Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
CD Stereo
Trailer
Exterior Features
Swim Ladder
Canvas
Bimini Top
Camper Back

= Standard = Optional

An Affordable Family Sportboat

The 195 Classic gives you a manageable, entry-level bowrider, with plenty of features for the first-time boater.

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

The 2006 Bayliner 195 Classic offers greater freeboard and more interior space. Plus, she still has that great price point that has made this boat so popular all over the world.

Starting at the Bow

The sleek bow of the boat features generous, wraparound seating, soft vinyl grab handles and a pair of drink holders. The fiberglass liner is all-new and incorporates storage compartments under the seat cushions. But the biggest improvement to the new 195 is the cockpit. Gone is the Classic’s carpeting, now replaced with durable textured plastic flooring that not only works great, but looks good too. You will also notice the increased freeboard, which is much higher than the previous model, supplying greater comfort for the passengers and increased storage space in the netted coaming panels.

Helm and Seating Features

Bayliner also did a great job with the 195’s helm. The dash features easy to read analog gauges trimmed with chrome bezels and mounted brushed steel panel. Accessory switches along with a 12 volt power plug are also mounted on the panel for quick access. Finishing off the captain’s controls is a vinyl tilt steering wheel and MerCruiser shift and throttle lever.

On the companion side, a jumbo-sized glove box provides plenty of storage space and access to the stereo. An auxiliary input jack is available to plug an MP3 player into the stereo, as well as an additional 12 volt power plug for whatever else you may want to power up. Finally, the cockpit seating is totally convertible, with front seats that fold into a pair of comfortable loungers. The aft seats can also change into a beam-width sun pad for one.

Engine and Performance

At the back of the boat is an easy-to-access swim platform located to starboard. The handy platform has an integrated swim step that retracts for stowage and will certainly help make boarding much easier. Also at the transom is a new engine box constructed of molded fiberglass that easily lifts to provide unobstructed access to service the boat’s power plant.

The 195 basically comes with only one gasoline engine option. (A 1.7 liter diesel package is available, but that is intended for the international market.)

The new 195 is vastly improved from the previous model. The only down side is the lack of engine options. The boat could certainly use more power, but the marketing team at Bayliner tells me that in order to keep the price down, they can only offer the boat the way it is equipped.