Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 boat specs
Bayliner
Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008
2008
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VS
Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 boat specs
Bayliner
Bayliner 289 Classic 2005
2005
View full specs →

Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 vs Bayliner 289 Classic 2005: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 vs Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 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 285 Cruiser 2008 carries a rated maximum of 320 hp. Engine data for the Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 102 gal and 102 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 9 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeBayliner
MakeBayliner
Model285 Cruiser
Model289 Classic
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 10 in. (3.0 m)
Beam9 ft. 9 in. (2.97 m)
Beam - Meters3
Beam - Meters2.97
Beam - Inches118
Beam - Inches117
Bridge clearance - DetailMax: 9 ft. 1 in. (2.77 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail9 ft. 1 in. (2.77 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.77
Bridge clearance - Meters2.77
Bridge clearance - Inches109
Bridge clearance - Inches109
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise15℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail1 ft. 8 in. (0.51 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches20
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 1 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - DetailHull: 1 ft. 7 in. (.48 m) Max: 3 ft. 0 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail7,241 lbs. (3,285 kg)
Weight - Detail7,597 lbs. (3,446 kg)
Weight - kg3284.46
Weight - kg3445.94
Weight - lbs.7241
Weight - lbs.7597
Length - Meters8.76
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet28
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Inches9
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 9 in. (8.76 m) Rigged: 29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 9 in. (8.46 m) Rigged: 30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Meters9.14
Length overall - Inches354
Length overall - Inches360
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard350 MAG MPI MerCruiser? Bravo? III (300 hp)
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail102 gal. (386 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail102 gal. (386 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters386.11
Fuel tank capacity - Liters386.11
Fuel tank capacity - Gal102
Fuel tank capacity - Gal102
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typenot available
Engine max320 hp
Engine maxnot available
Operational Info
Water capacity33 gal. (124.9 l)
Water capacity36 gal. (136 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (113.6 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71
Holding tank capacity - Liters113.56
Holding tank capacity - Gal20
Holding tank capacity - Gal30

Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 vs Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 or the Bayliner 289 Classic 2005?
For trailering, the Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 has the edge at 7 241 lbs dry weight versus 7 597 lbs for the Bayliner 289 Classic 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 285 Cruiser 2008 has a documented max rating of 320 hp. Engine specifications for the Bayliner 289 Classic 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 285 Cruiser 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 is certified for 9. 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 285 Cruiser 2008 measures 118" wide, compared to 117" for the Bayliner 289 Classic 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 and Bayliner 289 Classic 2005?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 102 gallons and 102 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 and Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Bayliner 285 Cruiser 2008 and the Bayliner 289 Classic 2005 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.