Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
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
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)