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Choosing Your Boat's Engine Package
The biggest decision to make when choosing options for your boat is selecting which engine package is right for you.
There is no perfect engine for everyone, otherwise, boat builders like Bayliner would only offer a boat with one “choice.” How you will use the boat, how many people will typically be on board and your budget all factor into the decision. Bayliner makes it easy to see how different configurations will affect the price. Just go to the Browse & Buy page of Bayliner’s website and select a model you are interested in and it will show the various options available, including the price difference between the various Bayliner engine options.
Sterndrive or Outboard?
The first decision to make is whether to go with an outboard or sterndrive. Outboards have grown in popularity because they are lighter, easier to work on, preserve more cockpit space and are better suited to coastal waters because of their ability to be trimmed up higher. Sterndrives allow for the addition of a roomy, uncluttered swim platform that makes doing watersports and lounging out back easier. The added weight and shift in the center of gravity also help boats ride better in rough water.
How will you use the boat?
How to choose the right engine for your boat requires analyzing your intended usage. If watersports are on the menu, there’s a big difference between towing the kids on tubes and adults on skis. Some like the thrill of going fast while others are more content to cruise slowly while enjoying the sights. The key principle is to make sure you aren’t limiting your fun.
Hitting your boat budget “sweet spot”
More horsepower costs money and it’s easy to turn your head away from sticker shock when shopping for a boat, but by weighing the pros and cons, the best value should be easy to spot. Many models like the Bayliner T20CC have a choice between the 115hp and the 175hp Mercury FourStroke outboards. Think about how you will use the boat and how many people you typically go out with. You may wish to upgrade to the higher horsepower engine if you typically boat with 5 or more people onboard. If you want a top speed in the low 40s, frequently carry more than four people on board, or like to waterski when the fishing is slow, the extra money will be well-spent. On the other hand, if you are a hard-core angler who is willing to sacrifice speed to burn less fuel getting to the fishing grounds and spends most of the day trolling or at anchor, that money might be better utilized to upgrade the electronics, add a T-top or get a trolling motor.
Another choice for models like the Bayliner VR5 is between MerCruiser 4.5L 200hp and 250hp sterndrive engines. According to a Mercury Boat House Bulletin test of this boat with a 250hp engine, it reached a top speed of 50.5 mph. In another test, conducted by Boating Magazine, a VR5 with a 200hp engine reached 46 mph. Keep in mind this roomy BeamForward bowrider has a passenger capacity of 9 passengers so if you’ll be packing a full house, ante up.
Finally, consider this—boats with more powerful engine packages usually have higher resale values. As your family grows or your priorities change, you might start to look at upgrading or downsizing; the premium you pay upfront will likely be partially recuperated after a trade-in or sale when the time comes.