Glastron GLS 235 2009 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GLS 235 2009
2009
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VS
Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007
2007
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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
MakeGlastron
MakeGlastron
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
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)

Glastron GLS 235 2009 vs Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron GLS 235 2009 or the Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007?
The Glastron GLS 235 2009 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron GLS 235 2009 or the Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007?
For trailering, the Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 has the edge at 273 lbs dry weight versus 408 lbs for the Glastron GLS 235 2009. 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 185 Bowrider 2007 has a documented max rating of 135 hp. Engine specifications for the Glastron GLS 235 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 GLS 235 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 is certified for 5. 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Glastron GLS 235 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 91" for the Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Glastron GLS 235 2009 or the Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007?
The Glastron GLS 235 2009 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 29 gallons on the Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007. That 27-gallon difference translates to roughly 81–135 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Glastron GLS 235 2009 and Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Glastron GLS 235 2009 and the Glastron GXL 185 Bowrider 2007 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.