Bayliner 245 2005 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 245 2005 or the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012?

For trailering, the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 has the edge at 682 lbs dry weight versus 5 284 lbs for the Bayliner 245 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.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 has a documented max rating of 300 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 245 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Bayliner 245 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 measures 102" wide, compared to 101" for the Bayliner 245 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Bayliner 245 2005 or the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012?

The Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 has the bigger tank at 81 gallons, versus 64 gallons on the Bayliner 245 2005. That 17-gallon difference translates to roughly 51–85 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Bayliner 245 2005 and Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 245 2005 and the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 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 245 2005 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012

Bayliner

Bayliner 245 2005

2005

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Bayliner

Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Bayliner 245 2005 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bayliner 245 2005 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 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 266 Discovery 2012 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Bayliner 245 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 carries 81 gallons versus 64 gallons in the Bayliner 245 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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 245 2005 and Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 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

Model245

Model266 Discovery

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 5 in. (2.57 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.57

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches101

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.06

Bridge clearance - Meters2.69

Bridge clearance - Inches81

Bridge clearance - Inches106

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise17°

Draft [max] - DetailHull: 1 ft. 5 in. (.43 m) Max: 2 ft. 9 in. (.84 m)

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail5,284 lbs. (2,397 kg)

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

Weight - kg2396.78

Weight - kg3093.5

Weight - lbs.5284

Weight - lbs.682

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 1 in. (7.34 m) Rigged: 25 ft. 7 in. (7.80 m)

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

Length overall - Meters7.8

Length overall - Inches307

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 - Detail64 gal. (242 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail81 gal. (306.6 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters242.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters306.62

Fuel tank capacity - Gal64

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

Engine maxnot available

Engine max300 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - HeightRigged: 9 ft. 9 in. (2.97 m)

Trailer - Heightnot available

Trailer - Length over all26 ft. 7 in. (8.10 m) Rigged: 28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Weight6,934 lbs. (3,145 kg)

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Trailer - Widthnot available

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Bayliner 245 2005 vs Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 245 2005 or the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012?

For trailering, the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 has the edge at 682 lbs dry weight versus 5 284 lbs for the Bayliner 245 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 266 Discovery 2012 has a documented max rating of 300 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 245 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 245 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 measures 102" wide, compared to 101" for the Bayliner 245 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Bayliner 245 2005 or the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012?

The Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 has the bigger tank at 81 gallons, versus 64 gallons on the Bayliner 245 2005. That 17-gallon difference translates to roughly 51–85 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Bayliner 245 2005 and Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bayliner 245 2005 and the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 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 245 2005 full specs ← Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 full specs