When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Glastron GLS 215 2013 and the Glastron SSV 170 2011 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 215 2013 measures 21,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 4,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron SSV 170 2011 at 16,9 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GLS 215 2013 tips the scales at 333 lbs — 321 lbs more than the Glastron SSV 170 2011 at 12 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 SSV 170 2011 tops out at 115 hp. Engine specs for the Glastron GLS 215 2013 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron SSV 170 2011 carries 23 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Glastron GLS 215 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 SSV 170 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Glastron GLS 215 2013 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron SSV 170 2011 could be the deciding factor.