Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bayliner 185 2004 vs Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2020 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Bayliner 185 2004 vs Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2020 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 VR5 Bowrider I/O 2020 tops out at 250 hp. Engine specs for the Bayliner 185 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2020 carries 33 gallons versus 28 gallons in the Bayliner 185 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2020 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Bayliner 185 2004 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2020 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bayliner 185 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeBayliner
Makenot available
Model185
Modelnot available
Model Year2004
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 9 in
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches93
Beam - Inchesnot available
Deadrise19℃
Deadrisenot available
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. max
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail2,123 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg962.98
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.2123
Weight - lbs.not available
Height - Detail6 ft. 3 in. (rigged)
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters1.91
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches75
Height - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail20.00 ft
Length overall - Meters5.54
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches218
Length overall - Inches240
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet20
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99
Fuel tank capacity - Liters124.92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal28
Fuel tank capacity - Gal33
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMerCruiser
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower250 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailPainted or Galvanized, Single-Axle w/Brakes, Tongue Jack & Swing-Away Tongue
Trailer - Detailnot available
Operational Info
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower