Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Few boats elicit a reaction from the seasoned BoatTest crew like the all new 325 cruiser did at its unveiling. The totally new 325 is the queen of the Bayliner fleet, and she may just be the best value in her class.

Functional Layout

The cockpit is an entertainer’s paradise. The massive space includes an L-shaped settee to starboard which doubles as a dining spot or can be converted to a sun lounge. On the port side there is an aft facing chase lounge that provides seating for up to four people. Just aft is a wet bar which supplies a sink, refrigerator and storage cabinet. The entire cockpit can be canvassed for those cold or rainy days, therefore extending your pleasure potential.

At the Controls

At the helm is a full gamut of analog gauges and rocker switches that are well organized by priority to help minimize the work load on the skipper. There is also a spot on the dash to mount a multi-function navigation display. All of this is very user-friendly.

My only complaint about the helm is that I would prefer to have seen a larger Danforth compass on this size boat. On the other hand, the dash supplies molded steps which are a great help when transitioning to the foredeck to work the anchor or to enjoy the large sun pads fixed to the bow. Another great feature of the helm station is the captain’s twin command seat. The double-wide seat offers a flip-up cushion for the pilot, but more impressively, the entire seat can be swiveled 90 degrees so that the skipper can join the conversation in the cockpit.

Transom Features

Right from the docks, you’ll see that this cruiser is a big boat, with an overall length of 35 feet and a healthy beam of 11 feet, 6 inches. A high freeboard encompasses the vessel and provides reassurance when the water gets very rough. In most cases the boat will be boarded from the transom area which offers a very wide and deep swim platform that is cleanly molded into the cruisers shapely lines. The spacious platform allows easy access to the port side transom door as well as the jumbo stern locker which conceals all of the mooring fenders and the shore hook up for power and cable. The locker’s door is notched to feed the cables through, but since the locker door has two latches, you’ll find that you need both hands to open it.

Going Below

Making your way below deck is through a large sliding acrylic door. As you step down through the companion way you’re welcomed by the unusual airiness of the cabin. Bayliner used large windows just above the bond line of the hull to supply lots of natural light and fresh air when you want it. There are also a few port holes which deliver additional ambiance to the cabin.

Taking center stage is a long sofa that meanders along the port side and curves around the forepeak to give ample dining space, or it can be converted into a roomy berth for overnights.

The starboard side of the cabin features a full galley, complete with all the necessities like a sink, two-burner cooktop, microwave oven and refrigerator /freezer combo. There is also adequate storage in the cabinets and drawers below the solid surface countertop.

Just aft of the galley is a spacious head compartment. Here you will find a vanity with sink as well as an electric flush toilet which double as the shower seat.

Completing the cabin is an aft berth with a privacy door. This aft cabin includes a wide bed and several storage areas along the port side gunwale.

Performance

In total the 325 is undeniably a lot of boat for the money. The fuel-injected MerCruiser sterndrives get this 11,000 pound vessel up and running quickly, and when paired to twin Bravo Three drives they help her handle the turns very well. Out on the test track she topped out at 47.4 mph turning 5300 rp and delivered a good cruise speed of 28.5 mph at 3500 rpm giving us a range of 210 miles on a full tank of fuel.

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions