Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 vs Glastron SX 175 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 or the Glastron SX 175 2006?

The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 is the longer of the two at 17,1 feet overall. The Glastron SX 175 2006 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 0,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 or the Glastron SX 175 2006?

For trailering, the Glastron SX 175 2006 has the edge at 2 335 lbs dry weight versus 2 335 lbs for the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 is rated to a maximum of 220 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron SX 175 2006 tops out at 190 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Glastron SX 175 2006 is certified for 5. 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.

Q: Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?

The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 11 lbs per hp compared to 12 lbs per hp for the Glastron SX 175 2006. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 and Glastron SX 175 2006 share an 88 in. (2.24 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 and Glastron SX 175 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 23 gallons and 23 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 and Glastron SX 175 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 and the Glastron SX 175 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.

Boat Comparison

Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 vs Glastron SX 175 2006

Glastron

Glastron GT 185 SF 2011

2011

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Glastron

Glastron SX 175 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 vs Glastron SX 175 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 vs Glastron SX 175 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 at 17,1 ft versus Glastron SX 175 2006 at 17,0 ft. At 2 335 lbs and 2 335 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 220 hp, the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 has a 30-hp advantage over the Glastron SX 175 2006's 190-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 23 gal and 23 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Glastron SX 175 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Glastron SX 175 2006. 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: Choose the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 17,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Glastron SX 175 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeGlastron

ModelGT 185 SF

ModelSX 175

Model Year2011

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam88 in. (2.24 m)

Beam - Meters2.24

Beam - Inches88

Deadrise21℃

Depth - Detail44 in. (1.12 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (0.72 m) Maximum: 59 in. (1.5 m)

Depth - Detail44 in. (1.12 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (.72 m)

Depth - Centimeters149.86

Depth - Centimeters111.76

Depth - Inches59

Depth - Inches44

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 in. (.79 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail2,335 lbs. (1,059 kg) with engine

Weight - Detailw/ 3.0 GL Volvo Penta?: 2,335 lbs. (1,059 kg)

Weight - kg1059.14

Weight - lbs.2335

Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)

Length - Feet17.08

Length - Feet17

Length [over all with swim platform]18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 1 in. (5.21 m)

Length overall - Meters5.21

Length overall - Inches205

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

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 - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Engine max220 hp

Engine max190 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard3.0 GL Volvo Penta?

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 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

Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 vs Glastron SX 175 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 or the Glastron SX 175 2006?

The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 is the longer of the two at 17,1 feet overall. The Glastron SX 175 2006 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 0,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 or the Glastron SX 175 2006?

For trailering, the Glastron SX 175 2006 has the edge at 2 335 lbs dry weight versus 2 335 lbs for the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011. 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 GT 185 SF 2011 is rated to a maximum of 220 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron SX 175 2006 tops out at 190 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 GT 185 SF 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Glastron SX 175 2006 is certified for 5. 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?

The Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 11 lbs per hp compared to 12 lbs per hp for the Glastron SX 175 2006. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 and Glastron SX 175 2006 share an 88 in. (2.24 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 and Glastron SX 175 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 23 gallons and 23 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 and Glastron SX 175 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 and the Glastron SX 175 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.

← Glastron GT 185 SF 2011 full specs ← Glastron SX 175 2006 full specs