Bayliner 265 Slim Line

 

Issue: July/August 2005

There is an interesting trend developing in the marine market. While trailable boats up to 6m remain the bread and butter of the Australian marine industry, there is now a huge interest in boats from 9m and upwards.

In Queensland alone the number of registrations in this category has doubled and in some cases tripled over the past few months. It seems more and more families are getting into boating to spend their weekends on the water.

The Bayliner 265, new for 2005, fits right in the middle of this market. It?s aimed squarely at the couple or a family who want to regularly get away for a day, the weekend or longer.

The 265 is a neat boat and Bayliner has packed a lot into it for its size. It has all the amenities of a bigger boat, but it?s more compact. Although it is designated a 265 cruiser, it is actually 8.23m (27ft ) in overall length from the wide boarding platform to the bow anchor roller.

Layout

Just like its bigger brothers there is a boot in the transom that contains the battery switches and can store fenders and mooring lines.

The aft cockpit has a rear lounge and the backrest on the lounge opposite the driver can be swung forward to give more seating around the removable table. All the upholstery on the test boat is finished in an attractive two-tone blue and white marine vinyl with clip-out carpet on the floor.

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On the starboard side is a sink with hot and cold water and a locker. Instead of the locker door swinging out, it can be lifted up to form a serving table next to the sink.

The driver?s seat is extremely comfortable and the all-round view is excellent. The dash is done in a single mould and is finished in dark grey to stop glare, with Burl inserts housing the instruments. The test boat included a Navman VHF radio, a remote anchor winch control on the dash, a depth sounder and a bimini top that comes with clears and camping covers.

Access to the bow is through the split windscreen. But instead of a couple of small steps on the side of the helm station, Bayliner has extended two steps right across the sliding cabin door. This makes it easier for the less agile folk.

But it is down below that Bayliner designers have excelled themselves. The beam is only 2.59m and is smaller than the previous model. The smaller beam was introduced so that the boat could be towed on a trailer. It is legal in the United States, but would need a special permit in Australia. But this is the type of boat that would normally be kept in the water or on a cradle on the hard.

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