Say what you will about Bayliner’s Capri series, but this model line still represents perhaps the best way for new boaters to get into boating. Think about it. There are tons of Bayliner dealers around and probably even more marinas and dealers that service MerCruiser hardware. In terms of price and service after the sale, the Capri is a smart buy into boating.
But here’s something you may not know: The 2150 Capri performs on par with boats that cost a lot, and we mean a lot, more.
Part of that performance comes from a standard hot rodder’s trick: big engine, light boat. Tipping the scales at 2,838 pounds and powered by MerCruiser’s 220-horse 5.0-liter V-8, the 2150 flat out scoots across the water to a top speed of better than 50 mph. Throttle back to about 75-percent throttle and the 2150 cruises easily at 37.9 mph. At that speed, the engine is just purring along, barely huffing at all. And it’s quiet, too. At 36 mph, our sound meter registered a paltry 85 decibels from the driver’s seat. To put that in perspective, that’s only three decibels higher than Cobalt’s 226, the quietest boat we’ve ever tested.
Due in part to a recent hull redesign, the 2150 delivers respectable performance. The V-8 provides plenty of power to pull up skiers, and the hull allows the boat to turn sharply and hold its line without soaking the passengers. At wakeboarding speeds, the 2150 maintains speed with ease and even throws a decent wake for a stern-driven boat.
A big surprise is how versatile the 2150 can be. For example, we found the interior spacious enough for comfortable cruises, and we enjoyed the performance. But the 2150 actually makes a fairly competent fishing machine. For example, the rear seats flanking the engine box pull out, making it easy for two people to fish from the stern. From those locations, it’s a short reach to the water to grab a flailing bass. The interior is fairly spacious given its relatively narrow 7-foot, 11-inch beam, which means there’s room to walk around when you need to follow a fish.
A lot of surprises from a little boat – but not a lot of money. Value defined.
Specifications
Length: 20 ft. 8 in.
Beam 7 ft. 11 in.
Fuel capacity: 37 gal.
Cockpit*: 76 in. (w) x 124 in. (l)
Cockpit depth*: 34 in. (driver) x 31.5 in. (rear seat)
Bow interior*: 70 in. (w) x 57 in. (l)
Seating capacity (NMMA rating): 9
Seating capacity (actual people)*: 8
Driver knee room*: 22 in.
Windshield height*: 51.5 in.
Bridge clearance*: 53.5 in.
Walk-through width*: 22.5 in.
Passenger foot room*: NA
Rear foot room*: NA
Rear seat width*: (2) 19 in.
Rear seat to engine cover*: NA
Dry weight: 2,838 lb.
Platform: in. 24 (w) x 17.5 in. (l)
Height from water*: at waterline
Test engine: 220-hp 5.0-liter Merc V-8
Base engine: 220-hp 5.0-liter Merc V-8
Engine options: none
MSRP on base boat: $18,895
MSRP on test boat: $18,895
Top speed: 51.1 mph @ 4,800 rpm
Speed @ 75-percent throttle*: 37.9 mph @ 3,600 rpm
Speed @ 50-percent throttle*: 23 mph @ 2,400 rpm
Loaded acceleration time to 30 mph*: 7.72 seconds
Loaded distance to 30 mph*: 177.83 feet
Unloaded acceleration time to 30 mph*: 6.26 seconds
Unloaded distance to 30 mph*: 145.88 feet
Time to plane*: 4.89 seconds
Horizon loss?*: slight, about 1.5 second horizon loss
Noise level**: 85, 86, 97 dbA
*Test-team measurement
** Noise levels were recorded at 36 mph using a digital decibel meter set on the “A-weighted” scale, which closely resembles human hearing. The three numbers displayed represent (in this order) sound measurements made at the helm at driver’s head level, rear seat at passenger head level, and just behind the transom.
US Marine
PO Box 9029
Everett, WA 98206
360-435-5571
www.baylinerboats.com
