2019 Bayliner VR5 Cuddy review

Since its 2016 launch and our subsequent test of the Bayliner VR5 Bowrider, the Brunswick Group's most popular boat brand has released several additional VR models, all equipped with Bayliner's innovative "Beam Forward" hull.

This cleverly designed deep vee hull is notable for its squared-off bow, which has the maximum beam of the boat extended forward – well past amidships – to provide more storage, seating and living space up in the bow.

There are now three bowriders and two cuddy cabins in the Bayliner VR range. The entry model is now the 5.7m (overall length) VR4 Bowrider, which joins the existing and enormously popular VR5 Bowrider and the new 6.84m VR6 Bowrider.

Cuddy cabin models are available on the two larger hull sizes, and include the VR5 and VR6 Cuddy.

In the US, all models are available with either a single outboard, or a petrol sterndrive MerCruiser marine engine. Engine options for locally delivered boats will depend on the individual VR model; consult your local Bayliner dealer for more information.

The first of the Bayliner VR series cuddy cabs to land locally is the VR5 model, courtesy of Gold Coast dealer C Worthy Marine. We secured this terrific new family sports boat recently for a sea trial on the Gold Coast.

C Worthy Marine has elected to import the Bayliner VR5 cuddy cabin with a single, deluxe standard of fit-out that includes a number of features listed as options overseas.

Locally delivered boats gain a bimini pack (incorporating a bimini top and cockpit cover), along with the "Preferred Equipment" pack (pedestal teak table, stainless steel fittings upgrade) the "Cushion" pack (helm bucket seat upgrade and foredeck sun pad), faux teak SeaDek rubber flooring to the cockpit and swim platform, a transom shower, and an electric anchor winch with the anchor and chain rode.

The above is the minimum specification for C Worthy Marine-delivered models, but you can tailor individual models with different hull colours and graphics, alternate floor and upholstery coverings, and with options like a wake board tower, camper covers and electronics.

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy is also available with several outboard and sterndrive engine options.

Sterndrive-powered VR5s from C Worthy Marine are available with a 200hp 4.5L V6 MerCruiser petrol sterndrive, or the more powerful 250hp version of this engine. Both are paired with a MerCruiser Alpha One sterndrive leg.

Our test boat was fitted with the base MerCruiser sterndrive, the 200hp V6. Paired with a tandem-axle Redco aluminium trailer, C Worthy Marine has this nicely integrated boat package competitively priced from $93,590.

Opting for the more powerful 250hp V6 MerCruiser lifts the BMT package price a couple of grand to $95,890.

Outboard-engined Bayliner VR5 boat packages are priced from $91,690 with an extra-longshaft Mercury 150hp four-stroke outboard, or $93,990 with the larger 175hp Mercury model.

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy has an attractive, low-profile cabin and deck structure, and yet there is a surprising amount of space in the forward cabin, which is accessed via a lockable sliding fibreglass door.

Stepping down into the cabin reveals a traditional vee berth layout with two 1.9m x 600mm wide berths, upholstered in a neutral beige/brown patterned cloth fabric.

There is ample sitting space with 900mm of headroom above each berth and a maximum of 1.3m between the cabin sole and the ceiling – upholstered with a soft-touch cream-coloured vinyl.

The two individual berths can reconfigure into a decent-sized double bed using an included infill board and the two back-rest cushions.

For stowing stuff there is a shallow locker under the cushion in the forepeak, and open side pocket storage for clothing, towels, life jackets, etc.

A chemical toilet is conveniently stowed in a space under the cabin entry step, where it slides forward for use. Sliding the cabin door closed ensures you have privacy.

A cabin ceiling hatch provides ventilation to the interior as well as access through to the foredeck anchor well.

This clear hatch combines with the tinted side cabin windows to flood the cabin with ambient light.

The easiest way to reach the foredeck, the anchor well, and the cushioned cabin roof sun-pad is to use the steps moulded into the outside of the cabin door and then step up through the centre-opening windscreen. You can then step on the centre of the three sun-pad cushions, or remove it to clear a path to the bow.

Of note for sun lovers is the inclusion of a cushion that clips to the front of the centre-opening windscreen to create a forward-facing chaise-style lounge. There is also a chaise lounge and engine box sun pad at the stern of the boat. Both can be used only when the boat is at rest, but that's the only time you need them.

Those who feel the need to recline whilst underway can stretch out on the port-side lounge seat, created by moving the co-pilot's seat backrest forward and down to infill the space between the seat moulding and the port-side console.

