Glastron GS 279 2006 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GS 279 2006
2006
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VS
Glastron GXL 205 2006 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GXL 205 2006
2006
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Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron GXL 205 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron GXL 205 2006 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 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron GXL 205 2006 at 19,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GXL 205 2006 tips the scales at 3 045 lbs — 2 983 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 320 hp for the Glastron GS 279 2006 and 315 hp for the Glastron GXL 205 2006. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Glastron GS 279 2006 carries 72 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Glastron GXL 205 2006. 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 GS 279 2006 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 205 2006 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron GS 279 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Glastron GS 279 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 27,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Glastron GXL 205 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeGlastron
MakeGlastron
ModelGS 279
ModelGXL 205
Model Year2006
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam96 in. (2.44 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches96
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise21℃
Depth - Detail89 in. (2.26 m) Cockpit: 36 in. (.91 m)
Depth - Detail45.75 in. (1.16 m) Cockpit: 32 in. (.81 m)
Depth - Centimeters226.06
Depth - Centimeters116.84
Depth - Inches89
Depth - Inches45.75
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail31.5 in. (.80 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Inches4
Draft [max] - Inches31.5
Weight - Detailw/ 5.0 GL Volvo Penta?: 6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - Detailw/ 5.0 GL Volvo Penta?: 3,045 lbs. (1,381 kg)
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg1381.19
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.3045
Width [transom] - Detail97 in. (2.46 m)
Width [transom] - Detail92 in. (2.34 m)
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet19
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches11
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 5 in. (8.36 m)
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 11 in. (6.07 m)
Length overall - Meters8.36
Length overall - Meters6.07
Length overall - Inches329
Length overall - Inches239
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard5.0 GXi Volvo Penta?
Engine/s standard5.0 GL Volvo Penta?
Fuel tank capacity - Detail72 gal. (273 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters272.55
Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49
Fuel tank capacity - Gal72
Fuel tank capacity - Gal35
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp
Engine max315 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,475 lbs. (669 kg)

Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron GXL 205 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron GS 279 2006 or the Glastron GXL 205 2006?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Glastron GXL 205 2006 comes in at 19,0 feet, making it roughly 8,0 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 GXL 205 2006?
For trailering, the Glastron GS 279 2006 has the edge at 62 lbs dry weight versus 3 045 lbs for the Glastron GXL 205 2006. 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 205 2006 is certified for 6. 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 GS 279 2006 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Glastron GXL 205 2006. 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 GXL 205 2006?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 has the bigger tank at 72 gallons, versus 35 gallons on the Glastron GXL 205 2006. That 37-gallon difference translates to roughly 111–185 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Glastron GS 279 2006 and Glastron GXL 205 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Glastron GS 279 2006 and the Glastron GXL 205 2006 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.