Bayliner 175 2004 vs Bayliner 185 BR 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 175 2004 or the Bayliner 185 BR 2012?

For trailering, the Bayliner 175 2004 has the edge at 19 lbs dry weight versus 2 368 lbs for the Bayliner 185 BR 2012. 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.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Bayliner 185 BR 2012 has a documented max rating of 220 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 175 2004 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Bayliner 175 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Bayliner 185 BR 2012 is certified for 5. 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Bayliner 175 2004 measures 93" wide, compared to 91" for the Bayliner 185 BR 2012. 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Bayliner 175 2004 or the Bayliner 185 BR 2012?

The Bayliner 185 BR 2012 has the bigger tank at 28 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Bayliner 175 2004. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Bayliner 175 2004 and Bayliner 185 BR 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 175 2004 and the Bayliner 185 BR 2012 are built by Bayliner. 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.

Boat Comparison

Bayliner 175 2004 vs Bayliner 185 BR 2012

Bayliner

Bayliner 175 2004

2004

View full specs →

Bayliner

Bayliner 185 BR 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Bayliner 175 2004 vs Bayliner 185 BR 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bayliner 175 2004 vs Bayliner 185 BR 2012 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 Bayliner 185 BR 2012 tops out at 220 hp. Engine specs for the Bayliner 175 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner 185 BR 2012 carries 28 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Bayliner 175 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 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.

Bottom line: The Bayliner 175 2004 and Bayliner 185 BR 2012 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

MakeBayliner

Model175

Model185 BR

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7ft. 9 in

Beam7 ft. 7 in. (2.31 m)

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches93

Beam - Inches91

Deadrise19℃

Deadrise19°

Draft [max] - Detail2 ft. 11 in. (max)

Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 1 in. (0.94 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.94

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches37

Weight - Detail1,900 lbs

Weight - Detail2,368 lbs. (1,074 kg)

Weight - kg861.82

Weight - kg1074.11

Weight - lbs.19

Weight - lbs.2368

Height - Detail5 ft. 9 in. (rigged)

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters1.75

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches69

Height - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. (5.49 m)

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches21

Length overall - Inches216

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 1 in. (1.24 m) 7 ft. 11 in. (2.41 m) max

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.41

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches95

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 9 in. (0.53 m)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches21

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail18 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters68.14

Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99

Fuel tank capacity - Gal18

Fuel tank capacity - Gal28

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercury

Engine modelnot available

Engine modelMPI / A1 (3.0 L) WPS ECT

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard135 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Engine maxnot available

Engine max220 hp

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailPainted or Galvanized, Single-Axle w/Brakes, Tongue Jack & Swing-Away Tongue

Trailer - Detailnot available

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Bayliner 175 2004 vs Bayliner 185 BR 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 175 2004 or the Bayliner 185 BR 2012?

For trailering, the Bayliner 175 2004 has the edge at 19 lbs dry weight versus 2 368 lbs for the Bayliner 185 BR 2012. 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 Bayliner 185 BR 2012 has a documented max rating of 220 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 175 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 Bayliner 175 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Bayliner 185 BR 2012 is certified for 5. 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 Bayliner 175 2004 measures 93" wide, compared to 91" for the Bayliner 185 BR 2012. 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 Bayliner 175 2004 or the Bayliner 185 BR 2012?

The Bayliner 185 BR 2012 has the bigger tank at 28 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Bayliner 175 2004. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Bayliner 175 2004 and Bayliner 185 BR 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 175 2004 and the Bayliner 185 BR 2012 are built by Bayliner. 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.

← Bayliner 175 2004 full specs ← Bayliner 185 BR 2012 full specs