Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Glastron GLS 235 2009 vs Glastron GX 185 Ski & Fish 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Glastron GLS 235 2009 vs Glastron GX 185 Ski & Fish 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Glastron GLS 235 2009 measures 23,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron GX 185 Ski & Fish 2006 at 18,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GLS 235 2009 tips the scales at 408 lbs — 132 lbs more than the Glastron GX 185 Ski & Fish 2006 at 276 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 GX 185 Ski & Fish 2006 tops out at 225 hp. Engine specs for the Glastron GLS 235 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron GLS 235 2009 carries 56 gallons versus 29 gallons in the Glastron GX 185 Ski & Fish 2006. 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 235 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Glastron GX 185 Ski & Fish 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron GLS 235 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Glastron GLS 235 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Glastron GX 185 Ski & Fish 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelGLS 235
ModelGX 185 Ski & Fish
Model Year2009
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam91 in. (2.31 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches91
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Depth - Detail57 in. (1.45 m) Cockpit: 36 in. (0.91 m)
Depth - Detail43 in. (1.09 m) Cockpit: 29.5 in. (.75 m)
Depth - Centimeters144.78
Depth - Centimeters109.22
Depth - Inches57
Depth - Inches43
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (0.84 m)
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (.79 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches33
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detail4,080 lbs. (1,851 kg)
Weight - Detailw/ 4.3 GL Volvo Penta?: 2,760 lbs. (1,252 kg)
Weight - kg1850.66
Weight - kg1251.91
Weight - lbs.408
Weight - lbs.276
Width [transom] - Detail97 in. (2.46 m)
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Length - Meters7.24
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches9
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 9 in. (7.24 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Meters7.24
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches285
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal. (110 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78
Fuel tank capacity - Gal56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal29
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard3.0 GL Volvo Penta?
Engine maxnot available
Engine max225 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,650 lbs. (748 kg)
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs. (544 kg)
Maximum people12
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 10 in. (7.87 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available