New Boat (Tollycraft or Bayliner)

seapam · 04-17-2007, 08:25 PM

We intend to cruise the North West between british Columbia and Alaska and are loking at purchasing a used 48 foot Tollycraft or a 48 foot bayliner pilothouse. Frankly we are having adifficult time deciding. We believe the Tollycraft to be better built and brighter inside but Bayliner pilothouse boats are very popular in this application. Any comments suggestions?

Loren Schweizer · 04-18-2007, 09:17 AM

Last transmission heard from the vessel in distress in Hecate Strait:

" Well, at least we were popular in this application."

seapam · 04-18-2007, 02:42 PM

not sure your point

el_CAPeeTAN06 · 04-18-2007, 04:47 PM

From what I've heard, bayliner is a cheap boat and is not built very well at all.
I think Loren is saying that you would rather have a well built boat than one that is just "popular in the application."

OBX · 04-19-2007, 04:02 AM

bayliner < tollycraft

ERTW · 04-19-2007, 10:37 AM

I like how the basis that Bayliner is a boat that is not built well...because it is "cheap" and "from what I've heard", well from what I've heard Mercedes M, R, and GL Class are cheaply made cars because there made in Alabama by empolyees that make $7.50hr...but do they lack quality and functionality...your still paying as if it were built by $28hr employee! Maybe its cheaper because the boat is basic in its ammenities not that the hull is going to crack in two! Brunswick marine that owns Bayliner also owns other boat companies such as Sea Ray, Maxum, Sealine, Meridian, Cobo Yachts, Boston Whaler, Baja, and Protector just to name a few! I find that Bayliner just happens to be a more reasonable priced mass production Sea Ray...some Sea Ray owners might find that to be a bold statement...but if you've ever looked at similar size models between the two, they use the same name brand components...Sea Ray just happens to have alittle better finish to the interior and deck whereas the Bayliner is more basic. I'm pretty sure thou, that the 48Ft Bayliner is now under the Merdian name now. Bayliner 48 oddly holds its value well too...I guess its only the ones that aren't susceptible to mysteriously sinking in the Hecate Strait though

! Sorry about the rant...don't know what got into me...oh and no I don't own a Bayliner so there's no brand loyalty coming from me just my point of view!

CaptainSilva · 04-20-2007, 12:02 PM

The bottom line is that you get what you pay for. Bayliners look good, and have cool graphics. Compared to other boats in their genre, they almost always have a lower sticker price too. Here's the difference...

Step on a Bayliner and step on a Tollycraft, or any other boat in a particular size range, and you'll immediately notice a difference. Notice that rolling sensation you get as soon as you step on the Bayliner? Yeah, that's because it's light, as in, lacking materials. They're like wine corks bobbing around in the sea.

I've been on Bayliners from 22' Trophy fishing boats to 48' trawler style motoryachts. In fact, I helped deliver the 48 from Northern Maine to Rhode Island waters. I came close to changing my underwear and spending time with the vac-u-flush head more than a few times on board the 48' in two different storms.

I've been on my personal 32' Wellcraft in 12'+ oncoming seas tuna fishing in the canyons and felt more comfortable with the way the 32' handled in the snotty conditions than that 48' did.

I hope that helped answer your question...