Glastron GXL 255 2008 vs Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Glastron GXL 255 2008 or the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007?

The Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 is the longer of the two at 25,0 feet overall. The Glastron GXL 255 2008 comes in at 25,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron GXL 255 2008 or the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007?

For trailering, the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 has the edge at 4 675 lbs dry weight versus 4 675 lbs for the Glastron GXL 255 2008. 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 GXL 255 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron GXL 255 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Glastron GXL 255 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 is certified for 1. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Glastron GXL 255 2008 and Glastron GXL 255 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.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Glastron GXL 255 2008 and Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 56 gallons and 56 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 GXL 255 2008 and Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Glastron GXL 255 2008 and the Glastron GXL 255 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.

Boat Comparison

Glastron GXL 255 2008 vs Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007

Glastron

Glastron GXL 255 2008

2008

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Glastron

Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007

2007

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Glastron GXL 255 2008 vs Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Glastron GXL 255 2008 vs Glastron GXL 255 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 GXL 255 2008 at 25,0 ft versus Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 at 25,0 ft. At 4 675 lbs and 4 675 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 425 hp, the Glastron GXL 255 2008 has a 155-hp advantage over the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007's 270-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 56 gal and 56 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Glastron GXL 255 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Glastron GXL 255 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Glastron GXL 255 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeGlastron

ModelGXL 255

ModelGXL 255 Bowrider

Model Year2008

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise21℃

Depth - Detail57.5 in. (1.46 m) Cockpit: 37 in. (0.94 m)

Depth - Detail57.5 in. (1.46 m) Cockpit: 37 in. (.94 m)

Depth - Centimeters147.32

Depth - Inches57.5

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (.86 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Inches34

Weight - Detail4,675 lbs. (2,120 kg) w/5.7 Gi Volvo Penta

Weight - kg2120.54

Weight - lbs.4675

Width [transom] - Detail98 in. (2.49 m)

Length - Meters7.62

Length - Feet25

Length overall - Detail25 ft. (7.62 m)

Length overall - Meters7.62

Length overall - Inches3

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard5.0 GXi Volvo Penta (270 hp)

Engine/s standard5.0 GXi Volvo Penta

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max425 hp

Engine max270 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (816 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people1

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailEZ Loader GM 5800T (painted)

Trailer - DetailEZ Loader EXL 5800 (painted)

Glastron GXL 255 2008 vs Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Glastron GXL 255 2008 or the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007?

The Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 is the longer of the two at 25,0 feet overall. The Glastron GXL 255 2008 comes in at 25,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Glastron GXL 255 2008 or the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007?

For trailering, the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 has the edge at 4 675 lbs dry weight versus 4 675 lbs for the Glastron GXL 255 2008. 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 GXL 255 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Glastron GXL 255 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 GXL 255 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 is certified for 1. 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 GXL 255 2008 and Glastron GXL 255 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Glastron GXL 255 2008 and Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 56 gallons and 56 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 GXL 255 2008 and Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Glastron GXL 255 2008 and the Glastron GXL 255 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.

← Glastron GXL 255 2008 full specs ← Glastron GXL 255 Bowrider 2007 full specs