At least it's on topic. :-)

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AT THE RAMP No byline
Family Values

In an era when the trend among manufacturers seems to be creating
vessels for that small section of the market with unlimited financial
resources, the affordable family boat has become somewhat forsaken.
Exploring the Pacific NW by boat or enjoying the wide variety of
water-related recreational activities available in our region will
strengthen family ties as well as foster the next generation of
boaters. It's always a pleasure to report on a vessel designed and
priced to make boating accessible and enjoyable to increasing numbers
of people. This month's "At the Ramp" features a boat that could
be described as a "family cruiser." Many trailer boats are highly
refined for fishing, for skiing or wakeboarding, or for other specific
activities. Some of the most specialized craft excel at their
designated tasks, but are only marginally adaptable to other uses. The
Bayliner 265 is a multi-purpose boat that can be used for fishing,
diving, or high-speed watersports and still be a fully functional
family cruiser for weekend explorations and summer vacations.

We inspected a 2006 Bayliner 265 at the Bellevue office of Olympic Boat
Centers. Sales specialist Paris Woodard has been stationed aboard the
265 at recent boat shows, and he knows the product very well. As Paris
showed us through the 265, it was easy to detect that not only is he
thoroughly informed about the features and options of this specific
model, he is also genuinely enthused with the boat. Bayliner is
constantly surveying its current and prospective owners and has never
been reluctant to make product modifications and upgrades to integrate
the desires and preferences expressed. Paris told us, "The 265 was
introduced in response to a demand for a larger boat, but in a package
with an 8'6" beam. This is a boat that can be used for fishing, diving,
watersports, or for two-week excursions in Desolation Sound, but it can
still be towed without a special permit."

On Deck
We began noticing some thoughtful design elements as soon as we stepped
onto the fully integrated swim platform with its aggressive non-skid
surface. Paris pointed out that the platform is large enough for safe
and secure footing when netting or gaffing a fish. A transom locker
conceals the shorepower connection, and a slot in the locker door will
permit excess cable to be stowed within the closed confines of the
locker rather than draped across a deck. "There is room for dive
tanks on the starboard side of this locker," remarked Paris, "and
the hand shower built-in next to the transom door can be used to rinse
the salt off when swimmers or divers come back aboard, as well as for
cleaning fish." Paris pointed out a folding table next to the sink
and beverage holders on the starboard side of the cockpit, and he noted
that the table could be used either for preparing drinks and snacks or
filleting the catch of the day.

A transom seat and portside snack table can be removed from the cockpit
to free up additional space for fishing and then quickly reinstalled
for socializing. Bayliner includes a standard ice chest to fit in a
designated enclosure below the port lounge seat. The cooler could be
used for keeping beverages iced down for a party, for keeping salmon or
bottom fish fresh, or to extend the cold storage capabilities of the
fridge and freezer in the galley.

The starboard helm includes a swiveling bucket seat that will enable
the skipper to join in any on-deck socializing when not underway. The
non-glare dash console includes a standard compass, a depth sounder, a
complete set of analog gauges, a tilt wheel feature, and still leaves a
flat space just inboard from the wheel where many boaters would likely
install a combination radar, GPS plotter, and fish finder. Paris told
us that Olympic orders virtually all of its 265 models with the
aluminum wakeboard tower that is designed to double as a radar arch.
Bayliner left a space intended for the owner's choice of optional VHF
radio.

An obvious method of providing the maximum amount of deck and cabin
space for a vessel of narrow beam is elimination of the side decks.
They will never be missed on a Bayliner 265, as lines and fenders aft
of the windshield can be conveniently handled from the cockpit. A set
of non-skid steps molded into the cabin door provide secure access
(even for wet feet in lumpy seas) through the walk-through windshield
to a "grippy" foredeck with full perimeter stainless rails.
Paris pointed out that Bayliner provides a bimini top as a standard
feature on the 265, and that Olympic orders its inventory with the full
camper canvas for boaters unwilling to let anything except the most
severely uncomfortable conditions curtail an afternoon or weekend on
the water.

Based simply on sales volume, Bayliner dominates the affordable family
boating sector in a way that few companies in any industry can claim to
do. As we evaluated the concept and inspected fit and finish on deck,
it was reassuring to note that nearly everything was done to a
commendable standard. Even an "affordable" boat will represent a
significant investment for most owners, and a level of expenditure at
which pride of ownership should not be diminished by substandard layup
or ricky-ticky workmanship. With either the standard white or the
available colored gel coat hull, gleaming stainless rails, flowing
lines, smartly styled UV-resistant marine vinyl upholstery, and jaunty
wakeboard tower, beaming owners will notice the Bayliner 265 drawing
admiring glances and approving nods in every port.

Interior Layout
The first thought that occurred to us as we descended the companionway
steps into the cabin of the 265 was, "Honey, they shrunk a yacht!"
There is over six feet of headroom in any area of the main cabin where
one would ordinarily be standing up. Without skimping on deck space,
Bayliner managed to include an incredible number of features in a cabin
design that perpetuates the company's long-standing reputation for
making optimal use of limited space.

