Bayliner Element F18 Review

Center consoles have long been popular among serious fishermen, because their open layouts allow maximum versatility whether we’re trolling big waters, drifting in the breeze or casting in the shallows. The ability of the center console design to do a lot of different things really, really well has endeared them to generations of anglers.

The doublewide Captain’s seat includes a flip-flop seat back that allows for forward facing seating while under power, or aft facing seating while watching the lines.

Over time center consoles have developed into more than just good fishing rigs. With versatile seating arrangements and the ability to carry a lot of stuff, they’ve also become increasingly popular as family boats, equally at home puling the kids on a tube or accessing some remote island for an all-day adventure and picnic. No model reflects this growing adaptability getter than Bayliner’s new Element F18.

A mesh-faced storage compartment in the base of the console keeps equipment like binoculars out of the way yet within easy reach.

With its spacious layout, fore and aft casting decks, ample storage and comfortable amenities, the Element F18 packs a lot of fun into its 18-foot, two-inch overall length. Riding on Bayliner’s patent-pending M-hull design that improves stability while on plane and at rest, the F18 Element is an exceptionally comfortable platform that gives one the sense of being on a much larger boat.

An integrated mounting pad and a nearby power connection facilitates the installation of a mow-mount electric motor.

Approaching from the dock, an easy step takes you onto the spacious front deck, which conceals an anchor locker plus two large storage compartments beneath its non-skid surface. As the pedestal-mount fishing seat and bow-mounted MotorGuide VariMax electric motor suggest, this is the ideal spot from which to cast to shallow water fish or just enjoy the sun with a cold drink and a good book.

Rod storage racks integrated into both the starboard and port gunnels each accommodate four rods.

Stepping down into the main cockpit, a comfortable seat on the front face of the central console features a removable seat cushion, which lifts to reveal a large storage space. On our review boat, this had been fitted with an optional live well. Each side of the console provides racks for storing three fishing rods in a vertical position, so they’re accessible and ready at a moment’s notice. There’s also a large storage compartment in the console base for bulky gear.

The Element F18’s helm features a five-spoke stainless steel wheel and plenty of space for aftermarket electronics.

In each gunnel there’s additional storage for four more rods per side, reflecting this boat’s serious fishing roots, while the cleanly designed helm and dash panel provides binnacle-mounted engine controls with the trim and tilt switch neatly positioned in the handle. An elegant, five-spoke stainless steel steering wheel and full instrumentation in a classic black-on-silver design take care of business. Of special note is a small recessed pad located just above the steering wheel, which is the ideal place to keep small items like cell phones or sunglasses securely stored, yet instantly accessible. There’s also plenty of room on the dash for installing aftermarket electronics.

A large cooler built into the Captain’s seat base means a cold drink is always within easy reach.

The flip/flop doublewide captains seat can be easily adjusted for comfortable forward-facing or aft-facing seating. Its base contains a large insulated cooler, ensuring a cold drink is never far away.

The centerline seat at the front of the console has storage in its base. This area can also be fitted with a second live well.

The Element F18’s stern is dominated by a wide, raised casting platform with three lids in its deck. Lifting the center panel reveals a large, aerated live well, while the outboard panels lift to reveal matching, forward-facing jump seats with storage beneath.

For all of its innovative features, Bayliner’s Element F18 clings to its family roots in offshore fishing, with standard features like a fully self-bailing cockpit to keep everyone’s feet dry and make end-of-day cleanups that much easier, a 500 gallon-per-hour bilge pump, and six cleats, allowing one to easily rig spring lines to protect the boat from bouncing against the dock.

Proving that the Element F18 comes with everything needed to get out on the water, standard equipment further includes a single-axle, galvanized self-guiding trailer, and a Mercury 90 horsepower four-stroke outboard. The engine can be easily upgraded to a 115, which represents maximum power for this hull.

Lifting panels on the surface of the rear casting deck reveal a centerline live well, plus a pair of comfortable jump seats.

While the Element F18 comes with a long list of standard features, Bayliner has always believed in offering an equally impressive option list, allowing owners to personalize their boat with a choice of factory-rigged accessories. These include a 24-volt MotorGuide Saltwater Series trolling motor, a Lowrance Elite 3x fish finder, a Bimini top with storage boot, a bow filler cushion for additional seating, a 120-watt stereo and even a folding watersports arch with available wakeboard racks – the surest evidence yet that this is a boat that will appeal not only to hard-core anglers, but their families as well.

The bow casting deck conceals an anchor locker and two large storage compartments.

With its versatile design, spacious floor plan and ample amenities, Bayliner’s Element F18 is a boat that will appeal to buyers in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Talk about feeling in your element.

Bayliner Element F18

Length: 18’ 2”

Beam: 7’ 5”

Weight: 1,607 lbs. (w. engine)

Fuel capacity: 30 gal.

Passenger capacity: 6

Maximum Power: 115 hp

Info: bayliner.com