Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bayliner 255 Cruiser 2012 vs Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Bayliner 255 Cruiser 2012 against a modified vee Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely 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 255 Cruiser 2012 at 25,1 ft versus Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 at 27,0 ft. At 648 lbs and 575 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 300 hp for the Bayliner 255 Cruiser 2012 and 300 hp for the Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009. 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 265 Cruiser 2009 carries 75 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Bayliner 255 Cruiser 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 8 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 255 Cruiser 2012 and Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 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
Model255 Cruiser
Model265 Cruiser
Model Year2012
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 7 in. (2.01 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailMax: 6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.01
Bridge clearance - Meters2.06
Bridge clearance - Inches79
Bridge clearance - Inches81
Deadrise18°
Deadrise17℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 10 in. (0.56 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 1 in. (0.33 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] meters0.33
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [drive up] inches13
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 3 in. (0.99 m)
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 3 in. (0.99 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches39
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail6,480 lbs. (2,939 kg)
Weight - DetailWith Standard Engine: 5,750 lbs. (2,608 kg)
Weight - kg2939.28
Weight - kg2608.15
Weight - lbs.648
Weight - lbs.575
Length - Feet25.08
Length - Feet27
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 1 in. (7.65 m) 26 ft. 10 in. (8.18 m) rigged
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 0 in. (8.23 m) Rigged: 28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters8.18
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches322
Length overall - Inches336
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelMPI / B3 (5.0 L) ECT Carb Compliant
Engine model5.7L MerCruiser® Alpha I
Engine/s standard260 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal. (283.9 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters283.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal75
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max300 hp
Engine max300 hp
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower250 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l) waste 20 gal. (75.7 l) optional gray
Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71
Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71
Holding tank capacity - Gal2
Holding tank capacity - Gal2