"When I'm showing people around this boat at a show," said Paris,
"I ask them to have a seat up here on the forward settee and tell me
if they notice anything different from other boats they may have been
looking at. Most of them are pretty excited when they reply they can
see out of the large windows on either side of the boat. Bayliner
always strives to include windows that people can see out of when
sitting in the cabin of its larger boats, and that concept has been
incorporated here on the 265. This settee will convert into a sleeping
area for two adults or at least two kids, and there's no longer any
need to try to find some remote location to stow the extra cushions
when this area is used for dining or socializing instead of sleeping.
The aft bolster cushions on each side of the settee are removed to form
the bottom cushions for the bunk, and then simply snap back into place
to rebuild the settee."

We counted six overhead lights in the main cabin, with laminate
finished joinery and solid surface cabinetry in the galley. Seams were
straight in the upholstered gunwales and headliner. There was no visual
indication that we were aboard one of the least expensive 27-foot boats
in the industry.
A compact but capable galley fixture is located to port, just aft of
the settee and at the base of the companionway. An alcohol/electric
stove top, stainless steel sink, and a compact refrigerator with a
small freezer compartment should prove sufficient for most cooking
tasks underway. A second galley work space is to starboard, where a
built-in microwave oven will handle warming and baking chores when
there is AC power available. A six-gallon hot water heater is standard.

Boating families will appreciate the convenience and privacy of the
fully enclosed head in the aft starboard quarter of the main cabin. A
marine toilet is plumbed to a holding tank, and the spigot portion of
the hand basin faucet can be pulled out to use as a hand shower. All
surfaces in the head are waterproof and easily cleaned. With toilet
tissue and dry towels stowed safely behind a locker door, one can
shower with abandon.

It would be difficult to think of many 27-foot boats with a private
master stateroom, but the Bayliner 265 can easily claim at least a
semi-private stateroom with an oversized double bunk. A privacy curtain
separates the stateroom, located under the forward portion of the
cockpit, from kids or guests in the main cabin.

Standard and Optional Power
The standard engine and drive for the Bayliner 265 is the 5.0L
MerCruiser mated to an Alpha I. Olympic orders its 265 Cruisers with
the optional 5.0L MPI and Bravo III outdrive. Paris shared some of the
reasons why. "With the larger Bravo III drive you get the duo prop
design, and that improves handling and speed while allowing more
efficient operation." Data published by Bayliner report that the
260-hp 5.0L MerCruiser MPI and Bravo III will deliver a cruising speed
of 28.3 mph (burning 12.4 gph) or can be opened up to sprint at 40.9
mph at WOT (21.7 gph). Maximum cruising range with the 5.0L is 154
miles.

Paris said, "Bayliner's performance figures are calculated at
cruise load weight, which consists of a boat with typical options,
passengers, fuel, water, required safety gear, and adequate stores. For
example the above figures were achieved with 2,401 pounds in the boat.
These are real-world conditions, so our customers can count on
achieving similar results."

Additional engine options for the Bayliner 265 include the 5.7L
MerCruiser and the 5.7 MPI (350 Magnum) MerCruiser, both with the Bravo
III. The 5.7L MerCruiser will cruise at 26.4 mph (11.1 gph) and top out
at 39.4 mph (20.3 gph). Boaters desiring the maximum available speed
will opt for the MerCruiser MPI 350 Magnum and cruise at 31.4 mph (13.7
gph) or reach 43.1 mph at wide open throttle. Maximum range with the
5.7L Mercruiser is 161 miles, and 155 miles with the 350 Magnum.

Conclusion
Pacific NW boaters looking for a very versatile and trailerable boat
capable of providing a wide range of enjoyable boating experiences
should consider the Bayliner 265. The vessel not only has the potential
to foster some important family values, but it is an outstanding value
in its own right. Paris told us that with the usual Olympic Boat
Centers' upgrades (including the 5.0L MPI MerCruiser with FWC and
Bravo III, full camper canvas, snap-in carpet runners, macerating head,
wakeboard tower, and more), the 265 is typically offered during sales
for as little as $62,997. Heck, you pay more than $63,000 in sales tax
alone for a lot of boats, with no guarantee of ever having any more fun
than can be enjoyed aboard this surprisingly complete but compact
family cruiser.
For additional information about the Bayliner 265 or any other
Bayliner, Trophy, Maxum, or Meridian boat, please contact Olympic Boat
Centers at ............. or visit the website at boatnut.com.



Photos: No credit
AtTheRamp01 NWJun0706: The new Bayliner 265 is a compact family
cruiser.
AtTheRamp02 NWJun0706: Paris Woodard of Olympic Boat Centers.
AtTheRamp03 NWJun0706: Non-glare console with space reserved for
plotter or radar.
AtTheRamp04 NWJun0706: Engine hatch opens wide for easy access.
AtTheRamp05 NWJun0706: Compact but capable galley with sink, stove,
fridge, freezer, and stowage.
AtTheRamp06 NWJun0706: Entry and headboard bolster for semi-private
owner's stateroom.
AtTheRamp07 NWJun0706: Forward portion of main cabin seats six for
dinner; sleeps two when converted.


Call-outs:
Beaming owners will notice the Bayliner 265 drawing admiring glances
and approving nods in every port.

A cabin design that perpetuates the company's long-standing
reputation for making optimal use of limited space.



Sidebar:

Bayliner 265 Specifications
LOA: 27'0"
Beam: 8'6"
Draft (max): 3'3"
Deadrise: 17º
Approximate weight: 5,750 lb
Bridge clearance (max): 6'9"
Fuel capacity: 75 g
Water capacity: 20 g
Holding tank: 20 g