The Bayliner 245 Cruiser 2008 is a modified-V design and the Bayliner 266 DIS 2010 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Bayliner 245 Cruiser 2008 at 24,0 ft versus Bayliner 266 DIS 2010 at 25,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bayliner 266 DIS 2010 tips the scales at 6 354 lbs - 1 070 lbs less than the Bayliner 245 Cruiser 2008 at 5 284 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 300 hp for the Bayliner 245 Cruiser 2008 and 300 hp for the Bayliner 266 DIS 2010. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner 266 DIS 2010 carries 81 gallons versus 64 gallons in the Bayliner 245 Cruiser 2008. 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 245 Cruiser 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Bayliner 266 DIS 2010 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bayliner 245 Cruiser 2008 could be the deciding factor.