When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Bryant 198 2013 and the Bryant 255 2011 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Bryant 255 2011 measures 25,4 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 5,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bryant 198 2013 at 19,7 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bryant 255 2011 tips the scales at 446 lbs — 163 lbs less than the Bryant 198 2013 at 283 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.

The Bryant 255 2011 tops out at 8 hp. Engine specs for the Bryant 198 2013 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bryant 255 2011 carries 64 gallons versus 31 gallons in the Bryant 198 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bryant 255 2011 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Bryant 198 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bryant 255 2011 could be the deciding factor.