Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Glastron GLS 235 2009 vs Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Glastron GLS 235 2009 vs Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 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 GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 at 18,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GLS 235 2009 tips the scales at 408 lbs — 135 lbs more than the Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 at 273 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 185 Bowrider 2007 tops out at 135 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 GXL 185 Bowrider 2007. 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 GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 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 GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 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
ModelGXL 185 Bowrider
Model Year2009
Model Year2007
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] - Detail29 in. (.74 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Inches33
Draft [max] - Inches29
Weight - Detail4,080 lbs. (1,851 kg)
Weight - Detail2,730 lbs. (1,240 kg) w/4.3 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - kg1850.66
Weight - kg1238.31
Weight - lbs.408
Weight - lbs.273
Width [transom] - Detail97 in. (2.46 m)
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Length - Meters7.24
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches9
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 9 in. (7.24 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Meters7.24
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches285
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
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
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard3.0 GL Volvo Penta
Engine maxnot available
Engine max135 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
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader TRST 3500 (painted)