Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Bryant 246 2012 vs Bryant 255 2009 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Bryant 246 2012 and the Bryant 255 2009 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Bryant 246 2012 at 24,5 ft versus Bryant 255 2009 at 25,0 ft. At 382 lbs and 446 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 430 hp, the Bryant 246 2012 has a 422-hp advantage over the Bryant 255 2009's 8-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 2009 carries 64 gallons versus 49 gallons in the Bryant 246 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Bryant 246 2012 and its 430-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Bryant 255 2009 with its 8-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
Model Year2012
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise20℃ 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] - Inches3
Weight - Detail3,820 lbs
Weight - Detail4,460 lbs
Weight - kg1732.72
Weight - kg2023.02
Weight - lbs.382
Weight - lbs.446
Height - Detail7 ft. with trailer
Height - DetailWith Trailer: 7 ft. 9 in
Height - Meters2.13
Height - Meters2.36
Height - Inches84
Height - Inches93
Length - Feet24.5
Length - Feet25
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 6 in
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 5 in
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches5
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury MerCruiser or Volvo Penta
Engine makenot available
Engine modelMercury: 5.0 L MPI EC Alpha with catalyst, 260 hp OR Volvo: 5.0 GXIC/SX with catalyst, 270 hp
Engine modelnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail49 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail64 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters185.49
Fuel tank capacity - Liters242.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal49
Fuel tank capacity - Gal64
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max430 hp
Engine max8.1 l
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard5 l
Operational Info
Headnot available
HeadPorta-potty
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity13 gal
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people13