Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 vs Glastron GT 205 Bowrider 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 vs Glastron GT 205 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 GT 185 SF 2011 measures 17,1 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 15,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron GT 205 Bowrider 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 tips the scales at 2 335 lbs — 2 057 lbs more than the Glastron GT 205 Bowrider 2007 at 278 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 220 hp, the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 has a 85-hp advantage over the Glastron GT 205 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 GT 205 Bowrider 2007 carries 35 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Glastron GT 205 Bowrider 2007 wasn't available.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Glastron GT 205 Bowrider 2007 comes in at 2 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 at 17,1 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Glastron GT 205 Bowrider 2007 at 2,0 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
ModelGT 185 SF
ModelGT 205 Bowrider
Model Year2011
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam88 in. (2.24 m)
Beam92 in. (2.33 m)
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Inches88
Beam - Inches92
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Depth - Detail44 in. (1.12 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (0.72 m) Maximum: 59 in. (1.5 m)
Depth - Detail43 in. (1.09 m) Cockpit: 29 in. (.74 m)
Depth - Centimeters149.86
Depth - Centimeters109.22
Depth - Inches59
Depth - Inches43
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (0.41 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches16
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.79 m)
Draft [max] - Detail31.5 in. (.80 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inches31.5
Weight - Detail2,335 lbs. (1,059 kg) with engine
Weight - Detail2,780 lbs. (1,260 kg) w/4.3 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - kg1059.14
Weight - kg1260.99
Weight - lbs.2335
Weight - lbs.278
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Length - Feet17.08
Length - Feet2
Length [over all with swim platform]18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]20 ft. 8 in. (6.30 m)
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 1 in. (5.21 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters5.21
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches205
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters6.3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches8
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeVolvo Penta
Engine makenot available
Engine model3.0 GL
Engine modelnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Fuel tank capacity - Gal35
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max220 hp
Engine max135 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard3.0 GL Volvo Penta
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Maximum capacity1,275 lbs. (578 kg)
Maximum people8 or 1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 10 in. (6.65 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader TRST 3000 (painted)