Kayot S245 O/B 2005 vs Kayot S245 OB 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 or the Kayot S245 OB 2008?

The Kayot S245 OB 2008 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Kayot S245 O/B 2005 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Kayot S245 OB 2008 is rated to a maximum of 275 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Kayot S245 O/B 2005 tops out at 250 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 Kayot S245 O/B 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Kayot S245 OB 2008 is certified for 14. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 and Kayot S245 OB 2008 share an 8 ft. 6 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 and Kayot S245 OB 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 9 gallons and 9 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 and Kayot S245 OB 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 and the Kayot S245 OB 2008 are built by Kayot. 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

Kayot S245 O/B 2005 vs Kayot S245 OB 2008

Kayot

Kayot S245 O/B 2005

2005

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Kayot

Kayot S245 OB 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Kayot S245 O/B 2005 vs Kayot S245 OB 2008 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 and the Kayot S245 OB 2008 are modified vee designs with composite 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?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 275 hp, the Kayot S245 OB 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the Kayot S245 O/B 2005's 250-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 9 gal and 9 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 14 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 Kayot S245 OB 2008 and its 275-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 with its 250-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeKayot

ModelS245 O/B

ModelS245 OB

Model Year2005

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail58 in

Bridge clearance - Meters1.47

Bridge clearance - Inches58

Deadrise19℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] inches17

Length - Feet23

Length - Inches9

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Meters7.24

Length overall - Inches285

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail32 in

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches32

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail4,600 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.46

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 5 in

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail90 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69

Fuel tank capacity - Gal9

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max250 hp

Engine max275 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMercury 200 XL Verado (L4, includes hydraulic steering)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Operational Info

Maximum people14

Maximum people14 @ 1,985 lbs

Kayot S245 O/B 2005 vs Kayot S245 OB 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 or the Kayot S245 OB 2008?

The Kayot S245 OB 2008 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Kayot S245 O/B 2005 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Kayot S245 OB 2008 is rated to a maximum of 275 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Kayot S245 O/B 2005 tops out at 250 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 Kayot S245 O/B 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Kayot S245 OB 2008 is certified for 14. 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 and Kayot S245 OB 2008 share an 8 ft. 6 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 and Kayot S245 OB 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 9 gallons and 9 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 and Kayot S245 OB 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Kayot S245 O/B 2005 and the Kayot S245 OB 2008 are built by Kayot. 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.

← Kayot S245 O/B 2005 full specs ← Kayot S245 OB 2008 full specs