Bayliner 180 2004 vs Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 180 2004 or the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012?

For trailering, the Bayliner 180 2004 has the edge at 1 878 lbs dry weight versus 2 695 lbs for the Bayliner 197 Deck 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 197 Deck 2012 has a documented max rating of 220 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 180 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 180 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Bayliner 197 Deck 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 197 Deck 2012 measures 97" wide, compared to 9" for the Bayliner 180 2004. 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 180 2004 or the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012?

The Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Bayliner 180 2004. That 12-gallon difference translates to roughly 36–60 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Bayliner 180 2004 and Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 180 2004 and the Bayliner 197 Deck 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 180 2004 vs Bayliner 197 Deck 2012

Bayliner

Bayliner 180 2004

2004

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Bayliner

Bayliner 197 Deck 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Bayliner 180 2004 vs Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bayliner 180 2004 vs Bayliner 197 Deck 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 197 Deck 2012 tops out at 220 hp. Engine specs for the Bayliner 180 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 carries 35 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Bayliner 180 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 180 2004 and Bayliner 197 Deck 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

Model18

Model197 Deck

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 6 in

Beam8 ft. 1 in. (2.46 m)

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Meters2.46

Beam - Inches9

Beam - Inches97

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise17°

Draft [max] - Detail2 ft. 7 in. max

Draft [max] - Detail2 ft. 8 in. (0.81 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inches32

Weight - Detail1,878 lbs

Weight - Detail2,695 lbs. (1,222 kg)

Weight - kg851.85

Weight - kg1222.43

Weight - lbs.1878

Weight - lbs.2695

Height - Detail6 ft. 3 in. (rigged)

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters1.91

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches75

Height - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 7 in. (5.66 m)

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.66

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches223

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. (2.13 m)

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.13

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches84

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 4 in. (0.41 m)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches16

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.58

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132.5 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercury

Engine modelnot available

Engine modelMPI / A1 (3.0 L) WPS ECT Carb Compliant

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

Operational Info

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity8 gal. (30.3 l) optional

Bayliner 180 2004 vs Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 180 2004 or the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012?

For trailering, the Bayliner 180 2004 has the edge at 1 878 lbs dry weight versus 2 695 lbs for the Bayliner 197 Deck 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 197 Deck 2012 has a documented max rating of 220 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 180 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 180 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Bayliner 197 Deck 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 197 Deck 2012 measures 97" wide, compared to 9" for the Bayliner 180 2004. 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 180 2004 or the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012?

The Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Bayliner 180 2004. That 12-gallon difference translates to roughly 36–60 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Bayliner 180 2004 and Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 180 2004 and the Bayliner 197 Deck 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 180 2004 full specs ← Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 full specs