The Baja Marine 23 Outlaw 2009 vs Baja Marine 245 Performance 2005 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 - Baja Marine 23 Outlaw 2009 at 23,0 ft versus Baja Marine 245 Performance 2005 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Baja Marine 23 Outlaw 2009 tips the scales at 4 200 lbs - 200 lbs more than the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2005 at 4 000 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 425 hp for the Baja Marine 23 Outlaw 2009 and 425 hp for the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2005. 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 - 80 gal and 80 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 6 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 23 Outlaw 2009 and Baja Marine 245 Performance 2005 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.