Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 boat specs
Baja Marine
Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004
2004
View full specs →
VS
Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 boat specs
Baja Marine
Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010
2010
View full specs →

Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 vs Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 vs Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 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.

The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 tops out at 600 hp. Engine specs for the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 carries 101 gallons versus 74 gallons in the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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 232 Performance 2004 and Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 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
MakeBaja Marine
MakeBaja Marine
Model232 Performance
Model278 Performance
Model Year2004
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 4 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches1
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise23℃
Deadrise24℃
Weight - Detail3,900 lbs
Weight - Detail5,100 lbs. (2,313 kg)
Weight - kg1769.01
Weight - kg2313.32
Weight - lbs.39
Weight - lbs.51
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 5 in. (8.36 m)
Length overall - Meters7.11
Length overall - Meters8.36
Length overall - Inches28
Length overall - Inches329
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters8.36
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet27.42
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 2 in. (8.89 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail74 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail101 gal. (382.3 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters280.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters382.33
Fuel tank capacity - Gal74
Fuel tank capacity - Gal101
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? MX 6.2L/320 hp/Bravo I
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeInboard
Engine maxnot available
Engine max600 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people6 Passenger
Maximum people6
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee

Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 vs Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 or the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010?
For trailering, the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 has the edge at 39 lbs dry weight versus 51 lbs for the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010. 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 has a documented max rating of 600 hp. Engine specifications for the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 is certified for 6. 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 Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 measures 102" wide, compared to 1" for the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004. 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 or the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010?
The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 has the bigger tank at 101 gallons, versus 74 gallons on the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004. That 27-gallon difference translates to roughly 81–135 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 and Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Baja Marine 232 Performance 2004 and the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2010 are built by Baja Marine. 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.