Bayliner Element E18 Review

With a starting price of under $20,000, the Bayliner Element E18 blows up the notion that boating is only for the super-rich.

Bayliner has a long history of delivering great value in affordable family boats that are often at the head of the curve when it comes to design features. This heritage lives on in the company’s Bayliner Element E18, a newer, larger member of the Element family of deck boats that’s made for today’s boaters.

Hot tub-style seating arrangements are all the rage in boat design these days, and Bayliner takes full advantage by giving the Element E18 no less than three distinct “social zones” where passengers can connect over quiet, relatively private conversations. With its bow, mid-ships and stern three-zone layout, the Element E18 gives the kids a place to hang out and play video games while the adults unwind and enjoy a bit of sun. Throughout the boat, deep freeboard and tall gunnels keep gear secure while protecting passengers from spray.

Generous freeboard and versatile seating give the Element E18 a comfortable ride.

Throughout, Bayliner ensures the must-haves are all in place – a dual purpose lounger with aft-facing seating, a low maintenance design that lets families spend their time enjoying the boat rather than cleaning it, a clutter-free helm station with a seven-inch multi-gauge, plenty of storage spaces for gear in the seat bases, and no less than seven cup holders scattered throughout the boat, so a cold drink is always within easy reach.

The versatile seating arrangements allow forward-facing or aft-facing comfort, with a cup holder always within easy reach.

The helm deserves special mention for its clean design, integrated cup holder, padded steering wheel and nicely positioned engine throttle control. Unfortunately, the trim design leaves no room to add aftermarket electronics, and the windshield, although stylish, does absolutely nothing to deflect the breeze. Hydraulic steering is offered as an option, and is a worthwhile upgrade.

While the helm is attractively designed, it lacks space for mounting aftermarket electronics.

Where Bayliner gets full marks is with the Element E18’s split swim platform, which angles away from the outboard to provide more space. A three-step retractable boarding ladder in the starboard side is standard equipment, as are the six stainless steel mooring cleats that are thoughtfully positioned outboard of the main cockpit so they’re out of the way.

The seat bases provide plenty of storage space for even bulky gear.

As a builder that’s known for delivering real value, Bayliner equips the Element E18 quite nicely at the factory. But owners may want to add some attractive options like bow and aft filler cushions, a folding watersports arch or a Bimini top to give their boat expanded capabilities. A stereo is another option that many buyers will certainly want to add.

Available options like bow and stern filler cushions enhance this boat’s overall utility.

The Bayliner Element E18 rides on a patent-pending M Hull design, which incorporates a deep central vee with sponson-like outboard vees along each chine. It’s a great design for a day boat in that it allows the side walls to be pushed out to maximize interior space, while enhancing overall stability. Improved planing and fuel economy are added bonuses that no one will dislike.

The Bayliner Element E18 is rated to handle outboards to 125 horsepower, but runs well with an economical 90 thanks to its patent-pending M Hull design.

Rated to handle outboards to 125 hp, the Bayliner Element 18 runs very well with a lightweight 90, and most will probably be sold in this configuration. Offering an outstanding combination of punch, acceleration and fuel economy, the 90 suits this hull perfectly, giving a solid hole shot of around four seconds and top-end speeds in the 35 mph range – great performance for a deck boat that seats nine people in comfort.

Bayliner continues to build on its heritage of delivering terrific value with the Element E18. With a retail price that starts at just under $20,000 it blows away the notion that boating is only for the super-wealthy.