Bayliner 205 Changes the Game

Bayliner 205 changes the game…

When designing the new 205 runabout, Bayliner sought out advice from some of industry’s leading product experts – their customers. Bayliner responded by offering a choice of seating arrangements and option packages, and by finding new ways to take advantage of unused space to give the 205 more storage and cockpit room than any other runabout in its class.

“Our goal was to take what our customers had to say and use it to create a game-changing runabout,” said Craig Dixon, the director of marketing for US Marine. “The 205 delivers with a spacious cockpit, dedicated storage, flexible configurations and a head-turning design. It puts the excitement back into affordable mid-sized runabouts.”

To achieve the largest cockpit and usable storage space in its class – enough room for up to 8 people and their gear – the 205 features 2m50 beam, with its maximum width extended forward, toward the bow. The result is a roomier cockpit and more usable space. In the standard seating plan, the aft jump seats convert to a sun pad and also hide a concealed transom walkthrough.

As part of Bayliner’s commitment to improved storage, every “loose” item on the boat has a designated storage space. When a seat top is removed to reveal the fiberglass transom walkthrough, an innovative space hidden in the gunnel is sized to house the cushion. The standard seating layout, dubbed Family Seating, also features a portside back-to-back seat that converts to a sun lounge and a swivel bucket helm seat with a new flip-up bolster for the captain.

For those who prefer two-bucket seats, the Sport Seating option fits the bill and also outfits the 205 with a large L-shaped seat and an aft sun lounge that’s big enough for two adults to stretch out and relax in the sun. The starboard sunpad cushion hinges outboard to open up a transom walkthrough that also includes molded storage in the step. A molded-in cockpit cooler is included with the Sport Seating option to keep refreshments close at hand for thirsty guests.

Since water activities from tubing to fishing to wakeboarding – and everything in between – are a key factor in family boating, Bayliner cleverly created easy access to the transom in a manner that would reduce wear and tear on the cockpit by eliminating the need to step on cushions. And it’s a good thing, because with the new 50cm integral swim platform, beverage holders and seating that’s designed for spectators or staging, it’s bound to be the hub of activity.

To accommodate the varying interests of family boaters, Bayliner has made it easy to tailor the 205 to any favorite pastime. First, buyers can select Family or Sport seating. Next, they can choose the Family Fun color option, which includes a Sunbrella® Bimini canvas top, a steering wheel upgrade, deck stripe and a choice of hullside colors; blue, black or red. With the seating and appearance decided, customers can further customize the 205, depending on their preferences.

If fishing is the sport of choice, the 205 can be outfitted with the Fish N Ski package, including casting platforms forward and aft, 2 casting seats, fish finder, livewell, trolling motor and more. For those who prefer towing a line to casting one, Bayliner’s popular Flight Series option provides opportunities galore with a wakeboard tower, extended swim platform and sizzling graphics.

With the capacity to carry up to 8 people and all their associated gear, the 205 has an amazing amount of storage for a 6,1m runabout. In addition to an in-floor ski/wakeboard locker (two in the Sport Seating configuration), there are port and starboard consoles, a lockable glove box, bow and transom lockers, compartments below and behind the bow seat cushions and huge new gunnel compartments. There’s a place for everything, all within easy reach.

Another point that emerged from customer research is that families want a stereo that can be heard throughout the boat. So, the 205 comes with a class-leading sound system with a 120 watt satellite-ready AM/FM stereo controller with plug-and-play capability for all digital formats, including MP3, iPod and CD. The four “directionally aimed” waterproof speakers keep the sound from being muffled by seat backs, so everyone can enjoy the tunes from anywhere in the boat. A six month subscription is available as an upgrade to complete the system.

While the 205 certainly caters to those who are enjoying the ride – whether in the boat or being towed behind it – there’s plenty of performance to thrill even the most seasoned captain. Engineered to perform exceptionally well with today’s high-output V-6 engines, the 205 is quick to plane and to delight drivers, skiers and wakeboarders alike. The standard 5.0L/220 hp MerCruiser® Alpha I cruises at 37 mph without breaking a sweat, and a 5.0L/260hp V-8 Alpha I MPI option is available for cruising speeds up to 40 mph.

Additional power options are available to allow owners to choose the performance and fuel economy that’s right for them. The ergonomic helm resembles the dashboard of a sports car more than a sport boat.

Designed for maximum visibility and control, the captain is surrounded by non-glare instrumentation, inset switches and gauges, and side mounted engine controls.

Responsive power/tilt steering makes for the ultimate in manoeuvrability, a big plus when it comes to water sports.

At the bow, the 205 has another generous seating area with even more new features, including integrated stainless steel handrails, an anchor storage locker that doubles as a step up to the new beach access step – so getting to the shore is just as easy as getting out on the water. And when the day is done, the 205 is a breeze to load up onto its standard trailer for the ride home.

“The 205 is a very well equipped runabout with all the features our customers identified as most important to them,” Dixon indicated. “By listening to our customers, Bayliner continues to lead the industry in building the most popular family sport boats at an exceptional value, year after year.”

Bayliner 205 Specifications*
Length Overall   6.22 m
Storage Length w/trailer 7.67 m
Beam  2.43 m
Bridge Clearance 1.19 m
Draft (hull) 0.51 m
Draft (max) 0.94 m
Approx. weight
(w/std. engine) 1,287 kg
Fuel Capacity 140 L
Deadrise 20°

ABOUT BAYLINER 

Headquartered in Arlington, WA, Bayliner is a brand of US Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC). The best-selling fiberglass boat brand in 2006, Bayliner manufactures and markets recreational bowriders, cuddys, deckboats and cruisers ranging from 16 to 35 feet. All Bayliner boats use the PROTM System (Process enables the company to consistently build better boats at lower costs.