Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 or the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013?

For trailering, the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 has the edge at 682 lbs dry weight versus 5 497 lbs for the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004. 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 and Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 or the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013?

The Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 has the bigger tank at 81 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004. That 73-gallon difference translates to roughly 219–365 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 and Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 and the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 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 242 Classic 2004 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013

Bayliner

Bayliner 242 Classic 2004

2004

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Bayliner

Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013

2013

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 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.

Both boats are rated for 7 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 242 Classic 2004 and Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 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

Model242 Classic

Model266 Discovery

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise17°

Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 5 in. max

Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 3 in. (0.99 m)

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches41

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail5,497 lbs

Weight - Detail6,820 lbs. (3,094 kg)

Weight - kg2493.4

Weight - kg3093.5

Weight - lbs.5497

Weight - lbs.682

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Detail25 ft. 7 in. (7.8 m)

Length overall - Meters7.24

Length overall - Meters7.8

Length overall - Inches285

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

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 - Detail80 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail81 gal. (306.6 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters306.62

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

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

Operational Info

Water capacity13 gal

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

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 or the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013?

For trailering, the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 has the edge at 682 lbs dry weight versus 5 497 lbs for the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004. 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 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 242 Classic 2004 and Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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 242 Classic 2004 or the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013?

The Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 has the bigger tank at 81 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004. That 73-gallon difference translates to roughly 219–365 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 and Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 242 Classic 2004 and the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 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 242 Classic 2004 full specs ← Bayliner 266 Discovery 2013 full specs