Glastron DX 215 2009 vs Glastron GXL 255 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Glastron DX 215 2009 or the Glastron GXL 255 2008?

The Glastron GXL 255 2008 is the longer of the two at 25,0 feet overall. The Glastron DX 215 2009 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 23,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron DX 215 2009 or the Glastron GXL 255 2008?

For trailering, the Glastron DX 215 2009 has the edge at 393 lbs dry weight versus 4 675 lbs for the Glastron GXL 255 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: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Glastron GXL 255 2008 has a documented max rating of 425 hp. Engine specifications for the Glastron DX 215 2009 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Glastron DX 215 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 255 2008 is certified for 7. 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 DX 215 2009 and Glastron GXL 255 2008 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 DX 215 2009 and Glastron GXL 255 2008?

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 DX 215 2009 and Glastron GXL 255 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Glastron DX 215 2009 and the Glastron GXL 255 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 DX 215 2009 vs Glastron GXL 255 2008

Glastron

Glastron DX 215 2009

2009

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Glastron

Glastron GXL 255 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Glastron DX 215 2009 vs Glastron GXL 255 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Glastron DX 215 2009 against a deep vee Glastron GXL 255 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Glastron GXL 255 2008 measures 25,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 23,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron DX 215 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GXL 255 2008 tips the scales at 4 675 lbs — 4 282 lbs less than the Glastron DX 215 2009 at 393 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 GXL 255 2008 tops out at 425 hp. Engine specs for the Glastron DX 215 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 56 gal and 56 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Glastron GXL 255 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Glastron DX 215 2009 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron GXL 255 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Glastron GXL 255 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Glastron DX 215 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeGlastron

ModelDX 215

ModelGXL 255

Model Year2009

Model Year2008

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. (0.72 m)

Depth - Detail57.5 in. (1.46 m) Cockpit: 37 in. (0.94 m)

Depth - Centimeters147.32

Depth - Inches57.5

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Inches3

Draft [max] - Inches34

Weight - Detail3,930 lbs. (1,783 kg)

Weight - Detail4,675 lbs. (2,120 kg) w/5.7 Gi Volvo Penta

Weight - kg1782.62

Weight - kg2120.54

Weight - lbs.393

Weight - lbs.4675

Width [transom] - Detail98 in. (2.49 m)

Length - Meters6.38

Length - Meters7.62

Length - Feet2

Length - Feet25

Length - Inches11

Length - Inchesnot available

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

Length overall - Detail25 ft. (7.62 m)

Length overall - Meters6.38

Length overall - Meters7.62

Length overall - Inches251

Length overall - Inches3

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard5.0 GXi Volvo Penta (270 hp)

Engine maxnot available

Engine max425 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (816 kg)

Maximum people1

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 5800T (painted)

Glastron DX 215 2009 vs Glastron GXL 255 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron DX 215 2009 or the Glastron GXL 255 2008?

The Glastron GXL 255 2008 is the longer of the two at 25,0 feet overall. The Glastron DX 215 2009 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 23,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron DX 215 2009 or the Glastron GXL 255 2008?

For trailering, the Glastron DX 215 2009 has the edge at 393 lbs dry weight versus 4 675 lbs for the Glastron GXL 255 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Glastron GXL 255 2008 has a documented max rating of 425 hp. Engine specifications for the Glastron DX 215 2009 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Glastron DX 215 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 255 2008 is certified for 7. 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 DX 215 2009 and Glastron GXL 255 2008 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 DX 215 2009 and Glastron GXL 255 2008?

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 DX 215 2009 and Glastron GXL 255 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Glastron DX 215 2009 and the Glastron GXL 255 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 DX 215 2009 full specs ← Glastron GXL 255 2008 full specs