Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bayliner 18-VR4 2022 vs Bayliner 255 Cruiser 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Bayliner 18-VR4 2022 vs Bayliner 255 Cruiser 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 255 Cruiser 2012 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Bayliner 18-VR4 2022 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bayliner 255 Cruiser 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Bayliner 18-VR4 2022 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bayliner 255 Cruiser 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Bayliner 255 Cruiser 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 25,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bayliner 18-VR4 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail18.00 ft
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 1 in. (7.65 m) 26 ft. 10 in. (8.18 m) rigged
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet25.08
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters8.18
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches322
Beamnot available
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 7 in. (2.01 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.01
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches79
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise18°
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 10 in. (0.56 m)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 3 in. (0.99 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail6,480 lbs. (2,939 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg2939.28
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.648
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeOther
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelMPI / B3 (5.0 L) ECT Carb Compliant
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard260 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal7
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Engine maxnot available
Engine max300 hp
Operational Info
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l) waste 20 gal. (75.7 l) optional gray
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal2
General Boat Info
Makenot available
MakeBayliner
Modelnot available
Model255 Cruiser
Model Yearnot available
Model Year2012
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee