Hi, I'm a new to boating this past season. We bought a used 2003 Bayliner 185BBR 4.3L 190hp Mercruiser this past winter. This is what my wife refers to as our "practice boat" We normally buy new, cars cycle ,quad, everything. So after using it this summer I decided that I don't ride my cycle enough & want a new boat sooner then we planned. There's nothing wrong W/our boat, it's just not new and I look at it like it's a entry level brand. I have been looking at the Crownline because of the interior I want & I believe they are a step or 2 above the Bayliner. What do you Crownline owners or more experienced owners have to say about the Crownline. Will be replacing W/another 180 4.3L don't need bigger maybe the 4.3L MPI If i find one @ good deal. Thanks for any input
I just went from a Bayliner to a Crownline a couple of months ago. The Crownline is much nicer (it should be, it cost 4 times as much as the Bayliner). Nothing wrong with the Bayliners, they are built to a target market like everything else.
For the past 2 months I have been shopping for a 2nd boat (we already have a pontoon and live on a lake). My search began with bayliner because of the price point (411,995 for the 175 family fun pack). Bayliners are very basic boats, but they are new and come with a warranty for the of most 3-5 year old boats. A nice step up is the Maxum 1800MX which can be had for around $15k and is trimmed nicer.
Now the Crownline is head and shoulders about Bayliner is construction, ride, handling, noise levels, fit and finish and "appointments". Its like comparing a Kia to a Mercedes Benz really. Sure a new 180BR will run $22-24k OTD but that is also with a 4.3 compared to the 3L in the Bayliner. After having done "sea trials" in both boats I honestly believe you get what you pay for in this case.
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