Glastron GS 279 2006 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GS 279 2006
2006
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VS
Glastron MX 180 2012 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron MX 180 2012
2012
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Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron MX 180 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron MX 180 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 9,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron MX 180 2012 at 17,1 feet (2012). At 62 lbs and 15 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 320 hp, the Glastron GS 279 2006 has a 170-hp advantage over the Glastron MX 180 2012's 150-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 MX 180 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 MX 180 2012 at 17,1 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
ModelMX 18
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 - Detail43 in. (1.09 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (0.72 m)
Depth - Centimeters226.06
Depth - Centimeters109.22
Depth - Inches89
Depth - Inches43
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail28.5 in. (0.72 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Inches4
Draft [max] - Inches28.5
Weight - Detailw/ 5.0 GL Volvo Penta?: 6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - Detail1,500 lbs. (680 kg)
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg680.39
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.15
Width [transom] - Detail97 in. (2.46 m)
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet17.08
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 5 in. (8.36 m)
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 1 in. (5.21 m)
Length overall - Meters8.36
Length overall - Meters5.21
Length overall - Inches329
Length overall - Inches205
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 typeOutboard
Engine max320 hp
Engine max150 hp
Engine makenot available
Engine makeEvinrude
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelDSLSE
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower90 hp
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Operational Info
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (816 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people8 or 1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 6 in. (6.55 m)

Glastron GS 279 2006 vs Glastron MX 180 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron GS 279 2006 or the Glastron MX 180 2012?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Glastron MX 180 2012 comes in at 17,1 feet, making it roughly 9,9 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 MX 180 2012?
For trailering, the Glastron MX 180 2012 has the edge at 15 lbs dry weight versus 62 lbs for the Glastron GS 279 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.
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 MX 180 2012 tops out at 150 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 people can each boat hold?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Glastron MX 180 2012 is certified for 8. 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 88" for the Glastron MX 180 2012. 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 MX 180 2012?
The Glastron GS 279 2006 has the bigger tank at 72 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Glastron MX 180 2012. That 48-gallon difference translates to roughly 144–240 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Glastron GS 279 2006 and Glastron MX 180 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Glastron GS 279 2006 and the Glastron MX 180 2012 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.