The Bayliner 170 OB 2012 is a modified-V design and the Bayliner 195 Discovery 2011 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Bayliner 170 OB 2012 at 17,5 ft versus Bayliner 195 Discovery 2011 at 18,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bayliner 195 Discovery 2011 tips the scales at 2 278 lbs - 525 lbs less than the Bayliner 170 OB 2012 at 1 753 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 - 125 hp for the Bayliner 170 OB 2012 and 135 hp for the Bayliner 195 Discovery 2011. 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 - 21 gal and 23 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bayliner 195 Discovery 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Bayliner 170 OB 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bayliner 195 Discovery 2011 could be the deciding factor.