Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 vs Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 or the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011?

For trailering, the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 has the edge at 19 lbs dry weight versus 21 lbs for the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 is rated to a maximum of 250 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 tops out at 225 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 and Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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.

Q: Are the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 and Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 and the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 are built by Blue Wave. 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.

Boat Comparison

Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 vs Blue Wave 250 Open 2011

Blue Wave

Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004

2004

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Blue Wave

Blue Wave 250 Open 2011

2011

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 vs Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 vs Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 has a 25-hp advantage over the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011's 225-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 9 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 and its 250-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 with its 225-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeBlue Wave

Model244 Magnum LTD

Model250 Open

Model Year2004

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam102 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Draft [max] - Detail10-12 in. approx

Draft [max] - Detailn/a

Draft [max] - Meters0.3

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches12

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail2,100 lbs

Weight - Detail1,900 lbs

Weight - kg952.54

Weight - kg861.82

Weight - lbs.21

Weight - lbs.19

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Meters7.42

Length overall - Meters7.47

Length overall - Inches292

Length overall - Inches294

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet24.5

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max250 hp

Engine max225 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail43 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters162.77

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal43

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,950 lbs

Maximum people9

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 vs Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 or the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011?

For trailering, the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 has the edge at 19 lbs dry weight versus 21 lbs for the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004. 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 is rated to a maximum of 250 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 tops out at 225 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 and Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 share an 8 ft. 6 in 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.

Are the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 and Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 and the Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 are built by Blue Wave. 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.

← Blue Wave 244 Magnum LTD 2004 full specs ← Blue Wave 250 Open 2011 full specs