Bayliner 175 20th Anniversary Australian Edition Review

Celebrating 20 years of transcontinental business

In conjunction with the release of the new Bayliner 175 Bowrider, Australian distributor Berowra Waters Wholesale has worked with Bayliner’s parent company, US Marine to create a special model in celebration of their 20th year in business together. The 20th Anniversary Australian Edition 175 features extras to distinguish it from the standard model and presents good value in the entry-level bowrider market.

The 5.33m hull of the Anniversary model looks stylish in black a first for this model?and graphics and a serialised decal indicate that it is a limited edition.

Other extras include a sports steering wheel and a waterproof stereo system with plug-and-play compatibility for all digital formats including iPod and MP3.

Being a Bayliner, it features the hull technology, design and finish you’d expect from a division of a huge boatbuilding company like US Marine.

The hull of the new Bayliner 175 was designed specifically for use with its standard engine, a 3.0L 135hp MerCruiser Alpha I. US Marine is part of Brunswick, which also owns MerCruiser, so it makes sense for them to offer boaties good matches between performance and fuel efficiency. This pairing produces maximum speeds of around 85km/h and the fuel efficiency and 80L fuel tank offer ample range. It cruises comfortably and there is plenty of power for activities like towing family and friends on skis and tubes. There is a big storage hatch for skis and wakeboards under the cockpit floor and more storage for safety gear and other items under the bow lounge.

There are no fishing accommodations, but the casual angler forced to compromise for the sake of keeping the entire family happy has enough space to work with if they want to wet a line.

Bayliner boasts about the space in this little boat’s cockpit. Maximising useable space is critical in small boats and this design pushes the beam as far forward as possible.

The seating plan is also well done. The helm and navigator seats are forward sections of back-to-back, two-seat set-ups. Both convert into sun lounges. There are also two seats aft and enough space for another two passengers up front in the bow lounge.

The curved safety glass windshield is a new feature for this popular model and is positioned so the driver can see through rather than over it.

All the vinyl upholstery is treated with Bayliner’s KidClean protective coating and all the hardware is stainless steel.
The tow weight of the boat and trailer is around 1100kg, suitable for most mid-sized family cars.

Value has never been more welcome in the Aussie boating market and with packages starting at around $32,000, this Anniversary edition 175 offers an entry level runabout that’s fun, good looking, plus easy to manage and maintain.