Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 vs Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 or the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004?

For trailering, the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 has the edge at 2 235 lbs dry weight versus 7 597 lbs for the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004. 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 Bowrider 2008 has a documented max rating of 220 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 289 Classic 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 185 Bowrider 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 is certified for 8. 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 289 Classic 2004 measures 117" wide, compared to 91" for the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008. 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 185 Bowrider 2008 or the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004?

The Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 has the bigger tank at 102 gallons, versus 28 gallons on the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008. That 74-gallon difference translates to roughly 222–370 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 and Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 and the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 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 185 Bowrider 2008 vs Bayliner 289 Classic 2004

Bayliner

Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008

2008

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Bayliner

Bayliner 289 Classic 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 vs Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 vs Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 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 Bowrider 2008 carries a rated maximum of 220 hp. Engine data for the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 carries 102 gallons versus 28 gallons in the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 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 185 Bowrider 2008 and Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 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

Model185 Bowrider

Model289 Classic

Model Year2008

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 7 in. (2.31 m)

Beam9 ft. 9 in

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Meters2.97

Beam - Inches91

Beam - Inches117

Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 0 in. (1.22 m) Max: 6 ft. 0 in. (1.83 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters1.83

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches72

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise19℃

Deadrise15℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 8 in. (0.51 m)

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches2

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 0 in. (0.91 m)

Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. max

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail2,235 lbs. (1,014 kg)

Weight - Detail7,597 lbs

Weight - kg1013.78

Weight - kg3445.94

Weight - lbs.2235

Weight - lbs.7597

Length - Meters5.49

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)

Length overall - Detail27 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters8.46

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches333

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard3.0 l MerCruiser? Alpha I (135 hp)

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail102 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99

Fuel tank capacity - Liters386.11

Fuel tank capacity - Gal28

Fuel tank capacity - Gal102

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max220 hp

Engine maxnot available

Operational Info

Maximum people8

Maximum peoplenot available

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity36 gal

Trailer Info

Trailer - Weight2,700 lbs. (1,225 kg)

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Width7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)

Trailer - Widthnot available

Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 vs Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 or the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004?

For trailering, the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 has the edge at 2 235 lbs dry weight versus 7 597 lbs for the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004. 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 Bowrider 2008 has a documented max rating of 220 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 289 Classic 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 185 Bowrider 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 is certified for 8. 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 289 Classic 2004 measures 117" wide, compared to 91" for the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008. 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 185 Bowrider 2008 or the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004?

The Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 has the bigger tank at 102 gallons, versus 28 gallons on the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008. That 74-gallon difference translates to roughly 222–370 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 and Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2008 and the Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 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 185 Bowrider 2008 full specs ← Bayliner 289 Classic 2004 full specs