A preferred options package includes foredeck rails and cushions, along with a transom shower, a camper back cover, a power-lift engine hatch and several other popular add-ons. A bow rail with an open center section is also available, as is a windlass.

First, the Cockpit

No matter what the accommodations look like on the plan, most activity aboard a boat like the Bayliner 255 SB takes place on deck. Bayliner has fitted the 255 with a comfortable cockpit arrayed with several seating options, adequate stowage space and a dinette table aft. The helm seat and lounge can convert to an aft-facing chaise. The Preferred Equipment Package ($5,336) option includes a camper cover that encloses the cockpit for nighttime or rainy-day use.



There's plenty of seating, but not much space for fishing or other water sports. We think Bayliner intends the 255 SB more for entertaining, day cruising and overnighting.

The Preferred Equipment Package also includes cockpit carpet runners, the table and filler cushions, a transom shower and a stereo remote at the helm. Belowdecks, it adds solid surface countertops and a teak-and-holly sole. It also offers a choice of black, blue or white hull.



Remove the dinette table, drop in an optional cushion, and the starboard seating turns into a full-length chaise. Will it fit two? We're not sure – maybe, if they're friendly.



Side-by-side foredeck sunpads are also optional ($536); your kids will love them. A stainless trim package upgrades most hardware, including the bow rails and rub strakes. An open bow rail is also available ($486).



An anchor pulpit and rode locker are standard, a windlass optional ($1,821). Do you need one on a boat this size? We don't think so. But there should be a length of chain between the anchor and the rode, which means adding a lanyard to secure the anchor underway – you can't wrap chain around the cleat.

A Cabin for Four

The Bayliner 255 SB's arrangement is typical for an express cruiser in this size range, sleeping four in two cabins, although it requires converting the U-shaped lounge with dinette table. There's a fixed berth in the mid-cabin; we'd probably sleep there.



This layout is ideal for a couple: The mid-cabin provides a permanent berth, so converting the dinette table isn't necessary. Four people onboard will work better if two are kids, we think.

The 255 SB's cabin is nicely styled with light woods and fabrics, and has over 6' (1.83 m) of headroom. The galley comes with a microwave oven, stove top and refrigerator; a cover over the sink provides added counter space, often more valuable than cooking facilities. Reverse-cycle A/C is optional ($3,600), as is a genset to operate it away from the dock ($9,643).



The hullside windows provide nice light to the 255 SB's cabin, important in a space this size. Light decor adds to the open feeling, too. The TV is a $1,550 option.



Mid-berths can be the most comfortable places to sleep, as they're in the part of the hull least affected by motion and wave noise.

An enclosed head makes the difference between a camp-cruiser and the real thing: Asking everyone to leave the cabin in the middle of the night so you can use the Porta-Potti won't make you the crew favorite. No fear aboard the 255 SB: She has an enclosed head with a shower; her 20 gal. (75.7 L) of fresh water is adequate for day trips and overnights, but save the long, luxurious showers for shoreside.



Folks boating away from strict environmental laws can add a macerator and overboard discharge ($614); others can opt for a grey-water holding tank ($786) to collect sink and shower drainage.

Choose Your Power

Standard power is a single 260-hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPI ECT with a Bravo Three sterndrive. This engine is CARB-compliant to meet U.S. requirements; in other countries, uncatalyzed engines are available. But most people, we think, will want more power, maybe a 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI ECT with Bravo Three ($2,429). There's also a diesel option, a 220-hp CMD, also with Bravo Three ($14,000).



The standard 5.0L MerCruiser is easy to access via this engine hatch in the cockpit sole.

We haven't tested the 255 SB, so can't provide any speed or performance figures. When we do, you'll be the first to know. But we expect the Bayliner's performance to be in keeping with a boat of this size, weight and power.

Recommendation

Base MSRP of the 255 SB is $70,235. We spec'ed a 255 SB, based on prices published on Bayliner's website, with upgraded power, the 350 MAG, the Preferred Equipment Package, several other options, electronics and a galvanized trailer. Our Bayliner 255 SB lists for $91,916 including freight and prep. That's about $5,000 less than a similarly sized boat, similarly equipped, from a popular mid-range builder.



Need a bigger cabin? The optional camper top and enclosure, part of the Preferred Options Package ($5,336), will also protect the cockpit when the boat's in her slip.

Bayliner is hard to beat on price – it has been the company's strongest selling point for more than 50 years. If you're on a budget, or just like to be careful with your money, Bayliner is a good place to start shopping: You might not buy a Bayliner (although many people do: The company has been in business since 1957), but you'll have a starting point for comparing other boats.



Boating isn't just about equipment and engines; it's also about having fun, being with friends, or catching some rays, like this model is doing on her Bayliner 255 SB.

Our bottom line: If you need a comfortable dayboat and/or a capable weekend cruiser for two, and occasionally four, people, but want to keep an eye on the bottom line, cast your gaze on the Bayliner 255 SB. Go crazy with options to build a well-equipped boat, and you'll still have a healthy wad of cash left over.