1995 Bayliner 3988 Motor Yacht

By: Mike Burns

Whether new to boating or not, most people have heard of the Bayliner name. And so they should, as Bayliner is one of the largest production boat manufacturers in the world.

Today we’re going to look at one of Bayliner’s popular models in the Motor

Yacht series – the 3988.This model went into production in 1995, replacing the very popular 3888 model. Although I wouldn’t exactly qualify it as a true motor yacht, the 3988 is a very comfortable and spacious fly bridge sedan cruiser.

Boarding the 3988 is a breeze through the large transom door that leads you into a good-sized cockpit. Here you find a sliding door that leads to the spacious main salon. Another great feature is the large hatch that gives you direct access to the engine room. If I were to nit-pick about design elements, I would have to point out the bridge ladder, which is quite steep. The newer version of this model, however, incorporates a set of moulded steps.

Bayliner’s engineers really excelled when it came to the interior design of this model. The main salon is multi-level with an open concept, U-shaped galley to starboard. An L-shaped sofa is off to port and further forward a dinette area offers additional seating. The reason for the raised dinette is to accommodate for the second stateroom below it.

Aft and to port you’ll find easy access to the main electrical panel. This is actually a very practical place for it as it allows you to operate lights and other on-board systems just inside the salon door. Also in this area you’ll find plenty of cupboard space – and there’s even an icemaker.

The galley itself features limited counter space, but when the lower helm seat just ahead of the galley is folded down, additional matching counter space is created. There is an ample amount of cupboard space. Other features include a large double sink, a three-burner stove with oven, and a good-sized microwave is mounted overhead. Another unique feature found overhead is a small opening port that leads to the bridge – handy for handing a beverage or snack to the skipper while he or she is busy at the helm!

Just ahead of the galley, you’ll find the standard lower helm. On this particular model, the helm is actually laid out in a very simplistic manner and retains more of a subtle appearance in the main salon. A compass and a single bank of gauges are mounted on the dash, while a single control panel with switches for the 12- volt systems is mounted below the wheel. Off to starboard, engine controls are mounted within easy reach. Overall, this is a very functional control station with adequate 360-degree visibility.

Proceeding down a set of steps and moving forward, you’ll find to port a solid entrance door to the mid cabin. Once inside, you’ll find enough headroom for a changing area. The berth itself is large enough to sleep two adults very comfortably, with ample storage and locker space in the cabin for their belongings. Just ahead of this cabin, you’ll find a convenient day head with the usual features.

The master stateroom is located all the way forward and is comprised of a large centerline island queen berth. Under the bed you’ll find six large drawers for your gear, along with several storage areas throughout the cabin. Overhead, a large opening port allows plenty of natural light to flow in.

The master stateroom is also equipped with an ensuite head that features a bathtub. Fitted under the lower helm, you’ll find sitting headroom only. However, the tub is still a unique and somewhat functional feature.

Although gas or diesel engine packages were available for the Bayliner 3988, most were powered by diesel power plants. Our test boat was rigged with a pair of 5.9L Cummins diesels that produce 270 hp each. This ample power got the 3988 on plane in 6.2 seconds. At 2200 rpm, we cruised very comfortably at 23.2 mph, and at WOT we reached a top speed of 29.8 mph.

Visibility from the upper helm was excellent and the full canvas enclosure provides ample protection from the elements. The helm itself is positioned off to port. Wraparound bench seating, with enough room for a good-sized crowd, fills up the remainder of the bridge. Seating at the helm is comprised of two large swivel seats with armrests, so both the captain and a guest can ride in comfort. Just as with the lower helm, the upper helm is laid out in a simplistic manner with ample room to surface and flush mount electronics. Unfortunately, the Bayliner name has suffered the stigma of building a sub-par product. Although the company did have some quality control issues in the past, I think it is more appropriate to say they produce a budget-oriented product. Brunswick Corp., the parent company of Bayliner and other major manufacturers such as Sea Ray, Hatteras and Boston Whaler, developed a market strategy in 2002 and they stopped producing the larger motor yachts under the Bayliner banner. Meridian Yachts was launched and several models, including a revamped 39-foot model, are being manufactured in their Washington state facility. The popularity of these models continues to grow. One thing is for sure, though, I certainly wouldn’t mind an extended cruise on this Bayliner model. The 3988 Motor Yacht, in my opinion, is a well-designed and practical boat for its size.

POWER / PERFORMANCE
TEST BOAT ENGINE: Twin Cummins 5.9L,
270 hp, 6 cylinder diesel engine.
TOP SPEED (GPS): 2600 rpm / 29.8 mph
CRUISING SPEED (GPS): 2200 rpm /
23.2 mph