Bayliner 185 Bowrider

The Perfect Starter Boat – That You’re NOT Going to Out-Grow in One Season!

Firstly, I must apologise for using the term ‘Starter Boat’ – it’s one of those standard industry terms that is so over-used (to describe everything from an 8ft dinghy to a 30ft cruiser depending on who you’re talking to), that it has really lost all meaning. BUT… maybe it got your attention, cause you’re looking for a sports boat…

In my mind a starter boat is something that fits with your idea of boating, that isn’t intimidating and that crucially will allow you and your family to enjoy the boating lifestyle and want to keep coming back for more! A great starter boat is one that appeals to the head as well as the heart, and has the ability to keep ALL the family ‘on board’ with the boating dream.

If you’ve been thinking about buying a sportsboat specifically, then these are the reasons why I reckon this 2005 Bayliner 185 is just about the ideal place to start:

1. It’s Easy To Handle – At 18’6″ long and on a single axle trailer it’s easy to get to grips with both on the water and on the driveway.
2. With space for 7 people plus gear it’s Big Enough For All The Family – nobody needs to be left standing on the beach getting cold – everyone can head off for a full day’s fun together.
3. It’s Versatile enough to keep everyone happy – whether you’re relaxing in the sun, picnicking on board, or pulling water toys, this boat can do it all in comfort.
4. It’s Reliable – have a look at the video to see for yourself just how well maintained this boat is; it looks like brand new and you can be sure she’ll give no trouble. It’s also backed up by a In-house Warranty.
5. It Won’t Cost The Earth – At around a third the price of a new model, whilst looking like she just rolled out of the showroom, this boat is excellent value for money. Maintenance costs for the Mercruiser 4.3L 190HP Sterndrive engine are also very reasonable, requiring a single service and winterising each year.
6. It Works In The Sunshine And The Rain – with an immaculate set of full camper covers the rain won’t ruin a day out; just pop the covers up and carry on!
7. It’s big enough to Make The Family Feel Safe – the single biggest reason why boats are bought, used once or twice, and then forgot about, is because not everyone gets into it, and usually it’s because they got a scare or they got soaked! This Bayliner 185 at 18’6″ long, with low set seating, high gunnels and a decent beam, is beefy enough to behave in choppy water and keep everyone feeling safe and secure, and eager to come back for more!
8. ‘THE BIGGY’- It’s got enough Power! With the Mercruiser 4.3L V6 190HP motor this boat has bags of power for pulling watertoys, cruising effortlessly at half throttle, and generally getting up and going, even with a full load on board. As the kids get bigger and more into watersports and invite friends along, this is a boat that will cope with it all in its’ stride.

All in all, I reckon you can’t do much better than this for an entry level sportsboat.

The fact that this one is IMMACULATE in every regard just sweetens the deal! She has only 230hrs on the clock, and as a stock boat of ours it has been fully serviced for the coming season and is backed up with a full 3 Month Engine and Drive Warranty.