Bayliner focuses on smaller boats with a new line of dual consoles, including the entry-level Element
Bayliner has introduced four dual-console dayboats under 21 feet. The smallest is the Element.
With this 16-footer, Bayliner wants to lure newcomers to boating or bring back former boat owners, says Matt Guilford, vice president of marketing.
The Element accommodates a family of four and can hold up to six. The deck layout’s asymmetrical design makes sense and promotes a social atmosphere, especially the twin scalloped cockpit seats on the port side and helm seat’s similar design.
A filler cushion joins the forward-facing lounges in the bow to create a huge sunpad, and a full-beam sunpad stretches across the stern. The builder scatters hand-holds about the boat, and the gunwales are high for safety (www.bayliner.com).
The Element is easy to clean up, with its self-bailing cockpit and simple layout, says Guilford. Simplicity continues at the helm, where Bayliner has installed a single multipurpose gauge and only a few essential dash controls, he says.
The boat is designed to comfortably carry passengers, gear and supplies. “In the past, folks wanted to go 50 to 55 mph,” says Michael Yobe, Bayliner product portfolio manager. “Speed is not as important as the ability to carry people, the ability to do things with the boat with those people.”
Top speed is 31 mph, and the Element gets 6 mpg at 26 mph cruise. Instead of a vee-hull, it rides what Bayliner calls an “M-Hull.” The running surface delivers stability and level flotation even when passengers step on gunwales while boarding, says Guilford.
The base boat with 60-hp Mercury 4-stroke and trailer is $12,000. Standard equipment includes a swim platform with ladder, and options include a sports package with a custom arch and board rack, graphics, choice of black or red hull color, cooler and bow filler cushion.
If you’re looking for a dual console dayboat that’s less than 20 feet but larger than the Element, check out Bayliner’s 190 DB with a Mercury 115-hp 4-stroke and trailer. This setup is less than $21,000.
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April 2013 issue
