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
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Power Steering
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Platform
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover
Full Canvas
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Bow Thruster
Fuel Transfer
Helm: Second Station
Oil Change System

= Standard = Optional

A Great Stepping Stone to Weekend Pocket Cruising

Tested By Capt. Bob Smith

Bayliner introduced its 2004 model year boats to their dealers recently in Ft. Meyers, FL at the Sanibel Harbor Resort Marina. There was a lot of excitement over the releases. We were invited along to test several of the latest models and bring it to you. I had the privilege of testing what is considered their stepping stone toward true weekend cruising, the Bayliner 212 Cuddy.

Bayliner uses the line “where fun lives” in their advertising and I can see where they have kept that in mind as they produced the 212 Cuddy. Up front they have a molded in anchor management system which includes an anchor roller and covered storage for the anchor and line that doesn’t take up the entire peak below. This area is gel coated, so you will need to be careful not the chip it by tossing the anchor in. Be gentle and neat and this should stay nice for as long as you own the boat. High rails protect you up front at 18 inches so you can brace yourself while working with the anchor, and they lower down to just 5 inches at the windshield to keep from unnecessarily obstructing your view underway.

Behind the Wheel

The flip over windshield rests on a plastic post when open. I would rather have seen a sturdy rubber bumper that isn’t easy to break away, but if you know it is there and don’t use it to hang on to the boat from the dock, it should last. The windshield is a sturdy wraparound style that does not flex even when you try to use it for handling the boat from the dock as someone is coming into the slip. Three steps are molded into the dash to get from forward back down to the cockpit making it easy and safe to move around.

The helm station has standard instruments arranged for easy view, and there’s a tilt wheel with power assisted steering. Two cup holders are here at the helm, one for you and one for your companion riding next to you. You have a 12DC adapter here at the helm so you can keep the cell phone charged while calling all your land-bound friends to let them know what the conditions are like out on the water. The companion station is just aft of the companionway below. The helm and companion seating is a combination double seat that lays flat for sun lounging. Along the sides of both are long pockets that can carry long boards and other items you will need during the day. In the floor between the seats is more deep storage for wakeboards and wet gear.

The back area is split by the engine hatch that has two cup holders molded in. Grab bars are located around the cockpit for added safety in rough seas. The swim platform is 14 inches deep and has a low mounted tow loop for skiing. The stern has a swim ladder with grab bar make climbing aboard from the water without help much easier.

Cabin

Back up in the cabin, we have a spacious interior for getting out of the sun or staying overnight when you choose to. With the extended cabin you get 88 inches down the centerline of the bed with the filler cushions installed. Underneath is a portable toilet, and there’s plenty of storage built into the areas below as well.

Specs

The 212 Cuddy is 21’3” overall in length, 22’3” fully rigged with a beam of 8’2”. She has a sporty deadrise of 19 degrees and carries a weight of 3,218 lbs. With a hull draft of 19” and a maximum draft of 35” with the outdrive down, so you should be able to belly up to just about any shore you choose.

Performance

We had the 212 out for testing in the intercoastal waterways around Sanibel and were quite impressed by her moves. She was quickly on plane in just 3.5 seconds, and we had her passing 30 mph in only 7.5 seconds. She idles at 500 rpms and burns only .8 gph, so cruising through the manatee zones will not burn too much fuel. At cruise she is turning 3500 rpms and burning 11 gallons per hour, so you can expect to run about 162 miles on the 55 gallon tank. At full throttle she turned 4500 rpms and burned about 18.3 gallons per hour, which means she’ll run 119 miles from fill up to fill up. Her sound readings were acceptable starting at just 67 dBa at idle and running 86 dBa at cruise. Top end sound readings reached just 90 dBa.

This cuddy cabin model is truly a great stepping stone to weekend pocket cruising. She has enough amenities to give you the flavor for overnighting without the added expense of a true pocket cruiser. While you are more at the stage of day boating and water sports, rather than spending long weekends cruising the intercoastals, the 212 Cuddy from Bayliner fits nicely in the budget and the plans. She has the speed and pep needed for skiing and wakeboarding, and the cabin room for a pleasant night on the water.