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

Marine Electronics
VHF Radio
Systems
Air Cond./Heat
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Head: Fixed
Power Steering
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
Water Heater
Galley
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Exterior Features
Arch: Electronics
Carpet: Cockpit
Ice Chest
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Door

= Standard = Optional

Tested by Capt. Brandon DeNatale

The thought of cruisers normally conjures up images of sleek, roomy and fast machines that are also large, hard to operate with a small crew, and costly to maintain. Well I used to believe this to be true too. That is until I got the chance to test their 288 Classic. With two fully equipped helm stations, large aft cockpit and plenty of room below this is the perfect entry-level cruiser for a couple, or can also serve a family looking for more space and the ability to overnight in comfort.

Topside

Being the last Bayliner on my checklist for the day I had already tested and compared several of the smaller offerings. This was the largest boat I was to test and was looking forward to the task. For a 28 foot boat, 30’ 7’’ with swim platform as tested, Bayliner really packs loads of amenities and creature comforts into this boat and for the price opens up extended cruising to a lot of people. She is a Classic model, which means she has the look and charm of the older models that people have come to associate with Bayliner. When one first steps foot aboard they notice that the company did a good job with dividing up the space. There is substantial outdoor deck space along with an equally matched interior. This is hard to find on a cruiser of this size. Usually one suffers for the benefit of the other. This is not the case here and that’s one of the big selling points for this boat.

Up on the Bridge

Getting up to the bridge takes a little coordination with the near vertical ladder. This isn’t really a problem and affords more usable space in the aft cockpit below. The bridge features an L-shaped bench seat to port that will accommodate three comfortably. Over to starboard the helm station is well placed and offers an excellent vantage point when running the boat or docking.

There is a small windshield that helps to deflect the breeze a little, but there isn’t much cover if the weather turns. All the gauges and rocker switches are well laid out and within easy reach. Throttle controls and trim tabs are over to starboard of the driver and are very comfortable to use. The helm seat was comfortable and I would believe that as long as the weather holds out most of the driving will be done from this position. It’s also a great place to have cocktails when at anchor or just relax and catch some sun.

Cockpit

The aft cockpit is wide open and provides room for entertaining or simply relaxing after a long day’s cruise. The gunwales are high and should keep most children from climbing out. There is also a safety door that closes off the swim platform when not in use. Back here there is plenty of room to relax with your feet in the water or secure a dinghy when underway. There are sturdy cleats well positioned and I always felt like there was something to grab hold of if need be. Good non-skid and a retractable boarding ladder finish off the amenities aft.

Back in the cockpit along the transom I found the long storage compartment convenient for storing shore power cords and other supplies that you would keep within reach. For those looking for plenty of storage space in their next cruiser the 288 Classic features two large compartments on either side of the engine hatch with access to the bilge and optional air conditioning and heating unit. There is loads of space here for storing fenders and supplies and there is also good access to the steering and sides of the engines from here.

Engine Access

In the center hatch, which raises easily, with the help of one hand, the engine compartment features excellent access all around. I was very impressed with the room and convenient checkpoints on the standard 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI. This will be very useful for those morning checks before heading to your next port of call. There is plenty of ventilation and light to do all necessary work and maintenance.

When it comes time to leave the cockpit to drop the anchor or get the lines on, the two built-in side steps do the job well. The side decks are narrow but with the help of stainless steel railing it’s an easy feat.

Up on the bow again I was happy to see the use of aggressive non-skid. The boat comes pre-wired for the windlass and if you plan on cruising shorthanded I would highly recommend it. There is also a nice size rope locker for your anchor and rode and the stainless steel hawse pipe makes dropping the hook a breeze, even from the bridge.

The Cabin

Walking through the sliding glass cabin door you immediately realize why the side decks are narrow, because smaller side decks mean a roomier cabin. Immediately to port of the stairs is a bench settee with storage above for general items, or for storage for guests sleeping in the berth that runs under the dinette table. There is plenty of room here for getting in and out and shows good use of space. What I really liked was that if you are on a long cruise with only two people aboard, you can use this area for storage.

Opposite this location to starboard is the head. Here we find plenty of space for a manual toilet, shower, sink and loads of storage.

Galley

Moving forward in the cabin to starboard is the galley. There is a large countertop that will make any cook envious. Tucked into the corner is the ships electrical system with ac and dc power. Below is the refrigerator, storage and microwave. Above is the large sink and stove with alcohol/electric dual burner.

Lower Helm

The lower helm is comfortable and allows you to run the boat in bad weather. All the gauges and controls are well placed and there is plenty of storage for charts and instruments. I was upset to see that there wasn’t much room for electronics such as chart plotters and other equipment directly at the helm. But large windows and powerful wipers make for excellent light and visibility. Over to port is the raised dinette table and bench seating. The table is removable and can lower to turn the area into a double berth. There is more storage found under the seats and in a hanging locker forward of the area. Forward of the seating up in the bow is the V-berth, which is the most comfortable spot on the boat.

Performance Numbers

The 288 Classic is an easy to operate boat with conveniences that make living aboard comfortable. With her standard 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI and a 113-gallon fuel tank she is capable of traveling 203 miles while running at 30mph at 4,000 rpm. I was impressed with the handling that this boat offered. Pickup was good with a time to plane of 11.6 seconds and we reached 30 mph in 18.8 seconds. While putting the boat through the paces I noticed that we didn’t lose much speed when in a tight turn. Turns were also tight and steering was responsive and controls well placed. Even when backing down into the slip with a following current I was able to keep control at all times.

Bayliner’s 288 Classic is a great cruiser that is perfect for families looking for a roomy boat that can sleep six comfortably for a weekend out, or for the couple that wants to get into long distance cruising without breaking the bank.