When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Glastron GLS 195 2011 and the Glastron GLS 255 2009 are deep vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Glastron GLS 255 2009 measures 25,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 5,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron GLS 195 2011 at 19,3 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GLS 195 2011 tips the scales at 2 915 lbs — 2 869 lbs more than the Glastron GLS 255 2009 at 46 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 GLS 195 2011 carries a rated maximum of 270 hp. Engine data for the Glastron GLS 255 2009 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron GLS 255 2009 carries 56 gallons versus 34 gallons in the Glastron GLS 195 2011. 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 GLS 255 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Glastron GLS 195 2011 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron GLS 255 2009 could be the deciding factor.