Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bayliner 194 Classic 2004 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Bayliner 194 Classic 2004 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 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 266 Discovery 2012 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Bayliner 194 Classic 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 carries 81 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Bayliner 194 Classic 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 266 Discovery 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Bayliner 194 Classic 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 266 Discovery 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 25,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bayliner 194 Classic 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
Model194 Classic
Model266 Discovery
Model Year2004
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 7 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches91
Beam - Inches102
Draft [max] - Detail2 ft. 10 in. max
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 3 in. (0.99 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail2,100 lbs
Weight - Detail6,820 lbs. (3,094 kg)
Weight - kg952.54
Weight - kg3093.5
Weight - lbs.21
Weight - lbs.682
Height - Detail6 ft. 8 in. (rigged)
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters2.03
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches8
Height - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 7 in. (7.8 m)
Length overall - Meters5.72
Length overall - Meters7.8
Length overall - Inches225
Length overall - Inches307
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.69
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches106
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise17°
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 9 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches21
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet25.58
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail81 gal. (306.6 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06
Fuel tank capacity - Liters306.62
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Fuel tank capacity - Gal81
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelMPI / B3 (5.0 L) CARB Compliant, ECT
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard260 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Engine maxnot available
Engine max300 hp
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailPainted, Single-Axle w/Brakes, Tongue Jack & Swing-Away Tongue
Trailer - Detailnot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Operational Info
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