Graceful lines and good looks are not what highlight this model from Bayliner. It’s options – free ones.

The choice is yours…

It’s so easy to write up an options list that includes different fabrics, or choice of throw pillows, and call the boat customized. But Bayliner actually stepped up and made options for the physical layout of the boat, both on deck and in the cabin and your choices are dependent on whether you cruise as a small or large group. It starts with the cockpit choices. You can have a wide open space to keep everyone grouped and involved in the conversation, or divided into two sections. Moving down into the cabin, there is a fixed berth aft, and if you like entertaining a large group, you can have the open lounge configuration which wraps the seating around the forward cabin and down the starboard side. Do you have a family, or cruise with just another couple? Then the forward berth option is for you. And to be clear, none of these options add to the cost of the boat. You choose it, and Bayliner builds it the way you want.



This is the open lounge configuration. Note the wrap-around seating instead of a forward berth.

But what about the options they do charge for…

The difference between a “sold” boat and a “for sale” boat is still the ability to choose what equipment you want or don’t want. You can’t just put everything on and say “take it or leave it.” That said, we took a close look at the options list and determined that we could easily live with the stock boat with nothing added on. The standard list is that extensive. The available options do, however add to the creature comforts and in a few cases, the safety of the boat, so you may want to consider some. An entry door screen (add $360) will go a long way towards keeping the mosquitoes away from a peaceful night's sleep. A fire suppression system (add $636) will more than pay for itself in peace of mind. And for keeping crowds happy, a preferred equipment package (add $3,793) will give you a cockpit refrigerator, foredeck cushions & rails, a power engine hatch lift and a transom remote for the sound system. All good add-ons, but none are a necessity.

The Helm…

As is typical with Bayliner, the helm is nicely laid out with only your choice of electronics lacking from the standard package. All instrumentation is standard and complete, with single gauges for fuel and speed, and dual for all engine info (oil pressure, temps, trims, volts and tachometers). Rocker switches are neatly arranged and grouped, and we love that just below the panel is a full row of circuit breakers. No searching for a blown fuse on this boat. The tilt wheel is connected to a no-feedback power assist rack and pinion. Trim tabs are standard. You can stay minimalist, or opt for either your own electronics installation, or the Bayliner installed Northstar electronics package which consists of the Northstar 550 Color Chartplotter/GPS and 710 VHF radio.



We always give Bayliner high marks for helm layout. Note the easy to see row of circuit breakers below the console. The joystick is connected to an optional Axius System (add $20,157).

Specifications…

The Bayliner 320 Cruiser has a LOA of 32'6" (9.91 m), a beam of 11'0" (3.35 m), and a draft of 3'2" (.97 m). She has a 160 gal. (605.6 L) fuel capacity and a 35 gal. (132.5 L) water capacity. Her standard engine package is a pair of 260-hp 5.0L MPI Mercs attached to Bravo III outdrives, and you can choose options up to 300-hp, add SeaCore for saltwater operation, Axius for joystick control, or combine all three (add $31,664) options for ultimate performance and maneuverability. We have not tested this model yet, so performance numbers are not available but stay tuned.

In the meantime, you owe it to yourself to give a close look to the Bayliner 320 Cruiser. She's a good looking boat with versatility to handle either intimate cruises or large groups for docktails. And with a base price of only $139k, she ranks very high on the affordability scale for boats in this class.