Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 boat specs
Baja Marine
Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006
2006
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VS
Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 boat specs
Baja Marine
Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009
2009
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Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 vs Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 vs Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 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 245 Performance 2006 at 24,0 ft versus Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 at 27,0 ft. At 4 lbs and 51 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 278 Performance 2009 tops out at 600 hp. Engine specs for the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 carries 101 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006. 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 278 Performance 2009 at 27,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 at 24,0 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.
General Boat Info
MakeBaja Marine
MakeBaja Marine
Model245 Performance
Model278 Performance
Model Year2006
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise23℃
Deadrise24℃
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86.36 cm)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs. (1,814.4 kg)
Weight - Detail5,100 lbs. (2,313 kg)
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - kg2313.32
Weight - lbs.4
Weight - lbs.51
Length - Meters7.44
Length - Meters8.36
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet27
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches5
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 5 in. (7.44 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 5 in. (8.36 m)
Length overall - Meters7.44
Length overall - Meters8.36
Length overall - Inches293
Length overall - Inches329
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 2 in. (8.89 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser MX 6.2L/320 hp
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? MX 6.2L/320 hp/Bravo I
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail101 gal. (382.3 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters382.33
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel tank capacity - Gal101
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max600 hp
Operational Info
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacitynot available
Water capacity9 gal. (34.1 l)
Water capacitynot available
Maximum people6
Maximum people6
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee

Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 vs Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 or the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009?
The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 or the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009?
For trailering, the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 51 lbs for the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009. 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 2009 has a documented max rating of 600 hp. Engine specifications for the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 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 245 Performance 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 and Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 or the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009?
The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 has the bigger tank at 101 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006. That 93-gallon difference translates to roughly 279–465 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 and Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Baja Marine 245 Performance 2006 and the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2009 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.