Bayliner 255 SB 2011 boat specs
Bayliner
Bayliner 255 SB 2011
2011
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VS
Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 boat specs
Bayliner
Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009
2009
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Bayliner 255 SB 2011 vs Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Bayliner 255 SB 2011 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 SB 2011 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 SB 2011 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 SB 2011. 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 SB 2011 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
MakeBayliner
MakeBayliner
Model255 SB
Model265 Cruiser
Model Year2011
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)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 0 in. (8.23 m) Rigged: 28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters7.65
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches301
Length overall - Inches336
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelMerCruiser
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
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)
Maximum people8
Maximum peoplenot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)
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
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all30 ft. 2 in. (9.19 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Weight8,068 lbs. (3,659 kg) with boat and engine
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available

Bayliner 255 SB 2011 vs Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Bayliner 255 SB 2011 or the Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009?
The Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Bayliner 255 SB 2011 comes in at 25,1 feet, making it roughly 1,9 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Bayliner 255 SB 2011 or the Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009?
For trailering, the Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 has the edge at 575 lbs dry weight versus 648 lbs for the Bayliner 255 SB 2011. 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 255 SB 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 is certified for 8. 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 255 SB 2011 and Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) 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 255 SB 2011 or the Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009?
The Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 has the bigger tank at 75 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Bayliner 255 SB 2011. That 68-gallon difference translates to roughly 204–340 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Bayliner 255 SB 2011 and Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Bayliner 255 SB 2011 and the Bayliner 265 Cruiser 2009 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.