Bayliner 192 Discovery Review

There is nothing to match the buzz you get when taking your new boat out on its maiden voyage.

You know the old saying: the two best days of boat ownership are the day you get the boat and the day you sell it! If you are a true boatie the day you sell it is great, because that gives you some cash to put towards a new pride and joy in what seems to be  a never-ending cycle.

The Anticipation
You’ve been looking through brochures, reading Modern Boating and checking out what boat best suits your needs. Finally, a decision is made. An order is placed and some time later the ‘new boat’ day arrives. The anticipation has been supplemented by several trips to the local ship chandler where you have picked up new life jackets for the kids and a few extra goodies (like a new fishing rod) cause the old stuff just wouldn’t suit the new toy.

It gets better
The fuel’s checked, the keys are handed over… you turn her over for the first time. “Shoes off kids,” says Dad, then he gently slips her from the wharf on the maiden voyage ? brilliant!

The Modern Boating team were lucky enough to witnesses this ‘new boat’ experience when we got the chance to review the family-focussed Bayliner 192 Discovery sterndrive cuddy cabin runabout. Dad and Mum (David and Anne) had taken the family along to the Sydney International Boat Show and before they knew it, their kids Stefan, Bryony and Natasha had chosen the boat for them.

When they met up with Alister Jones from Avante Marine to take delivery, it was excitement all round. It reminded me of the day when as a kid, I came home from school and my Dad had a new boat, squeezed in the garage. What a buzz.
As far as this test went, the boat reviewed itself. Just look at the pictures. The 192 Discovery is quite simply a tremendous family package. It has a small cabin with Porta Potti (for long family days out), is keenly priced at $46,210 and includes trailer, bimini, 135hp 3lt MerCruiser sterndrive, 12-month boat and trailer rego, plus full safety gear. Not a bad deal at all.

HAND-LAID HULL
The hand-laid fibreglass hull has a Vinylester barrier coat and is supported by a transferable five-year Structural Deck Warranty and a Limited Lifetime Structural Hull Warranty.

The smart navy blue topsides and matching navy blue bimini made the boat look a treat. The long stainless steel bowrail, walk-through windscreen access to the bow and compact fixed swim platform ensured that getting about the craft is easy for all ages.

The Bayliner 192 had a comfortable tilt-steering drive position and the helm boasted an array of instruments covering fuel, oil, and speed, revs, temp, engine trim, volts and there was a horn.

The family-sized cockpit had seating for six with all seats converting into a total of three sun lounges if required. There was in-floor storage and side panel storage, several drink holders and an ‘Ipod’ ready CD player.

The vee-berth cuddy cabin had more pocket storage and received plenty of natural light from a translucent deck hatch. Other standard features included nav lights, bilge pump, engine room blower, stainless grab holds and a stainless-steel ski ring.

Overall, Bayliner were smart in developing this package. It managed to keep the price under control by not getting carried away with too many bells and whistles. The result is an attractive vessel with performance that will keep the family wanting more. Oh, and thanks Bryony for your help with the walkie-talkie.