Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bryant 233 Cuddy Cabin 2012 vs Bryant 255 2012: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats
Both the Bryant 233 Cuddy Cabin 2012 and the Bryant 255 2012 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Bryant 233 Cuddy Cabin 2012 at 23,3 ft versus Bryant 255 2012 at 25,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bryant 255 2012 tips the scales at 4 460 lbs - 790 lbs less than the Bryant 233 Cuddy Cabin 2012 at 3 670 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 400 hp, the Bryant 255 2012 has a 80-hp advantage over the Bryant 233 Cuddy Cabin 2012's 320-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bryant 255 2012 carries 64 gallons versus 46 gallons in the Bryant 233 Cuddy Cabin 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: The Bryant 255 2012 at 25,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bryant 233 Cuddy Cabin 2012 at 23,3 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.
General Boat Info
Model233 Cuddy Cabin
Model255
Model Year2012
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in.
Beam8 ft. 6 in.
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise19℃ at transom
Deadrise17℃ at transom
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in.
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in.
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [max] - Detail32 in.
Draft [max] - Detail30 in.
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches30
Weight - Detail3,670 lbs.
Weight - Detail4,460 lbs.
Weight - kg1664.68
Weight - kg2023.02
Weight - lbs.3670
Weight - lbs.4460
Height - Detail7 ft. 4 in. with trailer
Height - Detail7 ft. 9 in. with trailer
Height - Meters2.24
Height - Meters2.36
Height - Inches88
Height - Inches93
Length - Feet23.25
Length - Feet25.42
Length [over all with swim platform]23 ft. 3 in.
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 5 in.
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury MerCruiser or Volvo Penta
Engine makeMercury MerCruiser or Volvo Penta
Engine modelMercury: 5.0 L MPI EC Alpha with catalyst, 260 hp OR Volvo: 5.0 GXIC/SX with catalyst, 270 hp
Engine modelMercury: 5.0 L MPI EC Alpha with catalyst, 260 hp OR Volvo: 5.0 GXIC/SX with catalyst, 270 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail64 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters242.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal64
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp
Engine max400 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity13 gal.
Water capacity13 gal.
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people13
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailShoreland'r, tandem axle, brakes on 1 axle
Trailer - Detailnot available