Bayliner 255 2009

[mormat]

I have decided to buy my very first boat, and I am looking for a Daycruiser with space for 4 sleeping adults. I have found what looks like a really nice Version of a Bayliner 255 from 2009 with a Mercruiser 5.0 MPI Bravo 3 duo. As I am new to this I thought I would like to hear what experiences you may have with this boat.?

 

[Seastoke]

I have decided to buy my very first boat, and I am looking for a Daycruiser with space for 4 sleeping adults. I have found what looks like a really nice Version of a Bayliner 255 from 2009 with a Mercruiser 5.0 MPI Bravo 3 duo. As I am new to this I thought I would like to hear what experiences you may have with this boat.?

Well it is very small for 4 adults, also you need to say where you intend to use the craft.

 

[mormat]

I live in Denmark and will be using it in the inlets we have (salt water). Majority of trips will be with family ( wife + 2 kids) however would like to be able to bring friends occationally. My main question concerns if the quality of the Bayliner is ok, or if I instead should find fx a Searay which is a bid older within the same budget. Any thoughts?

 

[Bajansailor]

Mormat, can you easily fill up with petrol / gasoline at fuel docks, or will you have to carry fuel to the boat in containers?

Be aware that the topic of outdrive legs can bring passionate responses on here from those who love them, and those who hate them - there does not seem to be much middle ground.
Be prepared to take very good care of your engine and outdrive leg, and be religious about your service intervals, especially so as you will be using the boat in salt water.
If you can 'dry store' the boat ashore when you are not using her, that would be a huge benefit - or would she live afloat in a marina?

 

[markspark7]

Well it is very small for 4 adults, also you need to say where you intend to use the craft.

Had a 30ft Bayliner that slept six and that still felt cramped with four on board, hope you're really good friends with each other , one small shower / wc and very limited changing space

 

[alandalus11]

Questions I would consider is how easy it will be to find petrol. Lugging 20 litre cans of fuel loses its appeal after a while. Does look a bit small for 4 people.
Have you considered the Sealine S28 or the Regal 2665 both lovely boats and have good accomodation. The regals have a very good build to them IMO. I would also look for the biggest boat you could afford because after a year or two you will be looking for something bigger.

 

[BruceK]

The 255 was Bayliner's entry model before ceasing their cruiser portfolio. As a starter boat it is just that. Bearing that in mind and you will be moving on to the next boat in short order it either fits your needs or doesn't. As you have growing kids I'd expect the period of ownership to be brief before you out grow it. I have 2 "tweenagers" that have got to the age where they now wont share a room and struggle at times on a 34 foot boat. Personally I would look at something that has a cabin dinette that can convert so you have 3 cabins / double berths and they start at around 30/32 foot. If that means looking at a slightly older good condition boat that is what I would do.

 

[markspark7]

The 255 was Bayliner's entry model before ceasing their cruiser portfolio. As a starter boat it is just that. Bearing that in mind and you will be moving on to the next boat in short order it either fits your needs or doesn't. As you have growing kids I'd expect the period of ownership to be brief before you out grow it. I have 2 "tweenagers" that have got to the age where they now wont share a room and struggle at times on a 34 foot boat. Personally I would look at something that has a cabin dinette that can convert so you have 3 cabins / double berths and they start at around 30/32 foot. If that means looking at a slightly older good condition boat that is what I would do.

+1 for this, you can get a bayliner 2858 or even a newer 288 flybridge / 3055 for good money with a 350 mpi mag engine,
Three good sized beds and seperate sleeping areas including a kiddy cave for the tweens.
It can start to feel very cramped after a very short space in time , even on a 40 footer with kids running riot, dont forget to have enough phone charger points as well !!!!
Had more arguments on board about this than sleeping arrangements..

 

[B58]

Your better getting one with a 350Mag, the engine is the same size engine than the 5.0, just the 5.0 is NLA.

 

[QBhoy]

Your better getting one with a 350Mag, the engine is the same size engine than the 5.0, just the 5.0 is NLA.

The 350 is a 5.7. The 5.0 is a 5.0. What does nla mean ?

 

[EugeneR]

I live in Denmark and will be using it in the inlets we have (salt water). Majority of trips will be with family ( wife + 2 kids) however would like to be able to bring friends occationally. My main question concerns if the quality of the Bayliner is ok, or if I instead should find fx a Searay which is a bid older within the same budget. Any thoughts?

I can only speak for 2000 to 2007 but during that time, Bayliner quality was very much the same as Searay and similar brands. More plastic but easy to maintain and/or repair.

The 245, and I would assume the 255 given similar size, was tight for a family of 4 i.e. long weekend not weeks on board. For 4 adults, it gets more crowded. When cruising and sitting outside, no problem with 4 adults.

For day use, great boat. I would focus on the layout you want, as opposed to the brand. 5.0 MPI is good for this boat yes.

 

[B58]

NLA is no longer available, yes but the 5.0, 5.7 & 6.2 share the same block the 5.7 is bored out to 5.7 the 6.2 uses the same bore, but it has a longer stroke.

 

[QBhoy]

NLA is no longer available, yes but the 5.0, 5.7 & 6.2 share the same block the 5.7 is bored out to 5.7 the 6.2 uses the same bore, but it has a longer stroke.

Ok. But 350 is cubic inches of a 5.7. A 5.0 is 305.