If you’re planning on buying a new boat to enjoy family vacations, you’ll come across a wide variety of options to choose from. If you take a good look at any recreational boat docks nearby, chances are you’ll come across a Bayliner there.
Bayliner is currently one of the largest recreational boat manufacturers in the world. The company has been going on for years, winning tons of awards for customer satisfaction.
On the other hand, some people might recommend that you avoid Bayliner and go for other options.
So are Bayliner good boats? Every brand has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and Bayliner isn’t an exception.
In today’s article, we’ll provide you with a quick guide that walks you through the advantages and drawbacks of a Bayliner!
About Bayliner Boats
One of the best ways to get introduced to a boat brand is by knowing more about the manufacturer’s history and the lines offered. So let’s check them out:
Company History
Orin Edson, the founder of Bayliner, established the boat manufacturer in 1957. The company has seen a lot of success throughout the years and to this day.
In fact, the National Marine Manufacturers Association has awarded the company the Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index Award for several years, so they must be doing something right!
In the late 1980s, the company was acquired by Brunswick Boat Group for almost half a billion dollars. Today, the company has over 400 dealers across 60 different countries around the world.
Popular Boat Lines
Bayliner used to make a lot of boat models. However, as of 2021, the company has limited its production to three production lines, which are the fan-favorite Bowriders, Deck Boats, and Center Consoles. Here’s a quick introduction to each one of them:
The Bowriders
The Bowriders are one of the most popular boats in the world, especially among first-time buyers.
The 175 Bowrider model is the company’s most successful model and they’re known for offering decent top speed and acceleration in addition to ample room for storage, making them excellent for fishing trips and other water-related activities with friends.
The Deck Boats
The Bayliner deck boat is another famous option that is well built for family vacations and spending the day on the water as well as lightweight cruising on the water.
As the name suggests, the boats have a spacious deck with a wider hull compared to other models that the company offers, allowing you to invite up to 15 extra passengers on the boat as you take the helm.
The Center Consoles
The center consoles are specifically designed for fishing enthusiasts who are looking for boats that are custom-built for the job.
These boats have the helm and boat controls situated at the center, hence the name. This design allows for easier access to all sides of the boats, including the sides as well as the bow and the stern.
This means that you don’t have to worry about any of the driving mechanisms getting in the way while you’re trying to catch a stubborn fish.
Top Reasons to Buy a Bayliner
As previously mentioned, there are plenty of reasons why many people, especially first-time boat owners, opt for Bayliner. Here are some of these reasons.
1. They’re Quite Affordable
Right off the bat, the main advantage that Bayliner boats hold against almost all competitors is how affordable they are.
Whether you’re buying a brand new boat or a used one off craigslist or eBay, Bayliner boats are usually one of the most budget-friendly options that you’re going to come across.
2. They Offer a Wide Range of Boat Options
As previously mentioned, there are plenty of boat options when it comes to Bayliner. Whether you’re buying a boat that is specifically meant for family vacations, parties with friends, fishing, or traveling on the water, there will be a model that is suitable for your needs.
3. Great Warranty Policy
Bayliner offers an excellent Lifetime Structural Hull Warranty (BSure), which adds a lot of value to the price of the boat and ensures a worry-free purchase.
The lifetime warranty shows how confident Bayliner is when it comes to the durability and strength of their boats.
Bayliner Boats Downsides
Now that you know more about the pros, it’s time to explore some of the popular cons:
1. Not the “Best in Class” When it Comes to Build Quality
Since Bayliner is dubbed as a “budget-friendly” choice, it’s a great choice for entry-level boat owners and first-timers.
While they’re one of the best when it comes to value for money and price, they aren’t the best possible options if you prioritize quality over price.
Some parts of the boats will start breaking down with time and require replacements. Also, Bayliner uses medium-grade wood and simple sealants, which might cause some rust issues in the long run, especially with the steel staples.
2. Some Models Had Their Issues a While Back
For a company that has been around for decades, it’s expected that some of their models would arrive with some problems.
However, this shouldn’t be something to worry about if you’re buying new because Bayliner offers a lifetime warranty on their products.
Bayliner Resale Value
When It’s time for an upgrade, you might want to sell your old Bayliner to spare extra funds for the new boat.
The resale value of a boat is neither a pro nor a con in the case of a Bayliner boat. Since you pay less for the boat when you initially buy it, you don’t lose much in terms of percentile value as compared to other options.
However, since you initially paid much less, you shouldn’t expect the Bayliner to offer a great resale value anyway.
Final Verdict: Is Bayliner a Good Choice for Boats?
There you have it! A quick guide that walks you through Bayliner boats, including their most popular lines, pros, cons, and more!
So, are Bayliner good boats? This depends on what you’re looking for in a boat. If you’re a first-time owner who’s looking for a solid option that offers a variety of features without breaking the bank, the Bayliner is a great entry-level choice.
However, if you’re an experienced boat owner who’s looking for an upgrade or you don’t mind splurging a little more for added features and building quality, you might want to consider other options, such as the Sea Ray.