Bayliner VR5: Video Boat Review

The 2016 Bayliner VR5 is a completely new bowrider which not only replaces the Bayliner 185, but also sets a new bar for all of this company's new models. The VR5 is built stronger, handles waves better, and has a much more advanced design than any previous runabout of this size built by Bayliner. Overall, is it the very best bowrider they've built to date? That's a judgement call, one that you'll have to make for yourself. But after watching this detailed video boat review, we don't think making that call will be terribly difficult.

Boat Test Notes

Concept

Replace the existing 185 BR and its 18' running surface with a boat of the same length and approximate cost, which has more room, is built better, and offers more value.

Construction

-This is big news, folks: the VR5 has an all-fiberglass stringer grid. Previous models had wood in the stringers. Not only does this improve the finish in belowdecks compartments like the ski locker, it results in a significantly stiffer, stronger boat.

-The VR5 is a self-bailing boat; the 185 BR was not.

-The boat feels solid and vibration-free, coming down off of waves.

Performance

-Powered by MerCruiser's new 4.5L stern drive, we cruised at over 35 MPH and broke 46 MPH at top-end.

Handling

-The hull eats up a chop; watch the slow-motion launch at the beginning of the video, and you can see how solidly it comes down from jumping a boat wake.

-This boat's a blast to run. It leans into turns and carves through the water—take a sea trial for yourself, and we'll bet you're left with a big smile on your face.

Unique Features

-The tower and integrated Bimini is both stronger and easier to deal with than a standard folding Bimini top.

-Two lounges on a boat of this size? Sweet.

-List MSRP is under $700 less—LESS—than the 185 BR this boat replaces.

If you want more information on the Bayliner VR5, visit Bayliner. Or, see Bayliner VR5 listings. If a larger version of this boat is what you need, read our review of the Bayliner VR6.

The Bayliner VR5 is designed and built better than any bowrider of this size Bayliner has built to date. Period.

Written by: Lenny Rudow

With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.