Bayliner 245 Sunbridge

Bayliner's go-fast weekenders fit a neat niche for those that want the creature comforts of a cabin cruiser, the sporty performance of a bowrider and a cockpit ideally suited to the Australian way of boating life.

Store this vessel in a stack, on a private mooring or even a trailer (with a permit) and zoom away for a couple of days afloat up the Hawkesbury River, Queensland's myriad inland waterways, swan up to the edge of the no-go zone along Melbourne's most popular stretch of beach from St Kilda to Port Melbourne, and raft up alongside likeminded boaters over summer.

Bayliner has six models in the Cruiser range, from the top-of-the-line 340 down to this, the entry-level 245 Sunbridge, a big little boat and the subject of this Spotlight.

More than just a makeover, the 245 has been redesigned from the waterline up for 2009 top include a larger swim platform leading to a single-level cockpit for better traffic flow. There is also configurable seating to suit sunbathing or al fresco dining and entertaining.

COCKPIT TRICKS
Bayliner importer Berowra Waters Wholesale told Trade-a-Boat that the Bayliner 245 Sunbridge is bound to be a big hit. There is a generous U-shaped seating area where up to six adults can dine around the standard removable cockpit table.

To maximise outdoor seating you fold forward the backrest on the double helm seat. With the helm seat still folded forward, an optional infill cushion converts the starboard cockpit area into a big sunpad. The cushions and table then pack away into a dedicated storage niche in the transom seat. Voila! Maximum floor space.

Cockpit storage is always a key feature of a compact cruiser and it comes in spades on the Bayliner 245 Sunbridge. There are compartments below the folding transom seat and under the helm. A portable icebox lives in a dedicated area in the cockpit's moulded entertainment centre behind the portside lounge.

A new dash design is another feature for the 2009 Bayliner 245. The moulded dash has angled facias containing analogue engine instruments, but it is more noteworthy for the large central area designed to accommodate a large-screen electronic display of the owner's choice. Also at the helm are side-mounted controls and well-placed switches for easy access.

The Bayliner 245 Sunbridge is fitted with a standard 260hp 5.0lt MerCruiser petrol engine with Bravo III sterndrive for a cruise speed of 26 knots and a sprint to about 39 knots, claims Bayliner. Or the boat can be optioned up to accommodate the 300hp 350 MAG MPI Bravo III donk for more get up and go.

The 245 has a dry weight of 2787kg (with standard engine) making it quite towable but with a permit due to its 2.59m beam. It would therefore be a neat proposition to leave on a trailer on a hardstand for launching at that amenity's ramp.

HEADROOM AND MORE
Entry to the cabin is via a locking fibreglass door with moulded access steps. Inside, the two major highlights are the 185cm of headroom and the abundant natural light provided by frameless side windows and three overhead hatches.

Berowra Waters Wholesale said the interior of the new model 245 Sunbridge includes new fabrics and extra storage space under the aft double berth, in a large hanging locker, in the galley, and under the forward berth seating.

The dinette table converts to a sleeping space for two. And with full camper covers and airbeds, you can sleep the kids on deck.

Below decks entertainment can be optioned up with a Sirius satellite radio system and a 15in flatscreen LCD TV/DVD package. The satellite-ready stereo system is compatible with all digital formats, including iPod and MP3s.

Gourmands are treated to a full-service galley with single-burner electric (or alcohol) stove, refrigerator and microwave, plus a flip-up counter extension for extra food prep area.

The Bayliner 245 Sunbridge is priced from $128,290 and comes with a transferable limited five-year structural hull warranty. For more information, phone Berowra Waters Wholesale on 1800 802 444 or visit www.berowrawaterswholesale.com.au