When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Baja Marine 202 Islander 2009 and the Baja Marine 247 Islander 2013 are deep 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Baja Marine 247 Islander 2013 measures 24,4 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 22,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Baja Marine 202 Islander 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). At 3 lbs and 43 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 Baja Marine 202 Islander 2009 carries a rated maximum of 300 hp. Engine data for the Baja Marine 247 Islander 2013 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 5 gal and 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 8 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 Baja Marine 247 Islander 2013 at 24,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Baja Marine 202 Islander 2009 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.