Bow configurations can be most imposing at times, but in the instance of the 195 it was simply another passenger-carrying fun aspect of the boat. Whilst definitely not a stand-up style boat, with the overhead bimini, it did however fit nicely into the ideal of a genuine ‘sit down’ version with a true sports driving position – a good hold in the sturdy seat, good grip and purchase from the wheel and foot-rests, and good visibility through what was an un-blemished, ‘clear’ glass wraparound windscreen that sheltered you completely from the elements. In other words, you weren’t paying for things you would never ever realistically require. Typically American was perhaps a little misleading though, for the driver’s side was blessed with a dash that certainly had all the usual MerCruiser instrumentation, side remotes, (in-house and power-assisted) tilt- steering, ancillary switches and sports wheel, but no ‘gadgetry’ surplus to requirements.
BAYLINER RUNABOUT DRIVER
The helm itself consisted of these well separated (there was a nice wide walkway forward) substantial port and starboard modules, very stylish in appearance, which presented the driver and passenger with a typically-American ‘sports-orientated’ helm station.įor the passenger there was a huge glove-box come ice-box come storage that had in-built provision for a stereo and a VHF radio. A very special feature offered with the Bayliner 195 was the huge underfloor locker in the centre of the floor and just forward of the 132-litre underfloor polypropylene fuel tank, that would house several sets of water-skis. There was even more storage in the base of the passengers’ seat assembly, although it was a bit ‘messy’ to get to, to use just for minor incidental storage. While it didn’t appear as such, there was also a generous amount of storage provision in innovative features such as the lined side pockets, the ice-box in the port dash, under the bow squabs, in under the rear corner seats that could also double as ice-boxes for drink storage, and brilliantly in behind the back rests in the bow section, effectively utilising all the space in behind the port and starboard dash modules. This seat assembly even folded down to offer the added bonus of a full-length sun-lounge. Bayliner, a well-respected imported ‘stayer’ in the New Zealand market that we now almost sub-consciously accept as a local, has amassed that turn-key ready to go reputation from the branding’s ability to present over 70 packages in the range, that are singularly suited to virtually every water-borne leisure pursuit. Really, the only items you could fit as aftermarket would be a ski pole, stereo upgrade, curtains for the bimini, or perhaps a transom shower (necessitates a 45-litre fresh-water tank). The Bayliner 195 was very much a turnkey package, presented complete with items such as ski hooks, the integrated rear platform complete with rear boarding ladder, all the appropriate instrumentation, steering and remote controls, seating for nine adults, three sun-loungers, a stereo, carpet, a bow tonneau cover, and even an overhead bimini that was fitted in New Zealand, specifically to address New Zealanders’ expectations in their overhead protection.
Perhaps the most endearing feature of the package however was its obvious appeal to those who simply wish to walk into a showroom, see the boat they like and drive away an hour later – with their boat. They are good wholesome practical packages that are built for families to enjoy, and in the case of the Bayliner 195 Runabout, it is for the family who like to enjoy it – in the fast lane! Bayliner’s executives view their range of boats from 16 through to 31 feet as middle of the road – with a range of options as standard that while not being of absolute ‘luxury’ proportions, are most certainly not the ‘poverty-pack’ option either.
0 kommentar(er)
