Bayliner - Where Fun Lives

Bayliner.com
By Thomas Ludens

When Orin Edson bought the Bayliner name in 1961, it cost him 100 dollars. Forty-seven years later, the company is the best-selling fiberglass runabout brand around—and has been for the past eight years in a row. Not a bad investment.

Today, Bayliner builds a variety of boats, from bowriders to cuddies to deckboats to cruisers, in sizes that range from 16 to 35 feet. Though the company now falls under the big Brunswick umbrella, the boats they build haven’t lost any of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Edson made a hallmark of the Bayliner name so many years ago. Through the Bayliner Smooth Ride System, complex curved hulls are performance-matched by in-house naval architects to the Mercury engines. Computer-aided design enables an exceptional level of precision and a high-quality fit and finish for every boat.

The tools and technology may have changed, but the bottom line hasn’t: Bayliner boats still offer outstanding quality and tons of storage in one easy-to-own, affordable package. The 2009 line-up meets—and then exceeds—the high expectations of Bayliner’s hard-won tradition. The five boats featured here range in size and style, but they don’t waver on quality, affordability or, perhaps most importantly, fun.

For 2009, Bayliner is launching a new design phenomenon: the 245 Sunbridge, a supermodel of the trailerable, single-engine cruiser set. Not only did Bayliner’s designers and engineers create a sheer look with flowing deck lines and a spacious single-level cockpit, they also created a more functional cabin with ample headroom and natural light thanks to frameless, bonded-in side windows. And the best part is the new 245 is affordable and trailerable.

This popular cruiser has been redesigned from the waterline up with a larger swim platform that leads to an enormous single-level cockpit. This allows for better traffic flow and configurable seating to suit every purpose from sunbathing to dining. The generous U-shaped seating area provides plenty of leg and elbowroom. When the adjustable back on the double helm seat is folded forward and the standard removable cockpit table is installed, up to six adults have the perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner. Afterward, position the optional filler cushion in place and the entire area becomes a haven for sun worshippers. At day’s end, just pack the cushions and table back into their dedicated storage niche in the transom seat and head for home.

At the helm, a new dash design puts the focus on electronics and navigation by allowing room for a large-screen display. The straightforward instrumentation layout, side-mounted controls and well-placed switches mean the captain has easy access to all the essentials as well as a great view. The 245 is engineered for optimum performance on the standard 5.7-liter, 250-hp MerCruiser Bravo III engine, or owners can power up to the optional 300 hp 350 MAG MPI Bravo III for an even more muscular ride.

The 245’s cabin is as impressive as the cockpit. When the locking fiberglass door with molded-in access steps slides open, two things immediately stand out: the six-feet-two-inches of headroom and the natural light streaming in from the large side deck windows and three overhead hatches.

The interior has had a makeover of its own with gorgeous new fabrics and more storage space. The dinette table provides plenty of room for eating or playing a friendly game of cards by day and converts to a comfortable sleeping space for two by night.

The large full-service galley offers all the features available on more expensive cruisers including a single-burner electric stove, refrigerator and microwave—but Bayliner’s designers added in a cool extra, a flip-up counter extension. The cabin also features a stand-up head and shower with just as much headroom as the cabin.

So for an entry-level sports cruiser that’s striking on the outside, comfortable on the inside and affordable all the way around, the new 245 Sunbridge is looking better than ever.

With its new 300 and 320 models, Bayliner offers a pair of smart cruisers that will let you break free on the water without breaking the bank.

The all-new 300 is Bayliner’s most affordable twin engine cruiser. Loaded with features, including an available rotating helm seat and a no-hassle lifting engine cover, the 300 is perfect for longer-range cruising. Compact and efficient, it features sleeping accommodations for six. The private aft cabin has stand-up room for changing, and there is more than six-feet-two-inches of headroom throughout the cabin.

A bit longer and wider than the 300, the 320 is a powerful, comfortable cruiser that gives boaters what few boats of this size and value can offer: complete versatility. Whether you are looking for a standard fixed berth for long-distance voyages or an open lounge configuration for social day cruises, this vessel lets you have fun on your own terms by allowing you to choose from multiple layouts.

The private aft berth in the cabin can be complemented with massive convertible wraparound seating for entertaining, or a fixed forward berth option if nights aboard for a second couple are a priority. Whichever option you choose, Bayliner’s emphasis below deck is on comfort. The unique side deck windows fill the space with light and atmosphere, imbuing the cabin with an airy feel. New to 2009, the satellite-ready stereo system can be paired with a TV/DVD package that includes a 15-inch flat screen LCD.

The functional galley comes equipped with a stainless steel sink and solid surface countertops. Owners can choose teak or holly flooring, a nice touch that gives this space some extra warmth. There’s a shower in the head and a port light that lets the space breathe.

Above, the expansive cockpit is easy to navigate with an open floorplan that can be personalized with either a divided-lounge or open-lounge layout. Equipped with a rotating helm seat, there’s also an optional port lounge bolster that provides seating options, including an aft L-shaped lounger that converts to a sunlounger. The table is removable, and there are filler cushions for added flexibility. The cockpit entertainment center is a great convenience on this size cruiser. Rather than having to descend to the galley, you can stay on deck to prepare drinks and snacks.

Both of these cruisers have twin fuel-injected Mercruiser Bravo III engines to ensure that you can take the fun wherever you want to go. The average cruising speed with the 300’s 220-hp engine is 31.6 mph, and it features a 151-mile range. The 320 rides on 220 horses, cruises at 29.5 mph and has a bit longer range of 191 miles.

This power and performance gives a kick to the comfort that is everywhere onboard these two cruisers.

