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
Trailer
Trim Tabs
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Ice Chest
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Shower
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover
Full Canvas

= Standard = Optional

A Versatile and Affordable Family Deckboat

Tested by Capt. Brandon DeNatale

Deck boats have made a real comeback over the past few years with sleeker, more feature packed designs. Bayliner’s addition to this growing category is the 249 Deck. The appeal of deck boats isn’t just their sleek styling, but mostly their open layout. If there was ever a boat to provide you with enough room for a large group of family or friends for a day of relaxing watersports, this is it.

Design and Layout

I’m always shocked when I first step onto a deckboat for the first time. There are plenty of different layouts and features to gawk at and the 249 was no exception. I was also surprised to see how the engineers had designed so much seating capacity into a 24 foot boat with a trailerable 8’ 6’’ beam. Starting in the rear there’s a large U-shaped seat that wraps around the stern. There are plenty of handholds and cup holders for everyone’s comfort. I also found the storage under the cushions to be generously large. Under the starboard side cushion there is an open area that houses a removable cooler for keeping all your drinks handy. And when you’re ready to throw a party or just relax and enjoy a few snacks there is a removable table that fits here or up in the bow for a more intimate gathering.

Another great feature that I found was the center walkthrough transom. This enables people to get to the swim platform without climbing over seats and getting everything wet. On the transom the large swim platform is perfect for staging water sports and the concealed ladder is perfect for getting in and out of the water. There is also a convenient tow eye for skiers and wakeboarders, and a shower for rinsing off.

Wet Bar

Moving up a little on the starboard side I found the built-in wet bar to be in a great central location. There’s a sink with fresh water and storage below. And another great feature to port was the co-pilots seat, which has a slider backrest that allows the seat to turn into a sun lounger. The area in front of the seat at the dash is even padded for comfort when in this position. Also attached to the dash is the head compartment with porta-potti. I was surprised with the size of the area in here. There was plenty of ventilation and light and it also makes a great changing area. In the floor between the helm and passenger is a long ski locker perfect for storing all of your gear.

Helm Station

Over at the helm station I found the bucket seat to be extremely comfortable and the swivel and slider option ensured a perfect fit. At the helm you will find all the needed instrumentation and controls set at a good level with a non-glare protective brow that makes viewing them in the light much easier. The steering wheel also tilts to adjust for different drivers. There is a 12V accessory outlet here to help keep your cell phone charged. The controls for the CD radio are within easy reach and the four speakers placed around the boat provide plenty of sound for all to enjoy. The view from the helm is great at all speeds and the large windshield does a nice job of protecting the captain and crew from wind and spray.

Bow Seating

Walking through the walkway and up to the bow there’s plush seating, with plenty of storage under the cushions. And when you’re ready to relax you can put the filler cushion in and form a large sun pad. Up forward of the seats is an anchor locker, which is within easy reach. On the 249 you have the ability to enter and exit the boat from either the bow or stern, which is always an added benefit when traveling with a crowd. There is a nice flat section on the forward deck that houses a fold-away boarding ladder for when you pull up to the beach or just when swimming off the boat. The placement of pop-up cleats also make sure they are always in reach when needed, but not in the way of the fun when not.

Performance Numbers

Bayliner’s 249 Deck is a well-rounded family boat that offers something for everyone. You can bring all of your friends out for a day of fun and sun while leaving no one behind. There are several engines to choose from when outfitting the boat to your needs. Our test boat was equipped with a MerCruiser 5.7liter 250-hp engine, which provided impressive performance. The standard engine package is a 220-hp MerCruiser. Pulling a skier out of the water will not be a problem as we hit 0-30 mph in only 8.2 seconds and were up on a plane in 4 flat.

We found her best cruise to be at 3500 rpm moving at 31.7 mph. And with the 75-gallon fuel tank she can travel 215 mph before refueling. I was impressed to see that this large boat with loads of accessories was able to reach a top speed of 43.7 mph. Driving this boat was a lot of fun and I was surprised at how responsive she was. Carving through the turns we barely lost any speed and riding through heavy boat wakes was soft and comfortable. So if you’re looking for an all-around family boat that will make everyone smile including your accountant, take a look at Bayliner’s 249 Deck.