Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006 boat specs
Walker Bay
Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006
2006
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VS
Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 boat specs
Walker Bay
Walker Bay Generation 390 2011
2011
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Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006 vs Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006 vs Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 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.

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 RT/RTH 2006 at 8,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 tips the scales at 571 lbs — 455 lbs less than the Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006 at 116 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 RT/RTH 2006'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 Generation 390 2011 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006. 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.

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 RT/RTH 2006 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
MakeWalker Bay
Model270 RT/RTH
ModelGeneration 39
Model Year2006
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam66 in. (167 cm)
BeamExternal Beam: 6 ft. 4 in. (1.92 m) Internal Beam: 3 ft. 5 in. (1.03 m)
Beam - Meters1.68
Beam - Meters1.93
Beam - Inches66
Beam - Inches76
Weight - Detail116 lbs. (52.5 kg)
Weight - Detail571 lbs. (259 kg)
Weight - kg52.62
Weight - kg259
Weight - lbs.116
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
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter17 in. (43 cm)
Tube diameter19 in. (48 cm)
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max10 hp Recommended HP: 8 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
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower50 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,144 lbs. (520 kg)
Maximum capacity1,837 lbs. (835 kg)
Maximum people3
Maximum peoplenot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialRigid inflatable
Hull typenot available
Hull typeInflatable Rigid

Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006 vs Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006 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 RT/RTH 2006 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 RT/RTH 2006 or the Walker Bay Generation 390 2011?
For trailering, the Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006 has the edge at 116 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 RT/RTH 2006 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 RT/RTH 2006 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 Generation 390 2011 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 11 lbs per hp compared to 12 lbs per hp for the Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006. 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 66" for the Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006. 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 RT/RTH 2006 and Walker Bay Generation 390 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Walker Bay 270 RT/RTH 2006 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.