Bayliner 175 Bowrider Review

This quality runabout offers more for your money.

For family boaters who thought buying a used sport boat was the only way they could afford to get on the water, think again. Bayliner’s new 175 Bowrider proves they can get all the fun, room and quality construction they want in an affordable runabout that comes complete with its own trailer.

Built with all the quality features that have made Bayliner the best selling runabout year after year, the 175 is designed to withstand anything active families can dish out. Tough vinyl upholstery treated with Bayliner’s exclusive KidClean protective coating, stainless steel hardware and hose-and-go cleaning mean owners can spend more time enjoying their boat’not maintaining it. Plus a new curved safety glass windshield and deep freeboard add an extra measure of security, especially when the little skippers are aboard.

At the helm, the captain has comfort and visibility ahead and behind. One important difference with the 175 Bowrider over other entry-level runabouts is that the driver can actually see through the window without having to look over it. The ergonomically designed helm puts all gauges and controls in easy reach. There’s also a place to mount an optional waterproof stereo system that’s one of the best in the business with plug-and-play compatibility for all digital formats, including iPod and MP3s. And to make sure the sound is crystal clear, Bayliner uses directionally aimed speakers and leverages a new sealed engine cover with sound insulation to keep the noise down in the cockpit.

This sport boat can accommodate a variety of activities, from skiing and tubing to all day cruising. That’s why the hull of the new 175 is engineered to deliver exceptional performance on the standard 3.0L/135hp MerCruiser Alpha I while maximising fuel economy. There’s power to spare with maximum speed up to 85km/h’and with an 80L fuel tank, boaters can take the fun farther and faster than ever.

Perhaps the most surprising element of the new 175 Bowrider is the spacious cockpit, courtesy of Bayliner’s beam-forward design that pushes the widest point forward to create more useable space. The seating plan suits social get-togethers with two portside sleeper seats that convert to sun lounges and two aft jump seats. When it’s time to hit the water, lift off the cushions and step onto the transom where there’s a recessed swim ladder that extends deep into the water. Easy in, easy out. There’s even more passenger space in the bow area with seating for two sun lovers.

The cockpit also provides plenty of storage for skis and wakeboards which can be easily stowed in the large floor storage compartment; and there’s even more storage space beneath the bow seat cushions.

Easy boating is affordable.