Bayliner Element Boats For Sale

The Bayliner Element is a line of entry-level deck boats built around Bayliner's M-hull design, sold in sizes that include the E16, the E18 deck boat and the E21 deck boat. It's positioned as a budget-friendly first boat, and it suits buyers who want an easy-to-tow runabout for tubing, wakeboarding, skiing and casual days on the bay or lake. The M-hull running surface keeps the boat stable at both idle and cruise and makes it predictable to maneuver. A 2019 Element E18 weighs roughly 2,000 pounds, so almost any SUV or truck can tow it, and the E18 stands under 7 feet tall and about 8.5 feet wide with the fenders, which lets it fit in many garages, especially with the swing-away trailer tongue.

Most Element boats run a Mercury 90-horsepower outboard as standard. On the E18 that engine produces a top speed in the mid-30s mph, with a comfortable cruise of roughly 20 to 23 mph; one owner regularly sees about 35 mph. The 90 can be upgraded to a 115-horsepower Mercury, which adds about 2 mph at the top end while cruising at a similar speed, and owners describe the 115 as more than enough power for pulling tubers and skiers. The Element is a shallow, flat-bottom-style hull, so it rides rough in chop and is prone to porpoising; trim tabs or a hydrofoil noticeably smooth that out, and 75 horsepower is considered the practical minimum.

The helm sits on the starboard side and is deliberately simple. The standard gauge package shows speed and volts, with additional dashes carrying a fuel gauge, depth and revs depending on configuration, plus room to add navigation gear. Owners commonly install a Garmin Echomap chartplotter/fish finder, and a Bluetooth stereo with two speakers and a 12-volt outlet are available. The helm seat is removable for taller drivers, and toggle switches handle nav lights, bilge pump and horn.

The cockpit is wide open and rated to seat up to nine people, with two rear-facing lounge seats at the transom and two co-captain's chairs. The bow is large enough to stretch out in, with hand holds, drink holders and a standard center filler seat that can be expanded into a sun bed. Storage sits under nearly every seat, including a dedicated anchor locker forward and large compartments at the stern. The E18 uses external portable fuel tanks stored under the aft port seat, typically a 12-gallon tank plus a 6-gallon backup for 18 gallons total. A bimini top is standard, and a built-in self-draining cooler and ski pylon are common additions; rod holders are not standard, so a fishing setup needs to be added.

On price, a 17-foot 7-inch Element M17 with a 7-foot beam and a weight just under 2,500 pounds was offered at $28,519 including the trailer, working out to just over $200 per month with 10 percent down; an 18-foot Element runs around $20,000. Fit and finish is mediocre for the price, with reported loose rub rail, cleats and seat issues, though the tan-and-brown upholstery resists stains well. Is the Bayliner Element a good boat? Owners call it a strong value and a smart, roomy layout, provided you keep expectations realistic for a budget hull. A snug-fitting Carver boat cover with a support pole is a worthwhile add when shopping a used Bayliner Element boat for sale.