If you've seen our written review of the Bayliner Element XR7, you already know a thing or two about this all-new model. Now, let's get an in-depth look at the boat on the water, running it in real-world conditions.

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Boat Test Notes

Concept

Design and build a boat that has the performance of Bayliner's M-hull, but the basic lay-out and deck space of a pontoon boat.

Construction

-Unlike pontoons, this boat's all molded fiberglass.

-Deck hatches aren't finished on the underside, but they have gas-assist struts and beefy hinges.

-Fiberglass "gates" eliminate the usual rattles and vibrations associated with those on aluminum pontoon boats.Bayliner-element-xr7 video boat review

Performance

-A Mercury 150 Four Stroke outboard brings the boat up to a cruise in the upper 20's and a wide-open throttle speed of 38.7 MPH.

-Fuel efficiency is good, topping out at 4.2 MPG while cruising at 4000 RPM.

Handling

-The M-hull acts more like a V-hull than a pontoon when going through waves, but maintains excellent stability.

-Though not quite as smooth as a deep-V, the M-hull does ride much more smoothly than a tri-hull or flat-bottom boat.

-Carving tight turns the prop gulps a bit of air, bleeding off some speed.

Unique Features

SPECIFICATIONS
Length25'6"
Beam8'6"
Draft (hull)2'3"
DeadriseNA
Displacement4,464 lbs
Fuel capacity40 gal.

 

-Pontoon-ish layout will be roomy for a huge number of people. Maximum capacity is 16, and though it might be a bit crowded, you really could take this many people aboard.

-Fully enclosed head compartment with monster stowage cavern is a cut above what's found on pontoons.

-Elevated helm station boosts visibility.

-Advertised price of under $40,000 seems surprisingly reasonable for this rig.

If you want more information on the Bayliner Element XR7, visit Bayliner. Or, check out these Element XR7 listings on boats.com.

Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.
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