When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Bayliner 160 Bowrider 2013 and the Bayliner 170 OB 2012 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 — Bayliner 160 Bowrider 2013 at 16,2 ft versus Bayliner 170 OB 2012 at 17,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bayliner 170 OB 2012 tips the scales at 1 753 lbs — 421 lbs less than the Bayliner 160 Bowrider 2013 at 1 332 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.

The Bayliner 170 OB 2012 tops out at 125 hp. Engine specs for the Bayliner 160 Bowrider 2013 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 18 gal and 21 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 5 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.