Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 boat specs
Bayliner
Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009
2009
View full specs →
VS
Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 boat specs
Bayliner
Bayliner 242 Classic 2005
2005
View full specs →

Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 vs Bayliner 242 Classic 2005: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 vs Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 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 217 Deck Boat 2009 carries a rated maximum of 260 hp. Engine data for the Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 carries 82 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009. 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 217 Deck Boat 2009 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 20,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeBayliner
MakeBayliner
Model217 Deck Boat
Model242 Classic
Model Year2009
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - DetailMax: 7 ft. 8 in. (2.34 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.34
Bridge clearance - Meters2.69
Bridge clearance - Inches92
Bridge clearance - Inches106
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise18℃
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] - DetailHull: 1 ft. 9 in. (.53 m) Max: 3 ft. 5 in. (1.04 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters1.04
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches41
Weight - DetailWith Standard Engine 3,409 lbs. (1,546 kg)
Weight - Detail5,497 lbs. (2,493 kg)
Weight - kg1546.3
Weight - kg2493.4
Weight - lbs.3409
Weight - lbs.5497
Length - Feet20.58
Length - Feetnot available
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 7 in. (6.27 m) Rigged: 21 ft. 2 in. (6.45 m)
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 9 in. (7.24 m) Rigged: 26 ft. 2 in. (7.98 m)
Length overall - Meters6.45
Length overall - Meters7.98
Length overall - Inches254
Length overall - Inches314
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makenot available
Engine model4.3L MerCruiser® Alpha I (CARB compliant)
Engine modelnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208.2 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail82 gal. (310.4 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters310.4
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal82
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typenot available
Horsepower190 hp
Horsepowernot available
Engine max260 hp
Engine maxnot available
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (37.8 l)
Water capacity13 gal (49.2 l) Optional: 20 gal. (75.7 l)
Maximum people10
Maximum peoplenot available
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 - Gal20
Trailer Info
Trailer - HeightRigged: 6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)
Trailer - Heightnot available
Trailer - Length over allRigged: 27 ft. 3 in. (8.31 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - WeightWith Standard Engine: 4,409 lbs. (2,000 kg)
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available

Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 vs Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 or the Bayliner 242 Classic 2005?
For trailering, the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 has the edge at 3 409 lbs dry weight versus 5 497 lbs for the Bayliner 242 Classic 2005. 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 217 Deck Boat 2009 has a documented max rating of 260 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 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 217 Deck Boat 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 is certified for 7. 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 and Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 or the Bayliner 242 Classic 2005?
The Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 has the bigger tank at 82 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009. That 27-gallon difference translates to roughly 81–135 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 and Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Bayliner 217 Deck Boat 2009 and the Bayliner 242 Classic 2005 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.