Both the Bayliner 185 Fish N Ski 2009 and the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2013 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Bayliner 185 Fish N Ski 2009 at 18,0 ft versus Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2013 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2013 tips the scales at 2 368 lbs - 133 lbs less than the Bayliner 185 Fish N Ski 2009 at 2 235 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.

The Bayliner 185 Fish N Ski 2009 carries a rated maximum of 220 hp. Engine data for the Bayliner 185 Bowrider 2013 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 28 gal and 28 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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.