When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Bryant 220 2011 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 3,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bryant 220 2011 at 22,0 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bryant 255 2011 tips the scales at 446 lbs — 413 lbs less than the Bryant 220 2011 at 33 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 — 6 hp for the Bryant 220 2011 and 8 hp for the Bryant 255 2011. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bryant 255 2011 carries 64 gallons versus 42 gallons in the Bryant 220 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: The Bryant 255 2011 at 25,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bryant 220 2011 at 22,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.