Best Glastron Boat Models (Ranked) in 2027

1. Glastron GTD 245

The GTD 245 ranks first because it is the only Glastron that handles cruising, watersports, and open water without compromise. The 24-foot, 7-inch hull rides an 8-foot, 6-inch beam, seats up to 12, and takes Volvo Penta sterndrive power to roughly 380 horsepower. Two consoles, a walk-through windshield, an enclosed head under the port console, and a ski locker come standard. New pricing runs about $78,000 to $92,000.

This is the boat for families on lakes with real fetch and afternoon chop, where freeboard stops being a spec and starts being comfort. It trades away easy towing, cheap storage, and fuel economy — a tandem trailer will not fit a standard suburban garage. Against the GTS 245 below it, the GTD costs substantially more new but holds resale better, because dual-consoles are the fastest-moving segment on the used market.

2. Glastron GT 205

The GT 205 ranks second as the best value in the lineup and the smartest total-cost buy. A 2014-2019 example trades at $22,000 to $32,000: 20 feet, 6 inches on an 8-foot, 1-inch beam, 200 to 280 horsepower, seating about eight. It rides the SSV hull with a Volvo Penta V6 sterndrive common enough that any marina in the country stocks parts. Fleet operators default to this hull for exactly that reason.

This suits first-time owners, families of four to six, and anyone towing with a midsize SUV on protected water. It gives up the freeboard and enclosed head that make the GTD 245 above it a genuine open-water boat. What it returns is a boat that actually gets used — easy to launch single-handed, cheap to service, and liquid at resale when you sell.

3. Glastron GT 225

The GT 225 ranks third on cockpit space and freeboard for mid-tier money. A 2008-2013 boat runs $24,000 to $34,000 at 22 feet, 4 inches with 260 to 320 horsepower, cruising in the mid-40s. It gets more usable cockpit and higher sides than the 20-footers without crossing into flagship tow weight or storage cost. The SSV hull's deeper forefoot keeps the ride dry when a breeze comes up.

Buyers stepping up from an 18-footer who want watersports capability and adult-comfortable seating land here. It costs more per season to store and feed than the GT 205 above it, and the older build years mean transom condition matters more than the badge. Against the GT 229 below, the 225 gives up top-end speed but keeps the ubiquitous small-block drivetrain that any marine tech can service.

4. Glastron GTS 207

The GTS 207 ranks fourth because it is the accessible new boat — a warranty instead of question marks. Pricing runs roughly $48,000 to $58,000 for a 20-foot, 7-inch hull on a beam near 8 feet, 2 inches, with Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrives in the 250 to 300 horsepower band. A flip-up transom lounge and digital gauges come standard. Nothing about the transom, stringers, or engine hours is unknown.

This is for the first-time owner who does not want to learn moisture-meter readings before buying. The trade is blunt: you pay roughly double a clean used GT 205 for the same footprint and similar power, and you absorb the steepest years of depreciation. Buyers who can read a survey and inspect bellows get more boat per dollar one rank above.

5. Glastron GTS 245

The GTS 245 ranks fifth as near-flagship space at used-boat money. A 2015-2020 example lands at $42,000 to $58,000 on the same 24-foot, 7-inch footprint as the GTD, with power up to about 350 horsepower. That buys the freeboard, cockpit volume, and open-water confidence of the top pick for roughly half of new-flagship pricing. The hull and deck on a covered-storage boat should run 20 to 30 years.

This fits buyers who want the big-water capability but will not pay $80,000-plus for it. Base trims lack the enclosed head that defines the GTD 245 at rank one, and you inherit whatever the previous owner did or skipped. Storage, tow vehicle, and fuel burn are identical to the flagship, so the size penalty is unchanged — only the purchase price moves.

6. Glastron GTS 187

The GTS 187 ranks sixth by splitting the difference in the small-boat tier. A 2012-2016 boat runs $18,000 to $26,000 at 18 feet, 7 inches with roughly 200 to 260 horsepower. The slightly wider beam over the 18-foot, 6-inch boats below it produces a more usable bow that adults can actually sit in for a full afternoon. It stays light enough to tow with a midsize SUV and launch single-handed.

This is the pick for small protected lakes and reservoirs where a 300-acre no-wake limit makes freeboard irrelevant. It gets busy in real chop, and the shallower forefoot means an afternoon breeze is noticeable within twenty minutes. Compared to the GT 205 three ranks up, the 187 saves several thousand dollars and a class of tow vehicle, at the cost of open-water capability.

7. Glastron GT 185

The GT 185 ranks seventh as the cheapest safe path into a modern Glastron. A 2010-2014 boat sits at $14,000 to $22,000 — 18 feet, 6 inches on a 7-foot, 6-inch beam, with 135 to 220 horsepower. Light enough for a midsize tow vehicle, frugal on fuel, and launchable without a second person. A GT 185 with documented service history is genuinely worth more than a GT 225 with a soft transom.

