Glastron DS 215 2011 vs Glastron GT 185 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Glastron DS 215 2011 or the Glastron GT 185 2008?

The Glastron DS 215 2011 is the longer of the two at 20,8 feet overall. The Glastron GT 185 2008 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 2,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron DS 215 2011 or the Glastron GT 185 2008?

For trailering, the Glastron DS 215 2011 has the edge at 36 lbs dry weight versus 2 315 lbs for the Glastron GT 185 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Glastron DS 215 2011 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron GT 185 2008 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 passengers can the Glastron DS 215 2011 carry?

The Glastron DS 215 2011 has an official capacity rating of 13 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Glastron DS 215 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 88" for the Glastron GT 185 2008. 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Glastron DS 215 2011 or the Glastron GT 185 2008?

The Glastron DS 215 2011 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Glastron GT 185 2008. That 33-gallon difference translates to roughly 99–165 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Glastron DS 215 2011 and Glastron GT 185 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Glastron DS 215 2011 and the Glastron GT 185 2008 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 2011 vs Glastron GT 185 2008

Glastron

Glastron DS 215 2011

2011

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Glastron

Glastron GT 185 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Glastron DS 215 2011 vs Glastron GT 185 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Glastron DS 215 2011 against a deep vee Glastron GT 185 2008 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Glastron DS 215 2011 at 20,8 ft versus Glastron GT 185 2008 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GT 185 2008 tips the scales at 2 315 lbs — 2 279 lbs less than the Glastron DS 215 2011 at 36 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 2011 has a 110-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 215 2011 carries 56 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 215 2011 is rated for up to 13 people. Passenger data for the Glastron GT 185 2008 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Glastron DS 215 2011 at 20,8 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

MakeGlastron

ModelDS 215

ModelGT 185

Model Year2011

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in. (2.59 m)

Beam88 in. (2.24 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.24

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches88

Deadrise16°

Deadrise21℃

Depth - Detail57.5 in. (1.46 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (0.72 m)

Depth - Detail44 in. (1.12 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (0.72 m)

Depth - Centimeters147.32

Depth - Centimeters111.76

Depth - Inches57.5

Depth - Inches44

Draft [drive up] - Detail14 in. (0.36 m)

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.36

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches14

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (0.76 m)

Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.79 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches3

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail3,600 lbs. (1,633 kg) with engine

Weight - Detail2,315 lbs. (1,050 kg) w/3.0 GL Volvo Penta

Weight - kg1632.93

Weight - kg1050.07

Weight - lbs.36

Weight - lbs.2315

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

Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)

Length - Feet20.83

Length - Feet18

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

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters6.38

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches251

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 typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMercury

Engine makenot available

Engine model5.0L MPI MerCruiser

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max300 hp

Engine max190 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard3.0 GL Volvo Penta (135 hp)

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,900 lbs. (862 kg)

Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)

Maximum people13 or 1,800 lbs. (816 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 9 in. (7.24 m)

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailEZ Loader GM 3000S (painted)

Glastron DS 215 2011 vs Glastron GT 185 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron DS 215 2011 or the Glastron GT 185 2008?

The Glastron DS 215 2011 is the longer of the two at 20,8 feet overall. The Glastron GT 185 2008 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 2,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron DS 215 2011 or the Glastron GT 185 2008?

For trailering, the Glastron DS 215 2011 has the edge at 36 lbs dry weight versus 2 315 lbs for the Glastron GT 185 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 2011 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron GT 185 2008 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 passengers can the Glastron DS 215 2011 carry?

The Glastron DS 215 2011 has an official capacity rating of 13 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Glastron DS 215 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 88" for the Glastron GT 185 2008. 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 2011 or the Glastron GT 185 2008?

The Glastron DS 215 2011 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Glastron GT 185 2008. That 33-gallon difference translates to roughly 99–165 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Glastron DS 215 2011 and Glastron GT 185 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Glastron DS 215 2011 and the Glastron GT 185 2008 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 2011 full specs ← Glastron GT 185 2008 full specs