Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Glastron GT 185 Ski & Fish 2007 vs Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Glastron GT 185 Ski & Fish 2007 vs Glastron GXL 235 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 GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 measures 23,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Glastron GT 185 Ski & Fish 2007 at 18,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 tips the scales at 3 025 lbs — 710 lbs less than the Glastron GT 185 Ski & Fish 2007 at 2 315 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 270 hp, the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 has a 135-hp advantage over the Glastron GT 185 Ski & Fish 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 GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 carries 47 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Glastron GT 185 Ski & Fish 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: The Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 at 23,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Glastron GT 185 Ski & Fish 2007 at 18,0 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 Ski & Fish
ModelGXL 235 Bowrider
Model Year2007
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam88 in. (2.24 m)
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.24
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches88
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Depth - Detail44 in. (1.12 m) Cockpit: 28.5 in. (.72 m)
Depth - Detail53 in. (1.35 m) Cockpit: 37 in. (.94 m)
Depth - Centimeters111.76
Depth - Centimeters134.62
Depth - Inches44
Depth - Inches53
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (.79 m)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (.84 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail2,315 lbs. (1,050 kg) w/3.0 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - Detail3,025 lbs. (1,370 kg) w/5.0 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - kg1050.07
Weight - kg1372.12
Weight - lbs.2315
Weight - lbs.3025
Width [transom] - Detail86 in. (2.18 m)
Width [transom] - Detail98 in. (2.49 m)
Length - Meters5.61
Length - Meters7.01
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet23
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail23 ft. (7.01 m)
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches276
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard3.0 GL Volvo Penta
Engine/s standard5.0 GXi Volvo Penta
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail47 gal. (178 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Liters177.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Fuel tank capacity - Gal47
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max135 hp
Engine max270 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Maximum capacity1,650 lbs. (748 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader TRST 3000 (painted)
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader EXL 5200 (painted)