Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bayliner 235 BR 2012 vs Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2018: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Bayliner 235 BR 2012 vs Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2018 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Bayliner 235 BR 2012 has a 100-hp advantage over the Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2018'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 235 BR 2012 carries 50 gallons versus 33 gallons in the Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2018. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 6 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 235 BR 2012 at 22,5 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bayliner VR5 Bowrider I/O 2018 at 20,0 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
MakeBayliner
Makenot available
Model235 BR
Modelnot available
Model Year2012
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 4 in. (1.32 m) 8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m) max
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.54
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches100
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise21°
Deadrisenot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 6 in. (0.46 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail3,750 lbs. (1,701 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg1700.97
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.3750
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet22.5
Length - Feet20
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 6 in. (6.86 m)
Length overall - Detail20.00 ft
Length overall - Meters6.86
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches270
Length overall - Inches240
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makeMerCruiser
Engine modelMPI / A1 (5.0 L) ECT Carb Compliant
Engine modelnot available
Engine/s standard260 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189.3 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters124.92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal50
Fuel tank capacity - Gal33
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeinboard
Engine max300 hp
Engine maxnot available
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower200 hp
Operational Info
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower