Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 vs Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 or the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011?

The Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 is the longer of the two at 12,8 feet overall. The Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 comes in at 8,0 feet, making it roughly 4,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 or the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011?

For trailering, the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 has the edge at 11 lbs dry weight versus 571 lbs for the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011. 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 Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 tops out at 10 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 Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 is certified for 3. 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?

The Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 11 lbs per hp for the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 measures 76" wide, compared to 64" for the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008. 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: Are the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 and Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 and the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 are built by Walker Bay. 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

Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 vs Walker Bay Generation 390 2011

Walker Bay

Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008

2008

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Walker Bay

Walker Bay Generation 390 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 vs Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a foldable Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 against a inflatable rigid Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 measures 12,8 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 4,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 at 8,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 tips the scales at 571 lbs — 560 lbs less than the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 at 11 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 50 hp, the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 has a 40-hp advantage over the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008's 10-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 3 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

The Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 has a documented top speed of 19 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.

Bottom line: The Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 at 12,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 at 8,0 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.

General Boat Info

MakeWalker Bay

Model270 FTL/FTLH

ModelGeneration 39

Model Year2008

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam64 in. (162 cm) Inside Beam: 30 in. (76 cm)

BeamExternal Beam: 6 ft. 4 in. (1.92 m) Internal Beam: 3 ft. 5 in. (1.03 m)

Beam - Meters1.63

Beam - Meters1.93

Beam - Inches64

Beam - Inches76

Draft [max] - Detail8 in. (20 cm)

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.2

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches8

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail110 lbs. (50 kg)

Weight - Detail571 lbs. (259 kg)

Weight - kg49.9

Weight - kg259

Weight - lbs.11

Weight - lbs.571

Length - Feet8

Length - Feet12.83

Length - Inches1

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail8 ft. 10 in. (270 cm)

Length overall - Detail12 ft. 10 in. (3.9 m) (external) 8 ft. (2.43 m) (internal)

Length overall - Meters2.69

Length overall - Meters3.91

Length overall - Inches106

Length overall - Inches154

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail4 ft. 1 in. (1.25 m)

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters1.24

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches49

Body / Hull

Hull materialInflatable

Hull materialRigid inflatable

Hull typeFoldable

Hull typeInflatable Rigid

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameter17 in. (43 cm)

Tube diameter19 in. (48 cm)

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max10 hp

Engine maxnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail16 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters60.57

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal16

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower50 hp

Performance

Maximum speed19 kt

Maximum speednot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,144 lbs. (520 kg)

Maximum capacity1,837 lbs. (835 kg)

Maximum people3

Maximum peoplenot available

Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 vs Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 or the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011?

The Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 is the longer of the two at 12,8 feet overall. The Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 comes in at 8,0 feet, making it roughly 4,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 or the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011?

For trailering, the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 has the edge at 11 lbs dry weight versus 571 lbs for the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011. 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 Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 tops out at 10 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 Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 is certified for 3. 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?

The Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 11 lbs per hp for the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 measures 76" wide, compared to 64" for the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008. 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.

Are the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 and Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 and the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 are built by Walker Bay. 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.

← Walker Bay 270 FTL/FTLH 2008 full specs ← Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 full specs