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

Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Power Steering
Trailer
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Canvas
Bimini Top

= Standard = Optional

Affordable and Uncomplicated Boating

Tested by Capt. Vince Daniello

A modern adaptation of the old Capri series of boats, Bayliner’s 210 Classic features contemporary looks and current fiberglass production techniques in a retro-design reflecting back to the uncomplicated way small boats were built 20 or more years ago. While this is a new design and state-of-the-art hull form, Bayliner did not include many of the features found on the latest production boats, such as an integral molded swim platform, transom walk-through, or custom-contoured cockpit seating. Instead the company went back through their archives looking for ways to build a simple, effective, and affordable entry-level runabout.

The Design

By returning to the simplicity of older boat designs Bayliner significantly decrease the price of the boat. With molded fiberglass construction every corner, curve, or indentation increases the complexities of tooling and producing each part. In the early days of fiberglass construction, boats were kept simple because of limitations of the materials and methods available. As the industry matured these limitations eased, allowing for more elaborate designs. But straight, uncomplicated parts are easier to make and are assembled more quickly; therefore simple boats are less expensive.

While the retro-design is less expensive there are other advantages as well. For example, not having a walk-through transom becomes a benefit when trying to keep a toddler inside the boat. Likewise, the aft seats can be raised to the top of the engine box to form a sunpad – something I remember from my parents’ boat – or they can be left out all together to help contain children. Realizing these advantages, Bayliner accentuated them with higher gunnels to provide a deep, safe cockpit, and a tall windshield to better block the wind and spray. The end result is a boat that is equally friendly to the family and the family budget.

The Construction

It is not just the design that dates back two or three decades; some of the construction is “retro” as well. Modern boats generally utilize a molded fiberglass cockpit deck which is glassed into the inside of the hull, and molded fiberglass parts for the engine cover and other removable components. On the 210 Classic, however, the seats, engine box, and cockpit deck are all made from plywood, just like they would have been built twenty years ago. Making and fitting a fiberglass deck is expensive, and with modern computer designs and a CNC router to cut the plywood I can see where this was a practical way to significantly decrease the price of the boat. I should point out that the hull and main deck are built using the same modern procedures as all other Bayliners. Everything made from wood is non-structural, and the plywood is pressure-treated to prevent rot.

Performance

Beside the cost saving, plywood has another advantage – it is lighter than fiberglass which directly affects the boat’s performance. Our test boat topped out at an impressive 49.8 miles-per-hour with a fairly low-tech, carbureted, 220 horsepower V-8. With the engine loafing along at 3500 RPM, we cruised at 37.2 miles-per-hour at an economical 3.8 miles-per-gallon, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the 210’s modern, lightweight hull design.

Bayliner’s 210 Classic is a basic boat designed with the uncomplicated goal of getting families out on the water in a very affordable boat.