Boat Test: 2025 Bayliner V20
The V20 offers enjoyable performance at an affordable price.
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Overview
Bayliner was founded in 1957 to bring seaworthy family boats to the water with an attractive bundled package, including boat, motor and trailer at a budget price. Today, this brand, now under the Brunswick umbrella, is one of the largest recreational-boat builders, and its newly redesigned V20 bowrider replaces one of its most popular models.
Bayliner didn’t just move the cup holders around in the original long-in-the-tooth 20-footer. Instead, it redesigned the boat from keel to windshield, transom to forepeak, to meet the expectations of today’s boaters. Bayliner offers the V20 in both sterndrive and outboard configurations. We tested the outboard version on the salty Indian River near Edgewater, Florida.
Both versions of the V20 display a wider beam, crisp new lines, and a sweeping, cockpit-surrounding windshield with cross-curved glass for an upscale look. The outboard version will be most popular in salt water, where full trim and tilt helps manage the boat in shallow water, and the easy maintenance and ability to quickly flush the engine are essential to its long, happy life.
Brunswick’s influence on the redesigned boat is unmistakable due to the ownership of Mercury outboards, as well as component manufacturers such as BEP for battery connections and various electrical components for switching and wiring. The company now builds boats almost completely within the boundaries of Brunswick brands, enhancing efficient integration of all onboard systems.
The dash layout is logical and easy to manage.
Courtesy Bayliner Boats
Engine
Our V20 had the Merc 175 hp Pro XS V-6 outboard, which gave us enjoyable performance, including a snappy hole shot, both with four- and later, two-passenger loads. The top speed just shy of 45 mph was barely influenced by the larger passenger load. We did notice slightly better midrange fuel economy with two passengers, and the boat made almost 4.5 mpg. Mercury reports comparable fuel economy and midrange speed with the 150 while losing a couple of miles per hour at wide-open throttle. The 150 adds $6,000 to the base price ($46,495) of the V20 with the 115; the 175 comes in at about $12,000 more. Some boaters will be happiest with the 150 and an extra $6,000 in their pocket, and others will say, “Nope, I want max performance and will opt for the 175.” We’d support either choice, but avoid the 115, which will burn the same amount or more fuel working harder while achieving less speed and passenger-carrying midrange power than the two more-powerful options. One great reason to buy the 175 is integrated power steering, adding smooth maneuverability to complement the equally smooth throttle and shift functions.
Bow seating is plush.
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Tahoe’s 210 S is the V20’s head-to-head competitor and sells for $50,995 with a Merc 150 before freight and prep. It departs from traditional bowrider style using acrylic windscreens instead of the V20’s full cockpit cross-curved glass windshield. The Tahoe is narrower (8-foot-2-inch beam) and longer (21 feet, 5 inches), but the math works out to comparable deck space. The T21 is standard with a proprietary touchscreen display. The V20 offers an upgrade to a 7-inch Simrad and Mercury Vessel View Link ($2,430) or a 9-inch Simrad display ($2,645 and well worth the extra $200).
The L-lounge stretches from the back of the front passenger bucket to the starboard-side transom door.
Courtesy Bayliner Boats
Interior and Accessories
The dashboard at the helm and the passenger console are finished in a glossy-black gelcoat for an attractive contrast with a bit of a performance feel to it. There was a tilt wheel (standard) on our tester. The dash layout was logical and easy to manage from the captain’s seat, with switches higher and stereo controller lower and left.
In a day when a 20-footer often sells north of $80,000, the V20’s 50-something price tag (base plus $6,000 for the 150) is refreshing, especially when you review the standard features such as a diamond-pattern nonskid deck and the thickly cushioned and supple upholstery. The L-lounge stretches from the back of the front passenger bucket to the starboard-side transom door. The captain and passenger bucket seats swivel and slide for extra legroom.
The passenger console has a large compartment that drains to the bilge and can be used as a cooler or for dry storage. Another cooler chest is beneath the jump seat behind the captain’s seat. Dry storage beneath the bow and L bench seat is finished for easy maintenance.
Thickly cushioned and supple upholstery is found throughout.
Courtesy Bayliner Boats
Where does Bayliner save money on this commendable 20-footer? There is no superfluous cockpit trim, neither billet nor stainless steel. Grab handles are vinyl, but there’s an upgrade for stainless. Our tester lacked pullup cleats, but the fixed cleats looked good and were properly positioned. A cocktail table is optional, saving dollars for a feature seldom used and frequently in the way. Tow eyes on the transom are standard, but a tow pylon ($535) or wake tower ($6,115 with integrated Bimini top) is available at a reasonable upcharge. The standard AM/FM/MP3 stereo can be upgraded to a “stage 1” Rockford Fosgate system ($360) with 6-inch speakers or “stage 2” upgrade that includes a subwoofer and amplifier ($1,145).
At one time, Bayliner’s unofficial motto was: “Bayliner brings you exactly what you need to enjoy boating.” After testing the V20, I not only agree with that motto, but I also appreciate the enhanced style and color options that add dockside appeal and build in pride in ownership.
Read Next: Bayliner D22
The Bimini top provides good sun protection.
Courtesy Bayliner Boats
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 175 hp
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Enertia 14.75″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 35 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
- Buyers’ choice of monotone or two-tone hull colors is free.
- It comes standard with a painted trailer for fresh water, but a $360 upcharge gets you a galvanized trailer for salt water.
- Cross-curve windshield is a nicety that competitive boats don’t offer.
- The boat lacks midship cleats, a feature normally so common that we seldom mention it.
- The engine compartment is converted to storage aboard the outboard version, but a subfloor in it restricts access to the bilge plumbing.
Bayliner V20 Certified Test Results
Boating Magazine
Contact Bayliner
Bayliner Boats – Knoxville, Tennessee; 865-971-6311; bayliner.com
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