Glastron GS 279 2006 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GS 279 2006
2006
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VS
Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007
2007
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Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron GT 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 GS 279 2006 measures 27,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 9,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 at 18,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 tips the scales at 2 315 lbs — 2 253 lbs less than the Glastron GS 279 2006 at 62 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 320 hp, the Glastron GS 279 2006 has a 185-hp advantage over the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron GS 279 2006 carries 72 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Glastron GS 279 2006 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Glastron GS 279 2006 at 27,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 at 18,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeGlastron
MakeGlastron
ModelGS 279
ModelGT 185 Bowrider
Model Year2006
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam88 in. (2.24 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches88
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise21℃
Depth - Detail89 in. (2.26 m) Cockpit: 36 in. (.91 m)
Depth - Detail44 in. (1.12 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (.72 m)
Depth - Centimeters226.06
Depth - Centimeters111.76
Depth - Inches89
Depth - Inches44
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (.79 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches4
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detailw/ 5.0 GL Volvo Penta?: 6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - Detail2,315 lbs. (1,050 kg) w/3.0 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg1050.07
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.2315
Width [transom] - Detail97 in. (2.46 m)
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches5
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 5 in. (8.36 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters8.36
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches329
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters5.61
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard5.0 GXi Volvo Penta?
Engine/s standard3.0 GL Volvo Penta
Fuel tank capacity - Detail72 gal. (273 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters272.55
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal72
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp
Engine max135 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader TRST 3000 (painted)

Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron GS 279 2006 or the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 9,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron GS 279 2006 or the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007?
For trailering, the Glastron GS 279 2006 has the edge at 62 lbs dry weight versus 2 315 lbs for the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007. 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 tops out at 135 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many passengers can the Glastron GS 279 2006 carry?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 has an official capacity rating of 8 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 measures 102" wide, compared to 88" for the Glastron GT 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 GS 279 2006 or the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 has the bigger tank at 72 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007. That 49-gallon difference translates to roughly 147–245 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Glastron GS 279 2006 and Glastron GT 185 Bowrider 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Glastron GS 279 2006 and the Glastron GT 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.