2011 Bayliner 285 Cruiser

Aussies are renowned world-wide for their love of sand, sea and the great outdoors, so buying a family cruiser is right up there on many boaties’ “Bucket Lists”.

Think about it. There’s a long weekend coming up and the weather forecast’s fine. What could be better than having the ability to get the family on the water with a minimum of fuss on a boat that offers comfort, economical performance and style. She gives families the ability to fish; cruise about enjoying the scenery, or even ride on a few water sport toys – the options are endless.

But where do you find a vessel that offers all this at an affordable price? Especially if you’re looking at buying your first big cruiser. Simple; check out the all-new Bayliner 285. And be assured, the 2011 Bayliner 285 Cruiser is not a rejigged older model… she’s been redesigned from the ground up.

This new 28 footer allows up to six people to sleep comfortably in her spacious cabin, thanks to a private lockable mid-cabin, a convertible dinette and oversized forward main vee-berth. However, I must say that even though the brochure says she can sleep six, the convertible dinette berth would be a bit squeezy as a double, (great for newlyweds). But having the ability to lock the kids away in the mid-berth cabin will give parents all the privacy they need. For mine, she’s an ideal cruiser for a family of four.

But with all the talk about carbon taxes and the increasing cost of living, she also offers families an added bonus -- economical boating. Powered by a single MerCruiser 6.2lt 377 MAG, MPI, 320hp V8, driving through a Bravo III leg, the 285 delivers a top speed of 40mph. Fully loaded you could knock couple off that. Sure, she’s not a high-performance cruiser… she was never designed to be, but she’s no slouch either. At three-quarter throttle and cruising at 22mph, her 337lt tank gives her affordable long legs for comfortable cruising.

For added protection from the elements, Bayliner uses Hydropel vinylester resin to provide superior resistance to osmosis, which reduces the risk of the gelcoat blistering and cracking. Hydropel is used in combination with strand fibreglass in lieu of a woven glass to produce an ultra-smooth exterior finish.

That will sound like technical gobbledegook to many, but what it really means is that Bayliners are built tough from durable materials that will stand up to the elements. Even the vinyl upholstery is treated with a proven ‘KidsClean’ protective coating.

Plus, all Bayliner cruisers are backed by a five-year limited hull and deck warranty and a two-year limited MerCruiser engine warranty.

The Bayliner 285 is a top weekender with a galley that boasts a microwave oven, electric cooktop, sink, refrigerator, and yes, it does have extra under and over bench storage, which adds to her 'weekender' appeal. She also has a full-height head and shower and a twin-cabin configuration. The main forward double berth is concealed from the saloon by a curtain, while the amidship’s double cabin has a closing door and a hanging locker. As I said before, the kids can sleep in here and the parents get the run of the boat. Then, if that dinner party does run over time, two guests can be accommodated (at a pinch) on the convertible dinette to starboard. The main saloon is light and airy, because the cabin hatch over the forward vee-berth and the extra-large cabin windows let in ample natural light.

The aft cockpit and oversized swim platform are probably the biggest selling points of this boat. These are the areas where many will spend most of their time.

The dual helm seat features a bolster for the driver, to aid visibility when docking, plus room for a companion to sit at the helm when underway. The gauges are clearly visible and there’s extra space on the dash to mount a sizable GPS/sounder unit. There’s a long lounge to port, so guests can converse with the skipper and anyone seated on the U-shaped aft cockpit lounge, which features a removable table for alfresco dining.

One option I suggest anyone buying a 285 should take up is the complete set of clears and covers. With these in place the 285’s entire 28 feet become usable living space in any weather.

And you can forget sun pads, because the 285’s rear swim platform adds an extra five square metres of usable space to the transom of this boat. You can set up the barbie here, store an inflatable, or leave it open for general lounging.

Engine room access also rates a mention, because with the cockpit sole raised, you can stand in the engine bay to carry out general maintenance and servicing.

There are plenty of options available to make your floating holiday apartment more user-friendly such as air-con, bow thruster, cockpit refrigerator, spotlight, macerator, TV/DVD, genset... and the list goes on and on. You can literally spend as much, or as little as you like, but a standard 285 comes with just about all you’ll need for a family holiday afloat.

Berowra Waters Wholesale supplied this test 285 Cruiser and to make life on the water a little bit more pleasurable, added the following options: bimini top with boot and camper canvas, including a bimini extension, front, side and rear canvas.

Standard equipment and the Preferred Equipment Package include: cockpit refrigerator, carpet runners, coloured hull; helm stereo remote, cockpit table and filler cushions, foredeck cushions and rails, teak floor and transom shower, macerator, spotlight, swim platform extension, stainless-steel trim. An upgrade package is available and includes cup holders, grab rails, gunwale moulding, and port lights, VacuFlush head system, electric anchor winch, and an electric conversion with shore power.

She wasn’t designed to be a super high-performance sports cruiser, but her economical 22mph cruising make her an attractive option as an ideal family extended weekender.

Her 17-degree hull and OS chines slice through chop and slop effortlessly and deliver a good dry ride. However, if I was buying a 285 I’d fit her with a set of Volvo QL trim tabs to offset any windage problems created when the clears and covers are fitted. And, because this is a single engine boat, I’d also be fitting a bow thruster to aid docking against the tide and wind.

This boat does require a marina berth, or mooring, because at 28 feet she’s not trailerable and that’s an added cost, if you’re considering purchasing one, but everything’s relative. Remember, these boats are floating holiday apartments and I’ll be buggered if I could buy a holiday apartment in Sydney with uninterrupted water views for only $159,990.

Base price for Bayliner 285 is $156,590, fitted with a MerCruiser 5.7lt (350 MAG 300HP) coupled with a Bravo III drive.