Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bayliner 217 Outboard Deck Boat 2007 vs Bayliner 245 Cruiser 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Bayliner 217 Outboard Deck Boat 2007 vs Bayliner 245 Cruiser 2008 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 245 Cruiser 2008 measures 24,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 22,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bayliner 217 Outboard Deck Boat 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bayliner 245 Cruiser 2008 tips the scales at 5 284 lbs — 2 249 lbs less than the Bayliner 217 Outboard Deck Boat 2007 at 3 035 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 245 Cruiser 2008 has a 100-hp advantage over the Bayliner 217 Outboard Deck Boat 2007's 200-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 245 Cruiser 2008 carries 64 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Bayliner 217 Outboard Deck Boat 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 12 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 245 Cruiser 2008 at 24,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bayliner 217 Outboard Deck Boat 2007 at 2,0 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
Model217 Outboard Deck Boat
Model245 Cruiser
Model Year2007
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 5 in. (2.57 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.57
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches101
Bridge clearance - DetailMax: 7 ft. 7.5 in. (2.32 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailMax: 6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.34
Bridge clearance - Meters2.06
Bridge clearance - Inches91.5
Bridge clearance - Inches81
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise16℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 4 in. (0.41 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 5 in. (0.43 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] inches16
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [max] - Detail2 ft. 7.5 in. (0.8 m)
Draft [max] - Detail2 ft. 9 in. (0.84 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches31.5
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail3,035 lbs. (1,377 kg)
Weight - Detail5,284 lbs. (2,397 kg)
Weight - kg1376.65
Weight - kg2396.78
Weight - lbs.3035
Weight - lbs.5284
Length - Meters6.27
Length - Meters7.34
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet24
Length - Inches7
Length - Inches1
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 7 in. (6.27 m) Rigged: 21 ft. 2 in. (6.45 m)
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 1 in. (7.34 m) Rigged: 25 ft. 7 in. (7.80 m)
Length overall - Meters6.45
Length overall - Meters7.8
Length overall - Inches254
Length overall - Inches307
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard150 hp Mercury Optimax
Engine/s standard5.0L MerCruiser? Alpha I (220 hp)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208.2 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail64 gal. (242 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters242.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal64
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine max200 hp
Engine max300 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (37.8 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)
Maximum people12
Maximum people12
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 - Length over allRigged: 27 ft. 3 in. (8.31 m)
Trailer - Length over allRigged: 28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)
Trailer - Weight4,507 lbs. (2,044 kg)
Trailer - Weight6,734 lbs. (3,055 kg)
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)