The Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 is a deep-V design and the Bayliner Discovery 246 2009 is a modified-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 266 Discovery 2012 at 25,6 ft versus Bayliner Discovery 246 2009 at 25,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 tips the scales at 6 820 lbs - 466 lbs more than the Bayliner Discovery 246 2009 at 6 354 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 266 Discovery 2012 and 300 hp for the Bayliner Discovery 246 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 81 gal and 81 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bayliner Discovery 246 2009 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Bayliner 266 Discovery 2012 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bayliner Discovery 246 2009 could be the deciding factor.