Bayliner 170 BR Review

The Bayliner 170 BR has long been a top seller. But that hasn’t stopped Bayliner from giving it’s 170 bowrider a facelift in order to make some key improvements.

Bayliner has had a 170 bowrider model in its lineup for years, and in fact it’s one of the company’s all-time best sellers. So it’s understandable it would be reluctant to change anything to do with it. But change is inevitable, and keeping the boat fresh is what allows it to remain a best-seller for years to come. So while today’s Bayliner 170 BR may look a bit different from the original, the core values that have always made this a boat with timeless appeal remain untouched.

It’s fair to say that today’s Bayliner 170 BR boasts enough subtle upgrades that they, collectively, make this a whole new boat. The exterior styling has been given a makeover, lending the 170 BR a fresh, contemporary look that advances this model’s significant heritage. Over six decades of boatbuilding, Bayliner has learned a lot about the little things that make a difference, like moving the cleats off the gunnel tops and positioning them on the outsides so they’re clear of occupants inside the boat and unable to accidentally snag straps, bags or wayward fingers.

With its sleek lines, the Bayliner 170 BR features an attractive, sporty look.

The elegant, curved walk-through windshield is clearly forward-looking with its low profile design, yet it does an excellent job of protecting occupants from the wind and spray. The redesigned, integrated swim platform gives the boat a clean, flowing profile while functionally providing a great jumping off spot for afternoon swims. A three-step retractable boarding ladder nests into a recesses on the port-side platform, making it much easier to re-board after cooling off. And midway across the transom, a receptacle for an available ski tow mast only begins to hint at the fun which waits in store.

A retractable boarding ladder that nests into the port-side swim platform lets even children re-board easily after an afternoon swim.

The real beauty in the Bayliner 170 BR becomes evident when you step aboard and explore the interior. Where the original 170 BR model used a sterndrive engine which ate up a significant amount of interior space, the cockpit on today’s outboard-powered 170 is amazingly open and spacious for a 17-foot boat. This configuration also allows a full-width bench seat across the transom, with integrated cup holders on each end. Flip up the center seat cushion and if you’ve ordered your boat with the available fishing package, this is where you’ll find the aerated live well. With its integrated drain, this can just as easily double as a built-in cooler for cold drinks. There’s storage under the corner seats, with stereo speakers facing inward on the gunnel walls.

The full-width bench seat offers plenty of space to spread out. All upholstery in the boat is treated so that spills and stains simply wipe away – essential in a family boat.

The interior gunnels on each side of the boat are open to provide secure storage for bulky items like life vests. Strategically-placed grab handles provide a bit of extra security for passengers in the stern seat. Enhanced security is also provided by the higher gunnels in the new boat, which also help to keep spray out.

There’s storage underneath each of the bench seat corners. If you’ve ordered this boat with the optional fishing package, the live well hides under the center cushion.

At the consoles, the driver and navigator ride on nicely upholstered, swiveling bucket seats, each with a mesh panel on the back side for securing small items like sunscreen or insect repellent. All of the upholstery, by the way, is treated so that spills wipe away without staining. That’s essential in a family boat, where spilled drinks are a guarantee.

Between the bucket seats you’ll find a large storage locker in the floor, large enough to handle multiple PFDs, wakeboards, or a fishing net. What’s particularly noteworthy here is that Bayliner went the extra mile and nicely finished the insides of these storage spaces – some builders don’t. Again, it’s that attention to detail that has made boats like the Bayliner 170 BR a perennial best-seller.

In-floor storage accommodates bulky gear, keeping it easily accessible yet out of the way and out of sight.

The passenger console features an integrated cup holder to port, with the control head for the stereo mounted front and center. This is a more sensible arrangement than mounting it in a difficult to reach spot on the helm console, or inside a storage locker. A small glove box provides a secure spot to store valuables like wallets, keys and cell phones.

The helm is simple, straightforward and clean, with the primary gauges mounted high where they’re easily viewable from any angle. A three-in-one multi-gauge displays speed, voltage and fuel levels, while a tachometer helps you keep track of engine speed. The padded steering wheel comes with standard rack-and-pinion tilt steering, while the engine throttle control – with integrated trim/tilt switch – is perfectly positioned for height and reach.

The available fishing package includes a fishfinder, a live well, and a bow-mount electric motor, controlled from the pedestal-mount bow fishing seat.

Step up into the bow and the 170 BR’s versatility becomes even more evident. Upholstered seat cushions with seat backs on the forward face of the consoles and convenient grab hanldes make this a great spot to stretch out and enjoy the sun. Beneath the seat cushions, large storage lockers in the bow deck floor provide still more storage options, while a central receptacle accommodates an optional, pedestal-mount fishing chair. There’s even space up front to mount an electric motor if desired.

The standard power package for this boat is a Mercury 90 horsepower outboard, which can be upgraded to a 115 for a small premium. If you’re going to pull skiers, then it’s probably worth springing for the larger engine.

An enticing option list includes goodies like a ski tow pylon.

Bayliner has always been known for its option list, and the 170 BR is no exception. Available upgrades include goodies like stainless steel trim, an air compressor (essential for inflatable towables), a Bimini top, and a SeaGrass snap-in floor. The fishing package, which includes the aforementioned live well plus a MotorGuide bow-mount electric motor, a Lowrance Elite 3x fishfinder, a pedestal-mount fishing seat in the bow and the side rod storage, is also extremely popular.

With its ability to do many different things while offering a comfortable and exciting ride, the Bayliner 170 BR remains a perennial best-seller. Consider it’s suggested retail price of under $20,000 and it’s easy to understand this model’s enduring appeal.