Bayliner’s 175 was the best-selling boat in the world for 10 years running. After testing the latest iteration of this venerable runabout, it’s easy to see why. Great features, solid performance and a low price combine to make it a winner.
Bracketed by jump seats to port and starboard, the top of the box boasts a recessed fiberglass table, perfect for laying out snacks while anchored or beached. On the go, hooks for the supplied elastic mesh keep that bag of chips in place. Good thing too.
With our test boat’s 135 hp MerCruiser 3.0L TKS Alpha sterndrive, the 175 BR accelerated to a top speed in excess of 42 mph and posted a time to plane of 4.9 seconds. While all this zooming about is occurring, you can monitor the engine via the multifunction gauge installed in the nonglare, gray pod at the helm. The skipper is protected from windblast here: I’m 6 feet tall and when seated behind wheel, I comfortably looked through the windshield rather than over it.
To port, the companion seat is a back-to-back recliner allowing for increased crew capacity or for lounging. The console in front of this seat houses a Jensen stereo, 12-volt outlet and an auxiliary audio input. The swim-platform ladder is recessed, and I felt secure seated in the bow lounge while under way.****
Key Features
-Unique engine box has a snack table with gear tie-downs.
-Removable aft seat cushions provide secure footing when boarding astern.
-Optional Flight Series Package includes a wakeboard tower, integrated Bimini top, flight graphics and extended swim platform.
