Crownline 266 BR 2005 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Crownline 266 BR 2005 or the Crownline 288 BR 2004?

For trailering, the Crownline 266 BR 2005 has the edge at 4 600 lbs dry weight versus 8 000 lbs for the Crownline 288 BR 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 Crownline 288 BR 2004 is rated to a maximum of 640 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crownline 266 BR 2005 tops out at 425 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 Crownline 266 BR 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Crownline 288 BR 2004 is certified for 8. 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Crownline 288 BR 2004 measures 116" wide, compared to 102" for the Crownline 266 BR 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Crownline 266 BR 2005 or the Crownline 288 BR 2004?

The Crownline 288 BR 2004 has the bigger tank at 129 gallons, versus 69 gallons on the Crownline 266 BR 2005. That 60-gallon difference translates to roughly 180–300 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Crownline 266 BR 2005 and Crownline 288 BR 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Crownline 266 BR 2005 and the Crownline 288 BR 2004 are built by Crownline. 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

Crownline 266 BR 2005 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004

Crownline

Crownline 266 BR 2005

2005

View full specs →

Crownline

Crownline 288 BR 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crownline 266 BR 2005 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crownline 266 BR 2005 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004 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 640 hp, the Crownline 288 BR 2004 has a 215-hp advantage over the Crownline 266 BR 2005's 425-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Crownline 288 BR 2004 carries 129 gallons versus 69 gallons in the Crownline 266 BR 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 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 Crownline 288 BR 2004 and its 640-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crownline 266 BR 2005 with its 425-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrownline

Model266 BR

Model288 BR

Model Year2005

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in. (2.59 m)

Beam116 in.

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.95

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches116

Bridge clearance - Detail59.75 in. (1.51 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters1.52

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches59.75

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise22℃

Deadrise24℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in.

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] inches20

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail38 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches38

Weight - Detail4,400 - 4,600 lbs. (1,996 - 2,087 kg)

Weight - Detail8000

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - kg3628.74

Weight - lbs.4600

Weight - lbs.8000

Length - Meters8.08

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches6

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail26 ft. 6 in. (8.08 m)

Length overall - Detail28 ft. 8 in.

Length overall - Meters8.08

Length overall - Meters8.74

Length overall - Inches318

Length overall - Inches344

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]70 in.

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 GI SX 280 php

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail69 gal. (261 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail129 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters261.19

Fuel tank capacity - Liters488.32

Fuel tank capacity - Gal69

Fuel tank capacity - Gal129

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max425 hp

Engine max640 hp

Operational Info

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum peoplen

Crownline 266 BR 2005 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Crownline 266 BR 2005 or the Crownline 288 BR 2004?

For trailering, the Crownline 266 BR 2005 has the edge at 4 600 lbs dry weight versus 8 000 lbs for the Crownline 288 BR 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 Crownline 288 BR 2004 is rated to a maximum of 640 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crownline 266 BR 2005 tops out at 425 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 Crownline 266 BR 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Crownline 288 BR 2004 is certified for 8. 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Crownline 288 BR 2004 measures 116" wide, compared to 102" for the Crownline 266 BR 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Crownline 266 BR 2005 or the Crownline 288 BR 2004?

The Crownline 288 BR 2004 has the bigger tank at 129 gallons, versus 69 gallons on the Crownline 266 BR 2005. That 60-gallon difference translates to roughly 180–300 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Crownline 266 BR 2005 and Crownline 288 BR 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Crownline 266 BR 2005 and the Crownline 288 BR 2004 are built by Crownline. 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.

← Crownline 266 BR 2005 full specs ← Crownline 288 BR 2004 full specs