Bayliner T29 Explorer: SUV of the Sea
The Bayliner T29 Explorer combines cruising capability, fishability, and affordability in one complete package.
Bayliner has been on a tear recently, introducing an entire new model line of cabin boats like the T25 Pilothouse, an all-weather fishing machine that showed up for the first time this past spring. But this pilothouse design is intended for fishing, period, and doesn’t have many cruising amenities. Enter: the T29 Explorer, with more of an express cruiser style cabin and some luxury touches to boot.
Bayliner T29 Explorer Design and Construction
The T29 Explorer has a mix of express cruiser, sedan, and walkaround cabin attributes, with sidedecks ringing a fully enclosed helm deck and a lower cabin forward. Aft a sliding glass door bulkhead and a large overhead sunroof maintain the open feel and 360-degree visibility of an express while still providing complete protection from the weather. A side door at the helm gives easy access to the sidedecks.
The cockpit is kept open and uncluttered for outdoor activities and fishing, but a removable pedestal cocktail table can be put in for dining. Flip-up seating integrated into the transom. Down below, the cabin features a forward private stateroom, a fully enclosed stand-up head compartment, and a mid-cabin berth with room for a couple. The helm deck includes a dinette to port which converts into a berth, with the helm and a galley to starboard.
Although this is a new model for Bayliner, these boats have been built under the Quicksilver banner (both brands are owned by the Brunswick Corporation) for the European market for several years. The power package for the T29 Explorer includes a pair of Mercury 225 HP outboards, which bring with them DTS digital controls. Construction remains more or less the same as the European versions but there are changes made specifically to cater to the U.S. market; electrical accessories are swapped out to match our systems, some additional features are offered, and layout is tweaked a bit to fit American tastes.
Bayliner T29 Explorer Cruising Features
The T29 Explorer isn’t the most opulent 30-footer on the market today, something reflected by its below-average price-point, but it does have a surprising list of comfort-inducing features for a relatively low-cost boat. Note: we don’t like to state pricing in reviews since it varies by geography and often changes rapidly, but a quick comparison with competitors in the same size range showed a sticker price advantage commonly in the 15 to 30 percent range. This being the case, it’s surprising to learn that the standard premium package includes goodies like a bow thruster, a six-speaker Fusion stereo system, a Bimini with enclosure, and a 9” Simrad NSS EVO3S.
About those electronics: since Simrad is also a Brunswick company, you can order the T29 Explorer rigged to the teeth right from the factory. A Halo 20 radar and RS20S GPS-enabled VHF radio appear on the options list, along with big comfort-enhancing items like 12V air conditioning and a diesel heater. Another option cruisers are likely to want is the foredeck cushion package, which turns the bow into a sunlounge. Those who would rather be shaded from UV rays will appreciate the sunshade that can be extended aft from the cockpit overhang.
As far as accommodations go, the T29 Explorer can sleep five between the forward cabin with pedestal berth, the mid-cabin, and the convertible dinette. The head is equipped with a shower so weekending aboard will be in the cards; the stove is optional so if you want the ability to prep hot meals be sure to check off that box.
Bayliner T29 Explorer Fishing Features
While this model is designed more for cruising and weekending than fishing, the open aft cockpit certainly has more than enough room to make a few casts or deploy a set of trolling lines. A pair of gunwale-mounted rodholders comes standard. There’s certainly room to add more but they don’t appear on the options list, so talk with your dealer about installing additional rodholders if you’d like to bring a load of gear aboard.
Unlike most cabin boats of this size and nature the bow is easily and comfortably accessible and can also be used for fishing. Bayliner puts an unusually tall bowrail around the side decks and bow, giving anglers something to lean against as they cast.
Bayliner T29 Explorer Specifications
- Length Overall: 29’10”
- Beam: 9’9”
- Weight: 6,508 lbs.
- Draft (max): 3’7”
- Transom Deadrise: 17 degrees
- Max HP: 450
- Fuel Capacity: 126 gal.
While dedicated cruisers may opt for a boat with more volume and dedicated anglers will probably be looking for things like livewells and fishboxes, the T29 Explorer takes a middle-of-road path that gives it a lot more flexibility and versatility than most models. If you’re looking for a do-everything SUV-style boat—that undercuts the competition’s pricing—this one that belongs on your must-see list.
See Bayliner T29 Explorer boats for sale on boats.com.
