Bayliner Review

When Orin Edson decided to purchase the Bayliner name for a mere one hundred dollars, he may have never dreamed that when he sold it 25 years later that he would walk away with $420 million for his boat company. That is exactly what happened for Mr. Edson. He had been a dealer selling used wooden boats and speed boats when he met the man that built the Bayliner plywood boats. He was so impressed with the rugged and durable boat that he asked how much it would take for him to sell. Al Koffel was the plywood boat maker and he said that one hundred dollars would be fine. The transaction was made and Edson became the owner of Bayliner in 1961. It wasn’t until years later that he sold the company to Brunswick Corporation for millions of dollars.

One of the main visions that Edson had during his time at the helm was to make boats so that everyone would have an opportunity to own one. This goal was met by making quality boats at an affordable price and created an additional interest in the sport of boating because of the ease of obtaining one of his boats. Some people say that his inexpensive boats did more for growing the sport than even the fiberglass invention. There are several Bayliner models available that are still in production under the Brunswick stable, but one of the highest selling boats is the 175 Bowrider. Boat owners say that if it weren’t for the small price tag that they may never have been able to afford such an excellent watercraft. The 175 BR has a 3.0L MerCruiser engine and standard trailer which puts boaters on the water fast. It has a spacious cockpit, ample storage capacity and an innovative design. No wonder it has become one of the best selling boats in the industry.

Pricing

Pricing varies for the Bayliner boats from $65,000 for a Bayliner 266 Discovery to around $145,000 for a new 2010 285 SB. The biggest value comes with the 2010 Bayliner 175 Bowrider and it runs approximately $15,645.00. Used Bayliner boats are also available for a reduced price.

Pros

• Bayliner has a comfortable cabin and a good amount of built in storage areas.
• Now backed by Brunswick, the company seems to be very stable.
• Bayliner Boats has the highest selling boat on the market because of the affordability.
• Boats have a stylish design and a comfortable ride.

Cons

• Owners of the Bayliner 175 BR commented that they would have liked to have lining inside of the sole locker.
• Some Bayliner owners report that the boat has a water spray and can have a wet ride.
• Owners of the boat noted that the curtains in the cabin didn’t quite cover the window, these are easily replaceable though.

Featured Models

160 OB, 175 SF, 175 BR, 184 SF, 185BR, 192 DIS, 195 BR, 195 Discovery, 197 SD, 215 BR, 217 SD, 235 BR, 245 SB, 255, 266 DIS, 285 SB, 315 SB and the 335. 18 models currently in 2010 production.

Conclusion

The general consensus among Bayliner owners is that the 175 Bowrider is one of the best boats for a little amount of money. According to Bayliner, it is one of the best sellers in their line with about one of every three buyers going with the 175 as their first boat. The new styling is another reason that it is so popular and the available packages that can be added optionally add to the excitement of boat ownership. Very inexpensive boating with all or more of the standard features than other models in the class; what could be better?