Site Menu — Find Your Page
Bowrider Boats Mega Website
The Bayliner DX2000 is the brand's deck-boat-influenced bowrider: 20 ft 2 in (6.15 m) long on a full 8 ft (2.44 m) beam, with an outboard on the transom instead of a sterndrive in the cockpit. That single decision is what makes the deck plan so unusually generous for the length, because none of the interior volume is given up to an engine box.
Carried beam is the story. The hull holds its width a long way forward, so the bow lounges are genuinely full-length rather than tapering to a point, and the cockpit stays wide right back to the transom. Eight adults can sit down properly, and the walk-through windshield means nobody has to climb over upholstery to get forward.
Power is a Mercury FourStroke outboard, typically 115 hp for budget-minded buyers and 150 hp for families who tow. The 150 is the one to have: it pulls a skier out of the hole cleanly, cruises efficiently in the mid-20s and keeps something in reserve when the boat is loaded. Outboard rigging also means a clean bilge, easy servicing and no exhaust in the cockpit.
Practical details are well judged. Twin swim platforms flank the engine with a boarding ladder, the stern lounge lifts on struts to reveal a deep locker for ski ropes, boards and life jackets, and the helm takes a full-size chartplotter alongside the analogue gauges. A bimini top is close to essential in hot climates and folds down for towing.
As a first serious family boat the DX2000 is hard to argue with. It tows behind a mid-size SUV, it launches shallow because there is no drive leg hanging below the hull, and it does watersports, sandbar days and gentle offshore cruising without pretending to specialise in any of them. If you want a sharper ride in chop, look at a deeper-V hull; if you want deck space and simple ownership, this is the sweet spot.
The world's best selling bowrider size, Light, simple and easy to tow.
US$38,000 - US$52,000 new
The refined mainstream benchmark: quiet, dry, and beautifully finished for the money.
US$72,000 - US$95,000 new
A premium 25-foot bowrider renowned for its deep seating, convertible lounges, refined ride and exceptional finish.
US$155,000 - US$210,000 new
Featured Boat of the Week
This week we are putting the Bayliner Bayliner DX2000 in the spotlight, and it earns the spot. At 20 ft 2 in (6.16 m) long on a 8 ft (2.44 m) beam, this is a bowrider that reads the water well and still feels roomy enough for a full day out. A 20-foot deck-boat-width bowrider with outboard power and a huge social cockpit. Power comes from 115-150 hp mercury fourstroke outboard through a outboard package, and the fibreglass hull keeps the ride settled when the afternoon breeze puts a chop on the surface.
Seating is rated for 8 people, so there is space for family, friends, towels, eskies and the tow rope without anyone climbing over gear. Owners tend to buy it for family, water ski, leisure — which is exactly where it shines. Fuel is 30 us gal (114 l), and on the second-hand and new market you should expect to land somewhere around US$42,000 - US$58,000 new depending on hours, trailer and options.
Our full deep dive covers the layout in detail: bow lounge comfort, helm ergonomics, the rear entertaining area, storage that actually swallows a weekend, plus standard features, popular options and honest notes on where the boat compromises. If the Bayliner DX2000 is on your shortlist, start there — and check back next week, because the featured boat changes every week as we complete more full model reviews.
Featured Bowrider Article
Ownership
Every boat comes with an options list twice as long as it needs to be. After a season on the water, owners tend to agree strongly about which extras earn their keep and which never leave the locker. Here is where the money is well spent. A properly fitted cover is the highest-value accessory in boating. It protects upholstery, keeps rain out of the bilge, slows gelcoat fade and preserves resale. A supported travel cover that suits both towing and storage is worth paying extra for. Next, a bimini top. Shade turns a hot afternoon into a full day out, especially with children aboard, and modern quick-fold or powered biminis stow neatly. Then a good boarding ladder if the standard one is short, and quality lifejackets that people will actually wear rather than tolerate. Beyond the legal minimum, the gear that genuinely matters is a reliable anchor with adequate chain and rope for your water, a second battery with an isolator, a handheld VHF, a decent hand bilge pump, a torch, a basic tool and spares kit, and a fuel filter you can change. For coastal use add an EPIRB or PLB and a chartplotter with sonar. Being able to see depth, mark a ramp…
Read the full article