Both the Glastron GLS 255 2011 and the Glastron GT 209 2009 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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 2011 measures 25,3 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 5,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron GT 209 2009 at 20,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GLS 255 2011 tips the scales at 4 600 lbs - 1 768 lbs more than the Glastron GT 209 2009 at 2 832 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 GLS 255 2011 carries a rated maximum of 400 hp. Engine data for the Glastron GT 209 2009 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron GLS 255 2011 carries 56 gallons versus 45 gallons in the Glastron GT 209 2009. 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 255 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Glastron GT 209 2009 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 2011 could be the deciding factor.