Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 boat specs
Baha Cruisers
Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008
2008
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VS
Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 boat specs
Baha Cruisers
Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009
2009
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Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 vs Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 and the Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 at 25,0 ft versus Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 at 25,6 ft. At 52 lbs and 46 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 260 hp for the Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 and 250 hp for the Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 114 gal and 113 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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: The Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 and Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeBaha Cruisers
MakeBaha Cruisers
Model251 GLE I/O
Model257 WAC OB
Model Year2008
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 10 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.69
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches106
Deadrise15℃
Deadrise19℃
Weight - Detail5,200 lbs
Weight - Detail4,600 lbs
Weight - kg2358.68
Weight - kg2086.52
Weight - lbs.52
Weight - lbs.46
Length - Feet25
Length - Feet25.58
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 7 in
Length overall - Meters7.65
Length overall - Meters7.8
Length overall - Inches301
Length overall - Inches307
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail114 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail113 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters431.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters427.75
Fuel tank capacity - Gal114
Fuel tank capacity - Gal113
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max260 hp
Engine maxSingle OB: 250 hp Twin OB: 150 hp
Operational Info
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity20 gal
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail15 gal
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters56.78
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal15

Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 vs Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 or the Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009?
The Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 is the longer of the two at 25,6 feet overall. The Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 comes in at 25,0 feet, making it roughly 0,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 or the Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009?
For trailering, the Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 52 lbs for the Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 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 Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 is rated to a maximum of 260 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 tops out at 250 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 Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 measures 106" wide, compared to 102" for the Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 and Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 114 gallons and 113 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 and Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Baha Cruisers 251 GLE I/O 2008 and the Baha Cruisers 257 WAC OB 2009 are built by Baha Cruisers. 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.