When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Glastron GLS 255 2009 and the Glastron GTSF 180 2013 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 7,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron GTSF 180 2013 at 17,8 feet (2013). At 46 lbs and 22 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

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 GTSF 180 2013 caps at 8. 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.