#2006 BAYLINER 195 CLASSIC RUNABOUT DRIVER#
#2006 BAYLINER 195 CLASSIC RUNABOUT FULL#

We did experience momentary loss of visibility coming onto plane due to bow rise, but not enough to be annoying. Acceleration wise, we posted a respectable 0 to 30 mph time of 9 seconds and an impressive time to plane of 4 seconds, hinting that this would be an admirable tow boat for watersports. Loudon Lake's elevation of 813 feet above sea level at normal pool, you could probably expect an ever-so-slightly better top end down by the ocean. We quickly posted a top speed of 53.3 mph at 4,600 rpm, which is within this engine's 4,400 to 4,800 rpm wide-open-throttle operating range.

#2006 BAYLINER 195 CLASSIC RUNABOUT FULL#

We were loaded with two adults and a full tank of fuel (35 gallons). Our test engine was a carbureted 220 hp 5.0L MerCruiser Alpha I. Loudon Lake, Tennessee, which is near Bayliner's new corporate headquarters in Knoxville. Performance Our test took place on calm and windless Ft. You and your passengers will want to be sure to keep knees and elbows from bumping the drive while boarding and swimming around the stern. One necessary note, however, is that this is not a traditional swim platform that stretches all the way over the outdrive. The swim platform itself is more like something between a full-size platform and smaller swim step that is popular on smaller boats - so we give Bayliner full marks for stretching this one out as much as possible. Aft of the sunpad is an integrated swim platform with a telescoping three-rung ladder that folds into the deck under its own cover for clean stowage. For added comfort, the jump seats raise to create a full beam sunpad across the transom, and the port center seat folds out to create another lounger. There's room for two more passengers in forward-facing transom jump seats built on each side of the engine compartment.

#2006 BAYLINER 195 CLASSIC RUNABOUT DRIVER#

The seats to port and starboard are space saving-back-to-back single bench seats, which makes dedicated space for the driver and three passengers. It provides plenty of room for wakeboards, water skis, tubs, more PFDs and even wetsuits. Between the dash pods is the centerpiece of storage, an oversized ski locker. Both the port and starboard dash pods are integrated into the deck, which ensures solid, rattle-free function for years to come. To starboard is the driver's helm, which rests all the typical gauges in a stylish brushed metal housing. The helm to port houses a good-size lockable glove compartment with an AM/FM CD stereo - there's more storage to the side beneath the gunwale. The carpeted deck starts in the bow and continues through the walk-through windshield into the cockpit area. There's also dry storage under all the bow seats for PFDs and other gear. The bow also features dedicated anchor storage with an anchor hold-down and room for anchor chain and dock lines - something you wouldn't typically expect on a boat this size. While this does cramp the bow seating area slightly, there's still enough room for two adults to stretch their legs all the way out on the port and starboard chaise lounges. The principal way 195 makes space is by the use of a cockpit forward design, which moves the helm and windshield forward to lengthen the cockpit.

In fact, it has a lot of interior features we are more accustomed to seeing on larger boats. Inside The 195 takes advantage of a clever use of space for maximum comfort and storage potential. Add in the option to up the horsepower to as much as 260 and you end up with an entry-level runabout with move-up appeal. On the water, the 195 is built to please with ample storage and noteworthy performance. Add to that Bayliner's reputation as one of the nation's largest builders and sellers of runabouts and you've got a pretty tempting turnkey solution for the first-timer who wants to hit the water with minimal complication. It's light weight of 2,650 pounds means most light SUVs or light trucks will have no problem with towing. Its small size also means this boat will fit in an average garage, which is helped by a trailer with a foldaway tongue. Its small size of 19 feet in length and a somewhat narrow 7 feet, 11 inches in beam means less boat to handle, which will be a relief for those doing their first dance with docking. With a price that starts at about $19,200, it's definitely an affordable contender, especially for a stern drive - and the price includes the trailer. Everything about the Bayliner 195 seems to focus on drawing in a first-timer. The big news from Bayliner this year is a brand-new entry-level craft for those looking for a safe and convenient entry into boating.

2006 bayliner 195 classic runabout