A deck boat, Bayliner’s D22 strives for jack-of-all-trades status—carrying the family to a beach on one day, entertaining friends the next, and proving versatile enough for more specific pursuits such as fishing and watersports are the order of the day.
A deck boat’s boxier bow style, however, can sometimes produce a more jarring ride. The D22 avoids this drawback by adding a steeper point of entry and progressive V. Boat buyers will note that the result is a drier, softer ride, particularly in rougher waters. In the course of the design process, the D22 also received a sleeker, more athletic appearance while retaining Bayliner’s trademark deep and secure seating in the cockpit.
That depth and a deck boat’s more rectangular profile equate to plenty of seating options on the interior for family and friends. Forward, a U-shaped lounge wraps the bow cockpit with not only the typical forward-facing seatbacks for those who like to stretch out, but also padded backrests at the forward wall to allow passengers to face aft or watch watersports action in the boat’s wake.
Step through the walk-through windshield and find a well-appointed helm and swiveling bucket seat with a flip-up bolster. Opposite, the port console adds lockable storage or can be optioned with a portable head. An 6-foot-8-inch-by-5-foot-2-inch L-shaped bench runs the remainder of the port side and across the transom. Behind, a large sun pad faces the swim platform. Pivot the bench backrest forward to fashion a recliner perfect for coving or visiting the sandbar. The adjoining swim platform is covered in comfortable EVA foam, while a locker waits below the seat’s port end for larger items or water toys.
The Bayliner D22’s standard 150 hp Mercury outboard was upgraded to 200 hp on our test boat. That power pushed the hull onto plane in 4.7 seconds and proved more than worthy of popping skiers and board riders from a deepwater start. Its most economical cruising speed proved a brisk 29 mph, where the engine consumed less than 8 gph. Top speed? Just under 45 mph.
High Points
- Entertainment center includes freshwater sink and an optional refrigerator.
- Storage abounds, from underseat compartments to an in-floor ski locker below an aft bench/sun pad.
- Optional packages add a tower, stereo upgrades and more.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 200
- Drive/Prop: Mercury Enertia 14.8″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 49 gal. Crew Weight: 375 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $58,295 (with Mercury 200) |
| LOA: | 24’2″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’9″ |
| Dry Weight: | 3,994 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 12/1,692 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 55 gal. |
