Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron GT 185 SF 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron GT 185 SF 2012 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 8,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron GT 185 SF 2012 at 18,4 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GT 185 SF 2012 tips the scales at 2 335 lbs — 2 273 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 100-hp advantage over the Glastron GT 185 SF 2012's 220-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 24 gallons in the Glastron GT 185 SF 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
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 SF 2012 at 18,4 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
ModelGS 279
ModelGT 185 SF
Model Year2006
Model Year2012
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. (0.72 m)
Depth - Centimeters226.06
Depth - Centimeters111.76
Depth - Inches89
Depth - Inches44
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.79 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 - Detail2,335 lbs. (1,059 kg)
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg1059.14
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.2335
Width [transom] - Detail97 in. (2.46 m)
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet18.42
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 5 in. (8.36 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Length overall - Meters8.36
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Inches329
Length overall - Inches221
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard5.0 GXi Volvo Penta?
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail72 gal. (273 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal. (91 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters272.55
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal72
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp
Engine max220 hp
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelnot available
Engine model3.0L MPI EC MerCruiser (WPS)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower135 hp
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people8 or 1,100 lbs. (499 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 10 in. (6.65 m)