Spotlight: Bayliner 185

SPOTLIGHT: Bayliner 185

The US-made Bayliner 185 Bowrider is a predominantly family-oriented five and a half metre all rounder. It is the second size up in the Bayliner bowrider range, being slightly larger than Bayliner’s entry-level 175 model. It’s been in production for several years and recently enjoyed some aesthetic upgrades, as did several other models in the range.

In Australia the 185 is distributed by the sole officially authorised Bayliner agent, Sydney-based Berowra Waters Wholesale, through its network of 16 dealers.

It has a 2.31m beam and a towing weight of around 1600kg, making it towable by a large family car.

Following extensive discussions between Bayliner and its customers from around the world (including Australia), the boat underwent several aesthetic improvements over the last 12 months. These include a re-designed dash area that offers better ergonomics, improved visibility and race-car inspired styling, as well as the addition of different fixed-seating options. Even so, standard seating flexibility is retained, whereby the passenger’s seat and also the rear seat can convert into a full length sunlounge. It is rated for eight people.

Powering it is a 3lt 135hp MerCruiser Alpha I engine. Cruise speed is said to be around the 55kmh mark, while top speed exceeds 75kmh. An optional 4.3lt 190hp Alpha I or even a 4.3lt 220hp MPI are available, with the latter said to offer a top speed of up to 90kmh. Handling is said to be predictable and simple at a variety of speeds, making the 185 an ideal first time boat.

Some standard items include: a bimini top, a choice of blue, black and red (the red one may or may not go faster), deck gel-stripe, bow-cover, locally fitted safety equipment, rego, and stereo/MP3 player, plus a galvanised disc-braked trailer that complies with Australian Standards. An extensive list of options is available on request.

The Bayliner 185 Bowrider starts from $37,990 for the 3lt model. The V6 model starts from $41,690.