Bayliner 170 Bowrider Review and Specs [Video]

Bayliner marketed the 170 Bowrider from 2012 through 2022 as the outboard version of the extremely popular 175 Bowrider. These models shared their hull and most features, but the 170 had a different cockpit layout and a single Mercury outboard engine.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about this family trailer boat in detail!

Bayliner 170 Bowrider Review

Hull and Top Deck

Bayliner introduced their 170 Bowrider in 2012 as the outboard sibling of the sterndrive-powered 175 Bowrider.

Both of these models were built on the same 19-degree, modified V fiberglass hull but had different cockpit layouts.

In terms of dimensions, the 170 BR measured 17 feet 6 inches in length, 6 feet 11 inches in width, and had a maximum draft of 2 feet 11 inches.

The 170 and 175 shared the same tiny forward lounge. This area was not only fairly small but also lacked many common convenience amenities.

Yet, it had a fiberglass interior liner, two cup holders, grab handles, and two cushioned backrests on the front of the consoles.

Bayliner Bowriders were designed with wraparound windshields with safety glass, and the 170 was no exception.

Walking through its opening center section you entered the spacious cockpit, which offered much more free space than the 175.

This is no surprise since the 170 didn’t have to deal with the intrusive motorbox in the aft section.

Instead, she had a full-beam bench seat wide enough for three adults or four small children.

In front of this lounger, you had ample free deck space completed with two swivel bucket seats.

In return, the 170 had a much less practical integrated transom platform accommodating the outboard motor on its center.

What’s more, unlike the 175, you couldn’t opt for the practical stern platform extension.

You could load your gear into numerous under-seat storage units, side panel storage pockets, and the floor ski locker.

At the helm, you had a swivel bucket seat with a flip-up bolster, rack and pinion steering system with a padded steering wheel, side-mounted engine controls, two cup holders, and a minimalist dashboard with analog instruments.

Other standard deck features included stainless-steel safety handholds, mooring cleats, integrated beverage holders, navigation lights, and snap-in floor carpets.

The side console also housed a lockable storage tray, a 12V outlet, and a cup holder.

Just like many other Bayliner Bowriders, the 170 could be ordered with two option packages.

As the name implies, the Fish Package turned the boat into a factory-built fishing bowrider.

It added a plethora of fishing accessories including a MotorGuide bow trolling motor, an 8-gallon livewell located under the aft seating, a Garmin fishfinder, hullside rod storage, and a non-skid bow casting platform with a pedestal seat.

Watersport enthusiasts appreciated the Flight Series Package, which had a wakeboard tower, integrated Bimini top, and a custom “Flight” color scheme.

Engines and Performance

As a rule of thumb, the 170 Bowrider was powered by 90-125hp Mercury outboard engines.

However, available packages slightly changed over time.

In the year of its introduction, the 170 was marketed with a 2-stroke 90hp DFI and 125hp Optimax, as well as 4-stroke 90 and 115hp EFI engine packages.

Depending on the engine option, the top speed of the boat varied between 38 and 46 mph and cruised at 27-32 mph.

According to the manufacturer, performance data of these power sources were as follows:

Engine	90hp DFI OptiMax (std.)	90hp EFI	115hp EFI	125hp OptiMax
Cruise MPH	26.7 mph	26.4 mph	27 mph	31 mph
Cruise GPH	4.3 gph	5.4 gph	4.7 gph	5.1 gph
WOT MPH	38.1 mph	39.7 mph	40.8 mph	40.8 mph
WOT GPH	8 gph	8.7 gph	10.7 gph	10.7 gph
Propeller	13x19x3 BL, RH, AL	13x19x3 BL, RH, AL	13.25x17x3 BL, RH, AL	13x19x3 BL, RH, AL
Range @ Cruise RPM	117 mi.	111 mi.	109 mi.	115 mi.
Cruise Load Weight	3015 lb.	3040 lb.	3040 lb.	3015 lb.

Over the years, 2-stroke Optimax packages were eliminated due to environmental restrictions.

From then until the end of the model’s life, the standard engine remained the 4-stroke 90hp EFI Mercury while its 115hp variant came as an option.

Specifications

The factory specifications of the Bayliner 170 Bowrider were as follows (2018 model year):

Dimensions and Capacities (2018)

Overall Length (LOA)	17’ 6”
Beam	6’ 11”
Max Draft	2’ 11”
Dead Rise	19°
Approx weight w/ standard engine	1,753 lb.
Approx weight w/ trailer	2,153 lb.
Max people capacity	6
Max people weight	860 lb.
Fuel Capacity	21 gal.
Storage Length	19’ 8.5”
Storage Length w/swim platform option	20’ 0.5”
Beam on Trailer	8’ 0.5”
Height on Trailer	5’ 9.75”
Max HP Avail (OB)	115hp

Disclaimer: Specifications in these charts are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

Manufactured from 2012 through 2022 in the US, the Bayliner 170 Bowrider was one of the best-selling models in its class.

She shared her fiberglass hull and many features with the 175 BR but was designed with 90-125hp Mercury outboard motors.

Enjoying a traditional outboard-powered bowrider style layout, the top deck came standard with an aft bench seat, two swivel bucket seats, and a bow lounge.

She could also be opted with two optional packages engineered for either watersport or fishing adventures.

Unlike vintage Bayliners designed with wood-cored structural elements, the 2012- 170 BR was already built with fiberglass stringers and floors, which converted to much greater durability.

This is why many of these runabouts are still in use and bring a lot of joy to their owners.

If you are looking for an affordable used bowrider in this size range, you may want to consider a 170 BR.

Thanks to her simple features and small outboard engines, they are typically offered for very reasonable prices.

Depending on their age and engine package, the asking prices of the 170 Bowriders start at $5,000 and go all the way up to $25,000.