Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bayliner 285 2005 vs Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Bayliner 285 2005 vs Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2008 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 Discovery 246 Cruiser 2008 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Bayliner 285 2005 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bayliner 285 2005 carries 102 gallons versus 81 gallons in the Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2008. 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 285 2005 and Bayliner Discovery 246 Cruiser 2008 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
Model285
ModelDiscovery 246 Cruiser
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 10 in. (3.0 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters3
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches118
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail9 ft. 1 in. (2.77 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailMax: 8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.77
Bridge clearance - Meters2.69
Bridge clearance - Inches109
Bridge clearance - Inches106
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise17℃
Draft [max] - DetailHull: 1 ft. 8 in. (.51 m) Max: 3 ft. 1 in. (.94 m)
Draft [max] - Detail3 ft. 3 in. (0.99 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail7,241 lbs. (3,285 kg)
Weight - Detail6,637 lbs. (3,010 kg)
Weight - kg3284.46
Weight - kg3010.49
Weight - lbs.7241
Weight - lbs.6637
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 9 in. (8.8 m) Rigged: 29 ft. 6 in. (9.0 m)
Length overall - Detail25 ft. 8 in. (7.82 m) Rigged: 26 ft. 6 in. (8.08 m)
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Meters8.08
Length overall - Inches354
Length overall - Inches318
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 - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.82
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet25
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches8
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail102 gal. (386 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail81 gal. (306.6 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters386.11
Fuel tank capacity - Liters306.62
Fuel tank capacity - Gal102
Fuel tank capacity - Gal81
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard5.7L MerCruiser? Bravo? III (250 hp)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Engine maxnot available
Engine max300 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity33 gal. (124.9 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (75.7 l)
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 - Gal20
Holding tank capacity - Gal20
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass