Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 boat specs
Pro-Line
Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005
2005
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VS
Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 boat specs
Pro-Line
Pro-Line 23 Express 2007
2007
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Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 vs Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 vs Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 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 300 hp, the Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 has a 100-hp advantage over the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005's 200-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 carries 125 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePro-Line
MakePro-Line
Model20 Bay
Model23 Express
Model Year2005
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise13℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [max] - Detail11 in
Draft [max] - Detail17 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.28
Draft [max] - Meters0.43
Draft [max] - Inches11
Draft [max] - Inches17
Weight - Detail2,200 lbs
Weight - Detail3,870 lbs
Weight - kg997.9
Weight - kg1755.4
Weight - lbs.22
Weight - lbs.387
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters6.22
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Inches245
Length overall - Inches276
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailTBD
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - DetailCockpit: 25 in
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters63.5
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches25
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet23
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail125 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters473.18
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal125
Engine max200 hp
Engine max300 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Trailer Info
Trailer - Weight3,300 lbs
Trailer - Weight5,515 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass

Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 vs Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 or the Pro-Line 23 Express 2007?
For trailering, the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 has the edge at 22 lbs dry weight versus 387 lbs for the Pro-Line 23 Express 2007. 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 Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 tops out at 200 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 Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 is certified for 7. 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 Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 and Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 or the Pro-Line 23 Express 2007?
The Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 has the bigger tank at 125 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005. That 119-gallon difference translates to roughly 357–595 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 and Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2005 and the Pro-Line 23 Express 2007 are built by Pro-Line. 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.