This fits couples and small families on protected water who want low annual holding cost above all else. The 7-foot, 6-inch beam is the compromise: bow seating is tight for adults and the boat gets busy the moment chop builds. Against the GTS 187 above, the 185 saves roughly $4,000 and gives up bow usability and a meaningful slice of horsepower ceiling.

8. Glastron MX 185

The MX 185 ranks eighth for a specific reason: its flatter aft running surface was built for tubing. A 2007-2011 boat runs $13,000 to $20,000 at 18 feet, 6 inches on a 7-foot, 6-inch beam, with 190 to 270 horsepower — more power than the GT 185 at similar money. The flatter surface gives a stable platform for tubing and beginner skiing behind a boat that a half-ton pickup barely notices.

This is for families whose weekends are tube pulls and first-time skiers, not cruising. That flat aft section trades away the SSV hull's dry, planted ride, so chop is felt harder than on the GT 185 above. Nothing in the MX line approaches a purpose-built surf boat's wake — buyers who want a real surf wave should shop that category directly rather than expect a runabout to approximate it.

9. Glastron GX 205

The GX 205 ranks ninth as the lowest-cost entry to a real 20-footer. A 2003-2007 example is the floor of the market at $9,000 to $16,000 — 20 feet, 6 inches on an 8-foot beam, with 190 to 260 horsepower. The buy-in is roughly half of a GT 205 for a nearly identical footprint. A well-kept GX 205 that lived on a lift under cover will outperform a neglected GT 225 in practice.

This suits buyers who can inspect a transom, read gear oil, and budget for a drive rebuild. A twenty-plus-year-old hull is a condition purchase, not a model purchase — the price band is wide because the boats inside it are wildly different. Commission a survey, tap the transom for the dull thud that means wet core, and expect the outdrive to be near or past the 1,000 to 1,500 hour service window.

10. Glastron GT 229

The GT 229 ranks last because its strength narrows its buyer. A 2009-2013 boat runs $26,000 to $38,000 at 22 feet, 9 inches, available to roughly 350 to 375 horsepower and capable of low-to-mid-50-mph runs. That top end comes from high-output big-block power, which narrows service options and widens parts bills relative to the ubiquitous 4.3-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 packages the rest of the lineup uses.

This fits owners who genuinely want speed and have a tech who knows the engine. It costs more to feed than anything else here and sits longer at resale — niche high-horsepower trims are the illiquid end of the used market, and that spread often exceeds the original price difference. The GT 225 above it costs less, cruises in the mid-40s, and sells in a week.

How we ranked these

Ranking weighted six factors against a ten-year ownership cost: hull integrity and lamination era first, since a soft transom converts a $25,000 boat into a $10,000 boat overnight. Then SSV hull behavior in real chop, sterndrive commonality (4.3L V6 and 5.0L V8 packages any marine tech can service), resale liquidity by segment, layout versatility, and tow-vehicle plus storage burden. Condition scored before model badge in every case.

Deliberately ignored: top speed numbers, showroom seating counts, and brand cachet. Speed matters to a narrow slice of buyers and the GT 229's big-block advantage costs more in fuel and narrowed service options than it returns. Seating counts are trivially countable and therefore overweighted, while usable dry storage and adult bow comfort decide whether a boat gets used. Cachet moves nothing at a boat ramp.

What to look for

What actually matters is the match between hull family and your water. A GTD 245 earns its freeboard on eight miles of open fetch with afternoon chop; on a 300-acre no-wake reservoir it only adds fuel burn, ramp difficulty, and covered storage cost. Check tow rating and garage clearance before shortlisting. Then rank the individual hull: transom soundness, stringer condition, drivetrain hours, and documented service beat the model badge every time.

The common mistake is buying the biggest Glastron affordable, then storing it uncovered in a side yard. That produces the gelcoat oxidation and vinyl rot that tank resale, and the boat gets used less because launching is a chore. Second mistake: declining a survey above roughly $20,000 to save a few hundred. A surveyor finding transom moisture either kills the deal or moves the price — both pay for themselves.

Related questions

Which Glastron is best for a first-time boat owner?

The GTS 207 if you want a factory warranty and no unknowns, at roughly $48,000-$58,000 new. A well-documented used GT 205 is the lower total-cost path at $22,000-$32,000. Both tow easily behind a midsize truck, use ubiquitous sterndrive packages any marina can service, and forgive docking mistakes.

Is a 24-foot Glastron too much boat for a small lake?

Usually yes. The extra freeboard and power on a GTD 245 or GTS 245 only pay off in chop and open water. On a small protected lake you inherit higher fuel burn, a longer rig to back down a crowded ramp, and meaningfully higher storage cost without gaining capability you will actually use.

How many hours is too many on a used Glastron?

Hours matter less than distribution and records. A 700-hour boat with annual service history beats a 250-hour boat that sat unused for years, because sitting kills bellows, impellers, and fuel systems. Plan on major sterndrive service or replacement somewhere in the 1,000-1,500 hour window regardless of model.

Can I finance a 15-year-old Glastron?

