Bayliner 285 Cruiser Boat Test Notes

Watch the Boats.com Bayliner 285 Video Boat Review

Reviewing the Bayliner 285

Overview
A single-engine cruiser with sleeping quarters for six passengers.

Concept

• Create the roomiest cruiser of its size, with the widest beam in its class.
• Use extensive windows and ports to create an open feel belowdecks.
• Use a single powerplant to reduce cost.

Construction

• Fiberglass hull with Armorflex gelcoat and a Hydropel vinylester skin coat.
• Full-length fiberglass box-grid foam-filled stringers.

Performance

• Slow out of the hole by modern standards, but acceptable cruising and top-end speeds.
• Excellent economy; you have to really push it to break a 20-gph fuel burn.

Handling

• Handling can be tough with a single-screw boat of this size; luckily you can order it with an optional bow thruster.

Features

• Fully-enclosed, walk-in midcabin provides more privacy than expected on a boat of this size.
• Engine access is easy, 360-degrees.
• Helm bolster is extremely comfortable.

About the author:

Lenny Rudow

Profile

Lenny Rudow is Senior Editor for Dominion Marine Media, including Boats.com and Yachtworld.com. With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, he has contributed to publications including Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design who has won 28 BWI and OWAA writing awards.

Website

http://blog.boats.com/2012/08/video-bio-lenny-rudow/

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This feature was posted on Monday, August 29th, 2011 at 2:44 pm and is filed under Boat Test Notes.

Tags: Bayliner 285, Boat Test Notes, Lenny Rudow