When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2011 and the Pro-Line 20 Express 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?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Pro-Line 20 Bay 2011 measures 20,4 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 18,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Pro-Line 20 Express 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2011 tips the scales at 1 629 lbs — 1 354 lbs more than the Pro-Line 20 Express 2009 at 275 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 200 hp, the Pro-Line 20 Express 2009 has a 50-hp advantage over the Pro-Line 20 Bay 2011's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 4 gal and 7 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 6 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: The Pro-Line 20 Bay 2011 at 20,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Pro-Line 20 Express 2009 at 2,0 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.