Often yes, though terms tighten sharply with age and many lenders require a marine survey before funding. Older hulls typically draw shorter terms and higher rates than late-model boats. Check financing availability before you commit to a specific model year — a GX 205 that pencils in cash may not pencil financed.

Why does the GT 205 win best value over the GT 225?

Volume and parts availability. The GT 205 is common enough that any marina in the country stocks parts, and its Volvo Penta V6 is one of the most documented sterndrives built. At $22,000-$32,000 versus $24,000-$34,000, the GT 225 adds cockpit and freeboard but not proportional capability on protected water.

Is the GT 229 worth the premium over other Glastrons?

Only for a narrow buyer. The 22-foot, 9-inch performance variant runs low-to-mid-50s with big-block power at $26,000-$38,000 used. But high-output variants narrow your service options, widen parts bills, and sit longer on the used market. Niche high-horsepower trims are the least liquid boats in the lineup.

How does Glastron compare to Sea Ray or Chaparral?

Glastron's historical argument is price-to-size: more boat per dollar, particularly used, traded against interior finish and brand cachet. Sea Ray, Chaparral, Bayliner, and Four Winns all compete directly in the 18-to-24-foot fiberglass runabout space. The discount cuts both ways — it helps you buy and follows you at sale time.

Should I consider an outboard runabout instead?

Worth weighing seriously if you plan a fifteen-year hold and do your own maintenance. Sterndrives give a clean transom, usable swim platform, and strong low-end ski torque, but add bellows, gimbal bearings, and a through-transom penetration that is the most common source of expensive water intrusion. Outboards trade transom space for simpler service.

FAQ

Are Glastron boats good for saltwater?

They are built primarily for freshwater. Occasional coastal trips work with proper corrosion protection and a disciplined freshwater flush plus hardware rinse after every outing. Sustained saltwater duty punishes sterndrives far harder than it punishes the hull, so budget for more frequent drive service if you run coastal water regularly.

What is the most reliable Glastron engine?

Glastron pairs with Volvo Penta and Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives, and the 4.3-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 packages are the reliability sweet spot. The V6 balances power and longevity on lighter hulls; the V8 adds torque for heavier boats and bigger loads. Maintenance history predicts reliability far better than which of the two you pick.

How long do Glastron boats last?

With covered storage and regular service, hull and deck can run 20-30 years or more. The engine and outdrive are the limiting components, needing major service or replacement around 1,000-1,500 hours. That gap between hull life and drivetrain life is why a repowered older boat can be a genuinely smart buy.

What is the best Glastron for watersports?

The GT 205 and GT 225 are the popular picks, thanks to the SSV hull and adequate torque for pulls. The MX 185's flatter aft running surface gives a stable platform for tubing and beginner skiing. None competes with a dedicated wake or surf boat, so expect casual watersports rather than serious wake sports.

Do Glastron boats hold their value?

Reasonably well, with the GTD dual-consoles and clean mid-size bowriders holding best. Expect roughly 40-60% depreciation over a ten-year hold. Condition, engine hours, and documented maintenance move the actual figure far more than the badge does, so a well-kept mid-tier boat often beats a neglected flagship at resale.

What should I look for when buying a used Glastron?

Check the transom and stringers for soft or wet fiberglass, review engine hours and service records, and cycle the outdrive listening for gimbal noise while inspecting bellows folds for cracks. Then inspect the trailer's tires, bearings, and brakes. On anything over about $20,000, commission a professional marine survey before closing.

How do I check a Glastron transom for rot?

Tap along the transom and listen for the dull thud that replaces a sharp knock when the core is wet. Probe the bilge for soft or punky glass. Check trim-cylinder mounting points for stress cracks and the outdrive for any downward sag. Transom and stringer rot is the costliest common repair here.

What does a Glastron cost to own annually?

Winterization and shrink-wrap, covered versus uncovered storage, trailer tires and bearings, annual bellows and impeller service, insurance, and fuel on a 350-horsepower V8 at cruise. On a mid-size Glastron those routinely total a four-figure annual number before a single repair. New owners should also budget registration, cover, and safety gear up front.

Is the GX 205 a smart budget entry?

It is the lowest-cost path into a real 20-footer at $9,000-$16,000 — 20-foot, 6-inch on an 8-foot beam with 190-260 horsepower. The caveat is that a twenty-plus-year-old hull is a condition purchase, not a model purchase. A well-kept GX 205 genuinely outranks a neglected GT 225 in practice.

What's the difference between the GT, GTS, and GTD lines?

GT covers the core bowriders, GTS the sport bowriders, and GTD the dual-consoles. Bowriders maximize social space; dual-consoles add a walk-through windshield, weather protection, and an enclosed head under the port console. Older MX and GX families remain thick on the used market and are shopped on condition rather than trim level.

Sources

• https://www.boattrader.com/
• https://www.discoverboating.com/
• https://www.jdpower.com/boats
• https://www.volvopenta.com/
• https://www.mercurymarine.com/
• https://www.boatus.com/
• https://www.boatingmag.com/
• https://www.nmma.org/

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