The Bayliner logo-embossed backrest here also allows you to sit and face aft, legs and feet stretched comfortably out before you.

With the seats thus folded flat, you can then sit sideways to face the skipper - or alternatively flip the backrest up again to reconfigure the lounge seat to face forward.

In the rear cockpit, the cushioned, moulded seating area wraps around the transom in an L-shape, providing forward-facing seats at the stern – as well as the engine box sun pad, beneath which is the heart of the boat, the 200hp MerCruiser V6.

Storage lockers are beneath the port-side seats and a decent-sized, insulated cooler/ice box is under the transom lounge.

On the starboard side is a companionway between the box-mounted bucket helm chair and the aft transom door. The latter can open completely to give access to the large rear boarding platform, or prop up at around 45 degrees to create a headrest for the engine box sun pad.

There's also an extra ice box/cooler tucked under the aft walkway step, as well as a pull-out freshwater shower.

Back at the helm, the starboard and port consoles are conventional, yet practical in design. There is space on the starboard console for engine gauges, the switch panel and a small electronics display on the darkened (to reduce glare) instrument panel and fascia, while on the port side there is a sink with freshwater faucet, 12-volt power socket and cupholder.

The helm position is comfortable enough with the tilt-adjust steering wheel and throttle lever within an easy arm's reach, but I would have liked a taller helm chair to provide a clearer view over the bow of the boat. The ergonomics of the helm station is otherwise very good.

C Worthy Marine-specification VR5 Cuddy Cabins are available with two sterndrive (inboard/outboard) engine options. Both are MerCruiser V6 petrol engines coupled to Alpha One drive legs.

The base boat we tested comes with the 200hp V6, but you can opt for the more powerful 250hp version of this same engine. That said, we can't really see the need for the larger engine unless you want to regularly tow multiple skiers, wake-boarders or biscuits.

Even then the power and torque of the standard 200hp engine will likely be sufficient. Our test boat accelerated strongly from idle all the way to a wide open throttle of 4900rpm. There was a small planing hump to overcome, which is a characteristic of most small sterndrive-powered boats, but from this point on the hull powered on to top speed of 38.3 knots.

By way of comparison, the Bayliner VR5 Bowrider we tested back in 2017 achieved a top speed of 42.8 knots with the larger 250hp MerCruiser installed under the rear engine cover. That's a difference of just 4.5 knots, although there was more grunt in the mid-range.

Both of the MerCruiser 4.5-litre V6 engines come with Mercury's Adaptive Speed Control, a cool feature that holds the engine's revs regardless of changing sea conditions (such as tight slalom turns), reducing the need for throttle adjustments.

We expect customers will be happy with the performance of the Bayliner VR5 with either of the two MerCruiser engine options, given that our test boat felt quick and agile underway.

We also found the Bayliner's 20-degree deep vee hull to be comfortable, quiet and dry. It's soft into choppy bay waters, very stable at rest, and it can carve up high-speed turns with ease, making it ideal for bay cruising and social tow sports.

Performance – Speed
5.0kt (9.2km/h) @ 1000rpm
5.7kt (10.5km/h) @ 1500rpm
6.8kt (12.6km/h) @ 2000rpm
10.7kt (19.8km/h) @ 2500rpm
20.3kt (37.5km/h) @ 3000rpm
26.6kt (39.2km/h) @ 3500rpm
29.2kt (54.0km/h) @ 4000rpm
35.8kt (66.2km/h) @ 4500rpm
38.3kt (70.8km/h) @ 4900rpm (WOT)

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy is a cleverly designed, spacious, versatile 6.0-metre trailerboat. It's a bay runabout, a compact overnight cruiser, a family entertainer and a social tow-sports boat, all in the one package.

The Bayliner VR5 also has a proven, easy-handling deep vee hull, excellent performance and the backing of one of the world's largest trailerboat makers. With this combination of features, the Bayliner VR5 Cuddy is hard to beat for family boating.

Length overall: 6.23m
Hull length: 5.6m
Beam: 2.44m
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Draft: 880mm
Dry weight with std engine: 1520kg
Dry weight on trailer: 2100kg (est)
Maximum power: 250hp
Engine as tested: MerCruiser 200hp V6 MPI/Alpha One
Fuel capacity: 132L
Water tank capacity: 40L
Seating capacity: Eight

Supplied by: C Worthy Marine, Gold Coast