---
Similar Boats For Sale On Boat Buys
|
1988 Bayliner 1952 Capri 19ft / 5.79 m Cuddy Cabin Boats |
|
2011 Bayliner 175 Bowrider 17ft 6in / 5.18 m Bowrider Boats |
|
|
2011 Bayliner 175 Bowrider 17ft 6in / 5.18 m Bowrider Boats |
|
2011 Bayliner 175 Bowrider 17ft 6in / 5.18 m Bowrider Boats |
|
|
2011 Bayliner 175 Bowrider 17ft 6in / 5.18 m Bowrider Boats |
|
2009 Bayliner 175 Bowrider 18ft 6in / 5.49 m Runabout Boats |
|
2012 Bayliner 160 Ob 16ft 2in / 4.88 m Bowrider Boats |
|
2012 Bayliner 170 Ob 17ft 6in / 5.18 m Bowrider Boats |
|
2012 Bayliner 180 Ob 18ft / 5.49 m Bowrider Boats |
|
2012 Bayliner 175 Br 17ft 6in / 5.18 m Bowrider Boats |
Subscribe to our award winning monthly e-mail blast with news, reviews and sneak peaks for the recreational boater.
2004 Bayliner 175 Photos
2004 Bayliner 175 Test Details
| Category | Bowrider |
| Length | 17ft 6in / 5.18 m |
| Engine Make | Mercury |
| Dealers | Contact Bayliner Boats Dealers |
| Buyers Guides | Search For Bayliner Boats Buyers Guides |
| Boats For Sale | Search For Bayliner Boats For Sale |
2004 Bayliner 175 Description
-
It's no secret that the advent of multipassenger PWCs decimated the market for runabouts in the 16- to17-foot range. I can't remember the last time we tested a new offering in what used to be an all-important class of entry-level boats.Although there have always been a few around, some in fibreglass but mostly in aluminum, they've become almost invisible in mainstream boating.
What goes around, comes around. Trust the powerful market research resources of a company like Bayliner to ascertain that a large segment of the boatbuying 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.
Nothing is cut where it counts. Note details like the deck bulges that provide extra height for the bowrider cushions, or the generous size of the stern jump seats. The dash is simple, but equipped with a complete set of instruments. Ample storage is found under the stern and bow seats and in the cavernous ski/board locker beneath the floor. The convenient engine cover deserves special mention. A one-piece moulding held in place by a pair of elastic straps, it fits tightly and results in the quietest running 3.0 we've experienced.
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 waterbike.
The little bowrider 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."
2004 Bayliner 175 Test Specifications
-
Test boat engine: Mercury MerCruiser 3.0L 135 hp, 3.0 litre carburetted inline four-cylinder gasoline engine turning a 21- inch aluminum prop on an Alpha One drive.
---
