 gal. (91 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Drive typeI/O
Drive typenot available
Engine max300 hp
Engine maxnot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (816 kg)
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs. (544 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people8
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader GM 5200T (painted)
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 10 in. (6.65 m)
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Weight861 lbs. (390 kg)