Bayliner 175, Ease of Entry
This affordable model by US Marine lets buyers get into a new boat for less than many used models.
May 14, 2009
For the most part, it’s usually a friend who gets someone interested in boating. People will take friends out on their boat a time or two, then the friends decide they might like to own one. But it’s US Marine and its line of Bayliner boats that actually gets those people into a boat of their own. It’s something Bayliner does exceptionally well and its 175 runabout is probably one of the most reliable and cost-efficient models to introduce a family to boating.
2009 Bayliner 175
“Bayliner’s goal is to make it easy to own and love your boat, and the Bayliner 175 was created to invite people to boat on the most affordable and fun runabout available,” said Betsy Lazzara, vice president and brand manager for Bayliner and Maxum boats. “It is our answer to anyone wishing to enjoy all sorts of boating activities, including water sports, cruising or fishing, with family and friends at an incredible price on a very high-quality, easy-to-maintain boat.”
2009 Bayliner 175 Bow
Key to the boat’s affordability is the price: $13,124 for a base-model 175 on a single-axle trailer. That’s less than most used boats—or even a used car. For the price, you get a choice of two cockpit layouts, a back-to-back sleeper seat on the port side with a swivel bucket at the helm, or twin back-to-back setups. At the stern, two can sit in the jump seats beside the gelcoated fiberglass engine cover, which houses two cupholders. The bow features two forward-facing seats with backrests angled for comfort, and cupholders and grab handles for each passenger. Beneath the carpeted sole lies an in-deck ski locker, with a nice wide hatch.
2009 Bayliner 175 Interior
The stern has a small swim platform—just big enough to accommodate the average-size fanny—with a fold-out ladder. The tow eye is ideal for pulling the kids in a tube or kneeboard and the hull is built to handle it. With its sharp keel, the 175’s tracking is good for a 17-footer, and 19 degrees of deadrise help it cut through lake chop even with the drive trimmed up. For carving sweet turns, the 175 features negative chines that dig in and help the boat hold its line. The boat also comes with a limited lifetime structural hull warranty and limited five-year structural deck warranty.
2009 Bayliner 175 Interior
For further affordability and ease of ownership, the 175 weighs just 1,847 pounds. Even if you fill it with fuel, gear, ice chests and water toys, you can tow it with practically anything, so there is no added expense of having to buy a tow vehicle. Designed for easy maintenance, the 175 is essentially a hose-and-go boat, and all of the its vinyl upholstery is treated with Bayliner’s exclusive KidClean™ protective coating.
2009 Bayliner 175 Interior
Arguably in standard trim, the boat is pretty sparse, so buyers might want to spring for a few options, which also are reasonably priced. For example, the standard boat doesn’t come with a stereo. For $450 you can get a waterproof 120-watt satellite-ready AM/FM stereo and controller with inputs for iPod and MP3 players. You’ll also probably want the bimini top, which adds $579 to the base price, but at the end of one of those long sunny summer days, you’ll know it was money well spent.
2009 Bayliner 175 Engine
So, for the price of a used boat, you can get something new, with a warranty and that intoxicating new-boat smell. The next step is to take a few friends out and share the joy with them. Then tell them how easy and affordable owning a boat can be. For more information, visit www.bayliner.com.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bayliner 175
Length: 17'6"
Beam: 6'11"
Max draft: 18"
Deadrise: 19 degrees
Weight: 1,847 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 21 gal.
