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
Tower: Watersports
Transom Shower
Canvas
Bimini Top

= Standard = Optional

Tested by Capt. Ron Svoboda

Every year deck boats become more and more popular with the boating community. With that in mind, Bayliner has expanded its line of affordable fun with the 219 Deck boat. The spacious 219 is off to a good start, as she is based on a 20-degree deadrise hull. This running surface supplies a safe and comfortable ride, even when the water starts getting bumpy. Guests on board will appreciate the massive seating capacity and roomy cockpit area. And the owner will love the limited lifetime warranty on the hull, which is also transferable. Giving you peace of mind and value for years to come.

Spacious Design

This deck boat is well thought out from the bow to the stern. Up front, a handy bow ladder makes going ashore or boarding from the water much easier. When it is not in use, the ladder telescopes and folds neatly into a recessed locker. As you step down into the cockpit, you will find an additional locker that provides a spot to store the anchor. The roomy bow seating area features several drink holders as well as vinyl grab handles. Under the thickly padded seat cushions, are storage compartments for safety gear and such. A removable snack table comes standard on the 219 and can be used to convert the bow area for picnicking or a sunny spot for playing a game of cards.

Helm Station

The helm and dash are practical as Bayliner provides you with a simple dash layout with all the gauges in easy view, a tilt steering wheel, and switches you won’t have to search for. Even the stereo is an easy reach for the captain to adjust to his favorite tunes. The helm seat is a swivel bucket seat that provides adjustment in the fore and aft positions.

Good Storage

Neatly designed into the port side helm area is a small compartment that includes a porta-potti. Unlike most runabouts with a head compartment, the 219 surprises you with a spacious area that boasts enough headroom for tall people to use. The sole of the cockpit features a jumbo-sized ski locker, so that no one’s water toy has to be left behind. If wakeboarding is your pleasure, then Bayliner offers an optional wakeboard tower that is not only functional, but looks great too.

Cockpit Layout

The aft cockpit is amazingly roomy and comes equipped with removable, snap-in carpet. Comfortable lounges run down the port and starboard sides, then curve to meet the transom walkthrough located amid-ship. A couple of small steps, and you are over the transom. The engine hatch is nicely molded with non-skid and provides the structural support for the transom walkthrough. The starboard side cushion is removable in order to gain access to the large, removable cooler that Bayliner supplies.

On the port side, you’ll find a patented, three position back rest that moves to convert this seat from forward, to aft facing positions. The snack table can also be used in the aft cockpit area, giving you and your guests even more useful space. At the stern of this deck boat is another telescoping boarding ladder mounted to a wide swim platform. I found the platform to be a bit narrow for my size, but it comes complete with a tow eye for pulling a variety of water toys.

Engine Options

Bayliner keeps the cost down on this boat by installing older generation engine designs from MerCruiser. These carbureted power plants range from the standard 4.3-liter v-6 at 190 horsepower all the way to a 5.7-liter v-8 that produces 250 horsepower. If you live in cold climates or just prefer electronic fuel injection, then that option is available in the MerCruiser 5 liter MPI model, which produces 260 horses.

In conclusion, Bayliner has come a long way over the years and the 219 is destined to be a popular model offering consumers space, comfort, and a price point that is hard to beat.