When you already build the nation’s most popular bowriders, the constant challenge is to keep improving
them. To do that, Bayliner went straight to the best idea bank available: their customers.

Bayliner’s designers and engineers spent a lot of time talking to owners to find out what they’d like to see in their next runabout. The new 185 Bowrider reflects those insights with its big cockpit and innovative storage plan—and there are plenty of options that allow boaters to tailor this flexible bowrider to suit their seating preferences and favorite activities.

With Bayliner’s beam-forward design, the widest point of the beam is pushed forward to create more usable storage and cockpit space, so there’s room for up to eight people and their gear. The new 185 features standard family seating with two removable aft jump seats for easy access to the transom, a portside back-to-back sleeper seat that converts easily into a sun lounger and a new, super comfortable 180-degree swivel bucket helm seat with two-position bolster and easy slide adjustment. The bucket helm seat can also be exchanged for an optional sleeper seat.

For those who prefer a more sports-oriented cockpit design, the sport seating option provides two swivel bucket seats and a huge aft bench and sun lounger. It’s the ideal layout for spectators and water sports fanatics alike with easy access to, and interaction with, the transom.

In the cockpit, there’s a key difference that sets the 185 apart in its class. Thanks to new recessed engine vents, everyone can enjoy a quieter ride, unless of course the gang chooses to crank up the standard waterproof stereo with directional speakers and iPod storage niche.

The 2009 185 Bowrider also received a redesigned dash with great ergonomics, excellent visibility and race-car inspired styling—which coordinates nicely with the awesome new graphics available in three color choices.

What’s truly remarkable about the new 185 Bowrider is that it’s easy to operate, easy to own and even easier to enjoy. It comes with its own painted single-axle trailer.

It features marine-grade, stain-resistant carpeting and durable, KidClean protected vinyl upholstery, so
maintenance is simple. A deep cockpit, easy-to-reach handrails, grip-textured surfaces and a wraparound windshield system make the new 185 the safe choice for family boating. And with some of the best warranties in the industry, it’s a safe investment in nonstop fun, too.

When you first take a look at Bayliner’s 197 Deck Boat, you’ll note its functionality. But when you turn it on and take it out on the water, you’ll be shocked by how cagey, quick and powerful this boat can be.

This isn’t a well-behaved little skiff meant for puttering around the lake. It’s a fast-paced, high-performing vessel crammed into an admittedly small package. And that’s with the standard, 135-hp, 3.0-liter Mercruiser Alpha I engine. When you add the optional 4.3-liter 190- or even 220-hp engines, the 197 really gets going. It cruises in mid-30-mph range, and can get peak performance in the upper 40s. That’s not bad for a boat that’s not even 19 feet long.

Before you go disparaging the 197’s size, though, consider what Bayliner’s done with it. The thoughtful layout includes an innovative seating layout that allows for up to an impressive 10 passengers. Bench seats wrap around almost the entire cockpit and the helm is set back in the starboard corner, leaving an open center for comfortable riding and relaxing.

Anglers will appreciate the Fish Pack Option, which adds a casting platform with a seat and a fish finder at the bow, a livewell at the helm and a rod storage rack starboard.

Taking advantage of the boat’s speed, handling and deck space, Bayliner has equipped the 197 with everything you need for water-sport excitement. The transom design features an aft sun lounge, hold-downs for inflatables, an ample swim platform, a stainless steel ladder and “fun zone” storage lockers for all your gear.

And you can up the ante with the Flight Series Option, which equips the boat with a Sunbrella aft bimini canvas top, gives you a color choice (black, blue or red), upgrades the steering wheel, extends the swim platform and adds a wakeboard tower, among other perks.

Though it is packed with features, the compact design of the 197 offers a number of advantages. Its shallow draft makes it great for getting in close to shore. Its length, which is just less than 19 feet, means that it’s easily trailerable and convenient to store.

Functional, fast, fun: what’s not to like about the 197 Deck Boat? Like the rest of Bayliner’s 2009 lineup, this boat doesn’t just give you what you need—it gives you what you want, and more, at an affordable price.

Fox Lake Harbor:
Fox Lake Harbor has been a full service marina since 1952. With its full parts, accessory and service departments, Fox Lake Harbor both sells and maintains boats. Located outside Chicago, it is the place for boaters on the western Great Lakes to find a Bayliner.
Fox Lake, Illinois // foxlakeharbor.com // (888) 499-1957

Islander Boat Center:
Since it opened in 1992, Islander Boat Center has experienced record-breaking growth to become one of America’s ten biggest Bayliner dealers. With its two locations on Long Island, Islander serves all New York-area Bayliner boaters.
Port Jefferson & Lindenhurst, New York // islanderboats.com // (631) 957-5500

Lynnhaven Marine:
Lynnhaven Marine has two locations in Virginia Beach, a boating Mecca on the Chesapeake. Committed to selling, servicing and storing family pleasure boats with maximum customer satisfaction, Lynnhaven carries a broad, up-to-date range of Bayliner boats.
Virginia Beach, Virginia // lynnhavenmarine.com // (757) 481-0700

Riverside Marine:
Since 1991, Riverside has been the largest dealer on the East Coast for Bayliner, and Bayliner’s third largest dealer in the world. With four dealerships across the Eastern Shore, it’s a haven for Bayliner boaters on the Chesapeake Bay and across the Mid-Atlantic.
White Marsh, Salisbury, Annapolis & Essex, Maryland // riversideboats.com // (800) 998-8444

Hully Gully:
Hully Gully’s Ultimate Toy Store is one of Canada’s largest Bayliner dealers. Rated one of the top 100 dealers in North America by Dealernews, Hully Gully is conveniently located near Detroit and Windsor.
London, Ontario // hullygully.com // (888) 253-2320