What goes around, comes around. Trust the powerful market research resources of a company like Bayliner to ascertain that a large segment of the boat buying public has decided they want a boat they can ride in, instead of on. And that they want it to be affordable. Affordability was often the attraction of the small runabouts of yesteryear. They were "entry" level, but they were often very good little craft. Just like Bayliner's new 175.

Let's get the money and quality thing out of the way. Our test boat supplier, Morch Marine, is selling the 175 for around seventeen grand with canvas and a trailer. Definitely affordable. And compare the price to that of a family-sized PWC; they're comparable. Another $2,000 adds the XT package - wakeboard tower, CD player, bolder graphics.

The quality question comes up because of the low price and because the boat is built at a new Bayliner facility in Mexico. No fear, Bayliner has set high standards for the plant and uses a wealth of mass-production techniques to achieve them. We crawled all over our 175 tester and were impressed. Taupe polypropylene carpet is glued to most of the interior surfaces and the installation was faultless. Bayliner's mastery of production upholstery is evident as well. The foam has the right density, the vinyl is soft but tough and the stitching is accurate.

Economy is served in subtle ways. Like the lack of lid for the dash's storage bin, or the absence of panels and pockets along the sides. After watching glitzier boats suffer the abuses of cottage duty, these minor frugalities start to look like elegant, functional simplicity.
 

Both convertible and Bimini tops are available. Ours had the convertible and it was snug, well-fitted and featured almost as much headroom as the Bimini. We tested the 175 in October - overcast, blustery, bursts of rain, seven miserable degrees. Behind the windshield and under the top we were dry and comfortable. Try that on your water bike.

The little bow rider certainly doesn't lack for performance. It's got a hole shot worthy of a bass boat and that 46 mph top speed was achieved while skipping over a short, dirty chop on the Bay of Quinte. The 175 could carve turns in those waves without skipping out or banking dangerously and the ride was stable and dry - a safe family boat.

Although small enough to store in your garage, the 175 is sizeable enough to make a classy, real boat statement. Freeboard is tall and the beam is wide from gunnel to waterline, giving the boat a solid stance on the water - an effect enhanced by bold reverse chines.

Diana summed up the 175 best when she remarked: "It's a charmer."

Cam and Diana McRae

Test Results

Power/Performance
Test boat engine: Mercury MerCruiser 3.0L 135 hp, 3.0 litre carbureted inline four-cylinder gasoline engine turning a 21- inch aluminum prop on an Alpha One drive.

Acceleration: mph/ sec
0-20 / 4.6 | 0-30 / 6.4

Top Speed: rpm/ mph
4,950 / 46.4

Cruising Speed: rpm/ mph
2,400 / 21

Sound Levels at Cruise:
helm - 78 dbA (3,500 rpm)

Sound Levels at Top Speed:
helm - 89 dbA

Speed Testing by Garmin GPS

Specifications
LENGTH: 17' 6" / 5.33 m
BEAM: 7' / 2.13 m
WEIGHT: 1,900 lb. / 862 kg
FUEL: 18 gal. / 68 L
PRICE: $16,995 (includes trailer)

TEST BOAT PROVIDED AND PRICE QUOTED BY:
Morch Marine,
25 Dundas Street West,
Belleville, Ont.
K8P 3M7
Phone: 613-966-9338

Thanks to; http://www.boattest.ca/boatsandplaces/TestReports/2004/Bayliner/Bayliner_175.aspx?Make=Bayliner&HP=135&engineType=IO

Bayliner 175 Boat Covers
Custom fitted cockpit/bow cover sets.

Bayliner 175 Boat Tops
Will make a true difference in your comfort while you are boating.