Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

[agallant80]

About to buy a new boat have two options.

Option 1:
2012 Bayliner 255 5.0 B3
Likes:
I think the extra 1,800LBS will make it more stable(its heavier than the stingray)
Like the light the windows let in to the cabin
Cabin feals larger
Like the cockpit layout
Dislikes:
Bayliner reputation
Bayliner is stopping to make cruisers in North America

Option 2:
2013 Stingray 250CS 5.0 A1
Likes:
A1 cheaper prop, I break them all of the time
Like the build quality
Ligher than bayliner (easier to tow)
Stingray is a great company
Dislikes:
Not a huge fan of the cockpit layout
Feels bit small down below

Any thoughts form the community?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

We're a Stingray family (the wife and I and the boys as well), so I can't say anything bad about them (if I could we wouldn't own 3 of them).

Bayliner's bad rep was years ago - today they make a decent boat, IMHO. So that should eliminate one of the cons.

The Stingray cons you list sounds like a no-brainer to me. Unless, you go to a different model.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

Basically you are trying to choose between two boats

- Boat A - don't like the layout and feels cramped

- Boat B - says Bayliner down the side where all your friends and neighbors will see....

Sounds like a no brainer....

 

[tazrig]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

Your call, but I always go with quality first and most other things second. Bayliner is a price point boat. They're made as cheaply as possible so they can sell them as cheaply as possible. The roomier cabin isn't going to be making you feel all warm and fuzzy when things start falling apart and rusting. Also, weight doesn't necessarily translate into stability. Have you sea trialed both boats?

One last thing... Have you considered option #3? finding another boat with a layout you like and a build quality you can live with? just my 2 cents...

 

[HCMQA]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

The Bayliner is made in the Sea Ray plant and is a good boat.
With that being said I am not sure a 5.0 b3 is enough for this boat. Should really be a 5.7

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

...
With that being said I am not sure a 5.0 b3 is enough for this boat. Should really be a 5.7

I agree 100% with this, depending on what 5.0 we're talking about. If it's 260hp MPI, it should be "okay". You MUST sea trial each boat, with your anticipated load to be sure, though.

As far as ruining B3 props, they don't ruin like Alpha and Bravo 1 props. They are tough stainless steel, with no separate hub. So strikes that chew up blades on single props drives just nick the edges of B3s. If you ruin a set of B3 props, you will have LOTS more damage than just the props (and you'll file an insurance claim, cause it'll be BIG $$$).

Where are you located? What body/type of water are you going to be using this boat on?

 

[emilsr]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

Don't believe everything you read and hear about Bayliner quality. While its true they aren't as detail oriented as some other brands and tend to have very basic hardware, that doesn't mean you can't get years of good service and enjoyment. In a few years a well maintained Bayliner will be a better boat than a less cared for (insert brand of choice here).

Pick the layout you like.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

I agree 100% with this, depending on what 5.0 we're talking about. If it's 260hp MPI, it should be "okay".

Did they even make the carbed version in 2012

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

Did they even make the carbed version in 2012

Good question. Did they make it in 2011? Cause this engine could be a 2011, too.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

As far as I've heard Stingray hulls are engineered for top speed. Do you like to go fast? When you engineer for one thing you are by definition engineering away from other goals. I don't boat fast. I want a hull than emphasizes a good ride, fuel efficiency, handling, etc. above top speed. Just something to think about.
Not to bash any brand but I hope you realize you're looking at two boat lines that are both fairly inexpensive entry level boats. The Bayliner/Stingray debate can go on for ever. If you are really concerned about build quality I would look a little higher up the ladder.

 

[V153]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

If'n I had to choose tween the two the choice would be simple, Stingray. Cuz I like to go fast. Sure you sacrifice a lil ride quality in nasty water but Stingray's hull is faster to plane, higher top end, etc. Compared to a Bayliner the fit'n finish is superior too, imo.

My lil bro has a '01 19 footer he bought new. He's purty anal about keeping it garaged'n clean'n covered so it still looks great. With a 4.3 V6 that boat'll run 52-3 mph all day long with half a dozen crew onboard.

As was mentoned other brands are out there. Shop around til ya find whatcha like?

 

[tazrig]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

The Bayliner is made in the Sea Ray plant and is a good boat.


Bayliner and Searay are both built and owned by Brunswick Marine so it would make sense that they are made in the same factory but they are of far different qualities. Bayliner is an entry level (price point) boat and not the same quality build as a Searay, the same way that a Searay isn't the same quality as a Cabo. (also built and owned by Brunswick Marine) There is nothing inherently wrong with a Bayliner. If you are looking for a solid quality built boat then you might want to look at some other brands. Granted, you will always pay more for quality as you go up the scale.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

Bayliner made there bed, and forever will have to sleep in it. I have owned mid 80s bayliners (in good shape), and liked them. The newer SeaRays that I have seen at boat shows, dont seem to me, (my opinon) to be any better then the new Bayliners. The Stingrays are in the same class, as Bayliners, in my opinon. If you like the layout better in the Bayliner, thats what I would go with. Although the B3 props will eat a hole in your pocket if your banging them up alot. What does the other half like?

 

[agallant80]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

The Bayliner is made in the Sea Ray plant and is a good boat.
With that being said I am not sure a 5.0 b3 is enough for this boat. Should really be a 5.7

They both have a 5.0L MPI making 260HP

 

[QC]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

They both have a 5.0L MPI making 260HP

And will outrun all stock carbed 5.7s.

Bayliner quality has improved substantially. I believe your comments about weight will absolutely translate to stability in these examples. Many Stingray owners complain about ride quality. What deadrise are each? B3 hole shot compared to an A1 will be significantly better even with some added weight. Why does it matter if Bayliner gets out of Cruisers? They'll forget how and that will translate back to an existing boat? Parts availability is not about the Make, it is about the component manufacturers. Possible exception is the windshield and bow rails.

Where will you boat? Water conditions? Bigger water, the Bayliner for sure for me.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

I have a stingray 250cr and the ride is horrible in any chop. I realize the cr is a little less boat up top, but the hull is the same. Between those boats, it's a matter of speed vs ride quality. Layout is a very personal decision, only you can decide that part.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

And will outrun all stock carbed 5.7s.
...
Where will you boat? Water conditions? Bigger water, the Bayliner for sure for me.

My two points exactly, back in post #6.

 

[QC]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

My two points exactly, back in post #6.

Sorry, missed the 2nd part. I thought when you said "okay" it was a marginal OK. Good for emphasis either way. All good.

 

[V153]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

Far as I'm concerned a white blob is a white blob. Don't care who builds it. Entry level schmentry level. All has to do with your depth of wallet continuum ... If'n it floats'n runs, simultaneously, it's worthy of being called a boat.

Agree that Bayliner made their own bed. Some of the crap they passed on to the public earlier on is best forgotten. Hey how 'bout that "L" drive? Gawd what a bastard that was!

Whether deserved or not. Some of the old timers 'round here still refer to Bayliners as: "The boat with the see thru transom ..."

 

[QC]

Re: Bayliner 255 or Stingray 250CS

I have a

Hey Frogger. Hope things are OK. Miss you around here