Family-Oriented Cruiser

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Pocket cruisers are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. These full featured vessels give small families greater overnight comfort while offering the ability to expand their horizons with the boats tow ability. With this in mind, Bayliner's 265 hits the docks with spaciousness, many standard features and best of all, at a value-filled retail price. She also delivers contemporary styling and futuristic side windows that allow significant ambient light into the cabin, making for an interior that feels larger than it actually is.



Cockpit Layout

The narrow-beamed cruiser offers considerable cockpit space from her 8 foot, 6 inch width. The gunwales are high and provide substantial free-board for a dry ride, plus added safety for family and friends. The tall sides also require you to board the vessel from the large swim platform located aft.

The cockpit layout is smart with convertible seating to port and an independent helm station and wet-bar located to starboard. A large lounge dispenses a combination of seating options with a backrest that flips for relaxing either facing fore or aft.



At the back of the cockpit, the transom supplies a wide bench seat for up to three adults to join the party or to use the snack table, which can be quickly removed when not in use. Keeping the entertainment going is a small wet bar that includes a sink, faucet, storage cabinet, and a fold-out counter top to help with snack space. Bayliner also incorporated a removable cooler under the port lounger to support the mini-bar’s refreshment needs.



Moving Below

The cabin is another example of good space management with a generous, u-shaped dinette large enough for five adults at meal time, or two adults when the area is converted to a berth. Two more people can sleep in the 265’s aft cabin, which may be a squeeze for tall guests, but the kids will enjoy this sanctuary.

The starboard side of the cabin features a private head compartment. The inside of the compartment is built from a full fiberglass liner which helps to keep the cleaning down to a minimum. The head also provides a portable toilet, a sink, and faucet that works as the shower nozzle too. There is also a small porthole which offers some light and more importantly, ventilation for the compartment.



Directly across from the head, on the port side, is the 265’s galley. The appliances are kept to a minimum here with only an alcohol stove to heat up your meals. But, there is a small fridge, a stainless steel sink, and plenty of cabinet and counter space for those weekends on the hook.



Versatile Cruiser

With the molded swim platform included, the 265 measures in at 27 feet even. Towing weight without the trailer is approximately 6,000 pounds, so you’ll need a large SUV or truck to pull this boat, so forget about those ‘cross-over’ vehicles here. Where this cruiser does cross-over, is in its ability to handle water sports. The boat presents excellent acceleration and handling for a boat of its class, and therefore can handle inflatables, skiers and even the avid wakeboarder with the optional aluminum tower installed.



Considering all that the 265 offers; space, performance, price and functionality, this new cruiser by Bayliner should completely fulfill your family’s weekend adventures.

• Top speed for the Bayliner 265 Cruiser (2004-2009) is 40.7 mph (65.5 kph), burning 20.6 gallons per hour (gph) or 77.97 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Bayliner 265 Cruiser (2004-2009) is 25.6 mph (41.2 kph), and the boat gets 2.63 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.12 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 178 miles (286.46 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 250-hp MerCruiser 5.7L.