Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 vs Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 or the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001?

For trailering, the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 has the edge at 2 175 lbs dry weight versus 2 695 lbs for the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012. 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 197 Deck 2012 has a documented max rating of 220 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 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 197 Deck 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 is certified for 5. 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 197 Deck 2012 measures 97" wide, compared to 90" for the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001. 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 197 Deck 2012 or the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001?

The Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001. That 12-gallon difference translates to roughly 36–60 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 and Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 and the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 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 197 Deck 2012 vs Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001

Bayliner

Bayliner 197 Deck 2012

2012

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Bayliner

Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001

2001

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 vs Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 vs Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 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 197 Deck 2012 carries a rated maximum of 220 hp. Engine data for the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 carries 35 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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.

Bottom line: The Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 and Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 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

Model197 Deck

ModelCapri Classic 1952

Model Year2012

Model Year2001

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 1 in. (2.46 m)

Beam7'6"/2.29m

Beam - Meters2.46

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Inches97

Beam - Inches90

Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. (2.13 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.13

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches84

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise17°

Deadrise18 degrees

Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 4 in. (0.41 m)

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail2 ft. 8 in. (0.81 m)

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches32

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail2,695 lbs. (1,222 kg)

Weight - Detail2,175 lbs./987kg

Weight - kg1222.43

Weight - kg986.56

Weight - lbs.2695

Weight - lbs.2175

Length - Feet18.58

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 7 in. (5.66 m)

Length overall - Detail18'8"/5.69m

Length overall - Meters5.66

Length overall - Meters5.69

Length overall - Inches223

Length overall - Inches224

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMercury

Engine makenot available

Engine modelMPI / A1 (3.0 L) WPS ECT Carb Compliant

Engine modelnot available

Engine/s standard135 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132.5 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail23 gal/87L

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Liters87.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Fuel tank capacity - Gal23

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max220 hp

Engine maxnot available

Operational Info

Water capacity8 gal. (30.3 l) optional

Water capacitynot available

Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 vs Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 or the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001?

For trailering, the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 has the edge at 2 175 lbs dry weight versus 2 695 lbs for the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012. 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 197 Deck 2012 has a documented max rating of 220 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 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 197 Deck 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 is certified for 5. 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 197 Deck 2012 measures 97" wide, compared to 90" for the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001. 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 197 Deck 2012 or the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001?

The Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001. That 12-gallon difference translates to roughly 36–60 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 and Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Bayliner 197 Deck 2012 and the Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 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 197 Deck 2012 full specs ← Bayliner Capri Classic 1952 2001 full specs