Glastron GX 255 2006 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GX 255 2006
2006
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VS
Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 boat specs
Glastron
Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007
2007
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Glastron GX 255 2006 vs Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Glastron GX 255 2006 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Glastron GX 255 2006 at 25,0 ft versus Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Glastron GX 255 2006 tips the scales at 4 685 lbs — 1 660 lbs more than the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 at 3 025 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 375 hp, the Glastron GX 255 2006 has a 105-hp advantage over the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007's 270-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 GX 255 2006 carries 56 gallons versus 47 gallons in the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 7 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Glastron GX 255 2006 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 with its 270-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeGlastron
MakeGlastron
ModelGX 255
ModelGXL 235 Bowrider
Model Year2006
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Depth - Detail57.5 in. (1.46 m) Cockpit: 37 in. (.94 m)
Depth - Detail53 in. (1.35 m) Cockpit: 37 in. (.94 m)
Depth - Centimeters147.32
Depth - Centimeters134.62
Depth - Inches57.5
Depth - Inches53
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (.86 m)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (.84 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detailw/ 5.7 Gi Volvo Penta?: 4,685 lbs. (2,125 kg)
Weight - Detail3,025 lbs. (1,370 kg) w/5.0 GL Volvo Penta
Weight - kg2125.08
Weight - kg1372.12
Weight - lbs.4685
Weight - lbs.3025
Width [transom] - Detail98 in. (2.49 m)
Width [transom] - Detail98 in. (2.49 m)
Length - Feet25
Length - Feet23
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 0 in. (7.62 m)
Length overall - Detail23 ft. (7.01 m)
Length overall - Meters7.62
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Inches3
Length overall - Inches276
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.01
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard5.0 GXi Volvo Penta?
Engine/s standard5.0 GXi Volvo Penta
Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail47 gal. (178 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters177.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal47
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max375 hp
Engine max270 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (816 kg)
Maximum capacity1,650 lbs. (748 kg)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailEZ Loader EXL 5200 (painted)

Glastron GX 255 2006 vs Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron GX 255 2006 or the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007?
The Glastron GX 255 2006 is the longer of the two at 25,0 feet overall. The Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron GX 255 2006 or the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007?
For trailering, the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 has the edge at 3 025 lbs dry weight versus 4 685 lbs for the Glastron GX 255 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 GX 255 2006 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 tops out at 270 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 GX 255 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 is certified for 7. 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Glastron GX 255 2006 and Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 share an 102 in. (2.59 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Glastron GX 255 2006 or the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007?
The Glastron GX 255 2006 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 47 gallons on the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Glastron GX 255 2006 and Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Glastron GX 255 2006 and the Glastron GXL 235 Bowrider 2007 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.