Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bayliner 185 2006 vs Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Bayliner 185 2006 vs Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2007 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2007 measures 25,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bayliner 185 2006 at 18,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2007 tips the scales at 6 637 lbs — 4 514 lbs less than the Bayliner 185 2006 at 2 123 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2007 has a 80-hp advantage over the Bayliner 185 2006's 220-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2007 carries 81 gallons versus 28 gallons in the Bayliner 185 2006. 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 Discovery 246 Cruiser 2007 at 25,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bayliner 185 2006 at 18,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
Model185
ModelDiscovery 246 Cruiser
Model Year2006
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 2 in. (5.54 m) Rigged: 19 ft. 2 in. (5.84 m)
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 8 in. (7.82 m) Rigged: 26 ft. 6 in. (8.08 m)
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet25
Length overall - Meters5.84
Length overall - Meters8.08
Length overall - Inches23
Length overall - Inches318
Draft [drive up] - DetailHull: 1 ft. 8 in. (.51 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 9 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches39
Length - Meters5.54
Length - Meters7.82
Weight - lbs.2123
Weight - lbs.6637
Bridge clearance - Inches48
Bridge clearance - Inches106
Weight - kg962.98
Weight - kg3010.49
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 0 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 3 in. (0.99 m)
Beam7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Inches93
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Meters1.22
Bridge clearance - Meters2.69
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise17℃
Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 0 in. (2.92 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailMax: 8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Length - Inches2
Length - Inches8
Draft [drive up] inches2
Draft [drive up] inches21
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Meters2.59
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Weight - Detail2,123 lbs. (963 kg)
Weight - Detail6,637 lbs. (3,010 kg)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal28
Fuel tank capacity - Gal81
Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99
Fuel tank capacity - Liters306.62
Engine makeMerCruiser
Engine makenot available
Horsepower135 hp
Horsepowernot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max220 hp
Engine max300 hp
Engine/s standard3.0 l MerCruiser? Alpha I (135 hp)
Engine/s standard5.7L MerCruiser® Bravo® III (250 hp)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail81 gal. (306.6 l)
Operational Info
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
Maximum people8
Maximum peoplenot available
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal2
Trailer Info
Trailer - Height6 ft. 3 in. (1.91 m)
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Width8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available
Trailer - Weight2,905 lbs. (1,318 kg)
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Length over allStorage Length (Tongue Swung to Side): 20 ft. 1 in. (6.12 m) Rigged: 21 ft. 9 in. (6.63 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass