Bayliner 2159 Rendezvous

Big bowriders are increasingly en vogue and, for some, are taking the place of cabin boats that not too long ago were the only entry into spacious, comfortable pleasure craft.

Enter the Bayliner Rendezvous, which fits the bill for those not wanting a flybridge or cabin boat, just open air and plenty of it. First impressions when boarding this large bowrider is that if it had walls and a roof, it could double as a campervan. It is that spacious.

Even though it's 6.4m in length, with no cabin superstructure, it looks deceptively small while at rest in the water.

HOW NOW ROUND BOW
The bow section is quite rounded and that fullness continues from the forwardmost section of the bow, down along the upper part of the forefoot.

To one side of the centreline, a hatch lifts back on its hinges, revealing a fold-down telescopic ladder to allow people on and off the boat when pulled up at the beach.

The surface used to step from the bowpit onto the foredeck is checked in the fibreglass mould, providing a non-slip surface. A nylon hatch covers a well that would hold a medium Danforth anchor. A couple of drinkholders are located here, while many others are scattered around the boat. The heavily-padded seating on the port and starboard sides of the bowpit covers cavernous stowage areas. Grabrails low-down provide a safe grip for passengers. A centrally located table mounts in the floor and an optional infill over the footwell converts the bowpit into a spacious sun lounge. The bowpit is accessed by folding back a large centre section of the windscreen. Where the opening sections of the windscreen meet, nylon brushes have been installed to prevent water gathering on the screen and coming through the gap while underway. The frame of the windscreen also has a tubular upper rim, which allows it to be used as a grabrail.

The centre bulkhead on the portside houses a portable toilet. It is accessed via the companionway by lifting a hatch that forms part of the passenger dash section and unlocking a bi-fold vented door. This head is a substantial feature for a boat of this size and provides secure storage for chattels as well. The aft section of this bulkhead has an upholstered vertical wall for the ski observer to stand and lean against without being hemmed in by the passenger seat. It has a rocking backrest that allows the passenger to sit facing forward or, when the backrest is tilted forward, to lounge on the extended side seating. Large stowage areas run down this side of the cockpit under the seating.

A long deck hatch in the companionway provides access to the bilge compartment that runs along the centreline. It is large enough to store skis, wakeboards, ropes, fenders and the like.

DRINKS ANYONE?
The helm has a smartly set out instrumentation panel and a recessed tray section between it and the wheel.

A drink container is installed centrally. Other small items such as car keys, sun block and mobile telephones may sit safely here. A CD player with removable anti-theft panel is installed behind a lift-up tinted hatch. It provides the tunes for the four speakers located around the cockpit.

Behind the skipper is a benchseat that runs aft with a lift-up cushion that covers a 54lt icebox, which sits in a rebate in the floor to prevent it from sliding around. While an icebox this size may seem small, when full of drinks, food and ice, it would be a struggle handling anything bigger when removing it to dine on the beach.

A collapsible stainless steel-framed bimini provides the necessary shade but does nothing for the boat's overall looks. For such a high-quality boat the standard of the bimini appears poor.

Removing seat cushions in the aft corners reveals hatches that house the battery and isolator switch on the portside and more storage space to starboard. These cushions must also be removed to allow the heavily soundproofed engine hatch to be lifted. Once lifted, the 5lt MPI MerCruiser is easily accessed for maintenance with plenty of room in front of the pulleys for arms and tools. This engine features, among other things, an Alpha water drain system. This allows easy water removal from the raw water cooling circuit if the boat is laid up for extended periods. It also operates a Smart Craft monitoring system, which closely watches engine performance and adjusts engine operation for optimum output.

The forward face of the enginebox is rebated, with a step up onto a hard seat for embarking and disembarking over the transom. A grab handle on the transom assists people climbing up and down the telescopic folding ladder on the starboard side.

LEVEL ATTITUDE
Running along the Broadwater, the Rendezvous had a very level attitude, even with a fair amount of trim. Some misty spray came up and over the screen when driven hard through large chop and boat wake. Manoeuvrability was excellent and very direct - the boat can be thrown around effortlessly. The 5lt engine is nicely matched to the hull and to its intended use of fun, fun and more fun! Low down in the rev range a good-sized wake is put up for the boarders. And if speed is your thing, it went from dead in the water to 78kmh very quickly and quietly, with just a consistent rumble emanating from its eight cylinders.

The Rendezvous is typical Bayliner quality. Opulently upholstered, flowing lines and nicely appointed with standard fittings, these imports from America are very classy options for boaters looking for comfortable, quality time on the water. Other than perhaps a pair of speakers installed in the bowpit section and an upgrade to the bimini, we didn't see the need to add anything extra other than skis, tubes and family. As well as rating well in the practicality stakes, the Rendezvous is right up in the "big boys' toys" league when it comes to flair and style, but don't worry fellas, the girls will like this one too.