Bayliner 205 Bowrider Review and Specs [Video]

Bayliner marketed the 205 Bowrider as the larger sibling of the best-seller 185 and the slightly less popular 195 Bowrider. This 20.5-foot runabout was built on a modified V hull and housed 220-260hp MerCruiser sterndrive engines.

In this post, we’ll discuss this mid-sized family bowrider and its factory specifications.

Bayliner 205 Bowrider Review

Hull and Top Deck

In 2003, Bayliner rebranded their Capri line to simply the “Bowrider” series, which is why the Bayliner 205 Capri was relabeled to Bowrider 205.

After this change, the model remained in production until 2009 under the same name.

Throughout those years the 205 BR underwent some upgrades, during which her 20-foot body was extended up to 20.5 feet, while her 8-foot beam was widened by 2 inches.

Depending on the model year, the claimed dry weight with the standard engine averaged around 3,000-3,100 pounds alone and around 3,900-4,000 pounds on a trailer.

Loaded with some gear and filled up with gas, you could expect the gross trailering weight of the rig to be anywhere from 4,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine type, optional features, and the amount of gear.

Her modified V fiberglass hull was paired with a traditional top deck, featuring a straightforward layout.

Up front in the deep bow section, you had three separate cushions for up to three passengers.

Keeping comfort and safety in mind, this lounge was completed with padded backrests and grab handles.

Underneath the seat cushions, the storage area was large enough to store an abundance of gear.

You also had a companion and a helm pod storage unit, which also offered ample storage room.

Towards the aft, the wraparound windshield featured curved tinted glass, a folding center walk-thru section, and two thin support arms.

Unfortunately, these fairly thin plastic rods were prone to breaking.

The cockpit was available with two different seating layouts, which also changed during the lifespan of the boat.

In the early years, the standard cockpit floorplan had two back-to-back lounger seats – often called opposite-facing seats – and two aft jump seats, which also formed a small sun pad.

For more comfort, the helm could be opted with a swivel bucket seat.

Labeled as the Sport Seating Layout, the less spacious optional arrangement was engineered with two swivel bucket seats, a spacious sun pad, and an aft bench seat.

The latter housed two self-draining ice boxes that doubled as under-seat storage units as well.

For walkthru access to the transom, the starboard side of the sun pad cushion was removable.

The optional Sport floorplan was upgraded in the late 2000s when a port L-shaped lounger replaced the basic aft bench seat.

Each seating layout shared the same fairly narrow integrated swim platform fitted with a retractable swim ladder.

At the stern, you also had a ski tow ring, a grab handle, blower vents, and an all-round light.

Unlike the more advanced 225, the 205 lacked the optional freshwater system and transom shower.

In return, she came standard with plenty of useful features like grab handles, cup holders, cleats, eyelets, navigation lights, an audio system, and floor carpets.

A canvas package, a Bimini top, a ski-tow tower, a bow filler cushion, and a fiberglass cockpit liner with carpet runner were all available as options, as were the swim platform extension and a digital depth finder.

Fishermen appreciated the optional removable pedestal fishing seats, a bow-mount trolling motor, and a livewell system.

At the helm, you had a tilt steering for easy adjustment, a steering wheel with a padded grip, 12V accessory outlets, a radio, and full instruments protected by a sun visor.

In terms of capacities, the 205 could legally carry nine people of up to 1,200 pounds, while her overall weight capacity was 1,400 pounds.

The top deck also had remarkable storage capacity. In addition to the sizeable ski locker, there was plenty of storage space under the seats and inside the side panels.

Engines and Performance

Just like many other Bayliner runabouts, the 205 Bowrider was also designed with MerCruiser sterndrive engines.

In 2003, the boat was introduced with a standard 5.0L MerCruiser Alpha I engine rated at a healthy 220hp.

Optional engine packages included a 250hp V8 5.7L Alpha I and the most powerful 260hp V8 5.0L MPI Alpha I.

Fitted with the 250hp package, the 205 Bowrider topped out at 50-52 mph under ideal conditions.

The same engine cruised the boat in the high 30s while getting 3 mpg for an estimated fuel range of 100 miles.

Interestingly, the 260hp engine variant increased the top end by only 1 mph, so considering its extra price and higher fuel consumption it wasn’t worth the investment.

In terms of handling, the 205 proved to be responsive and easy to handle, even in an inexperienced hand.

She turned beautifully and tracked well giving a smooth predictable ride.

Specifications

The factory specifications of the Bayliner 205 Bowrider were as follows (2003 model year):

Dimensions and Capacities (2003)

Overall Length (LOA)	20’ 1”
Beam	8’ 0”
Draft (Drive Up)	1’ 7”
Max Draft (Drive Down)	3’ 1”
Dry weight w/ standard engine	3,100 lb.
Fuel Capacity	35 gal.
Max People Capacity	9 or 1,200 lb.
Max Weight Capacity (persons, gear)	1,400 lb.

Engine Packages (2003)

Std. Engine	220hp MerCruiser 5.0L A1
Opt. Engines	250hp MerCruiser 5.7L A1, 260hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPI A1

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

Takeaways

Manufactured from 2003 through 2009, the Bayliner 205 Bowrider was an affordable 20.5-foot trailerable motorboat.
In 2010, the model was rebranded to the 215 Bowrider and remained in production until the mid 2010s.

Her modified-V fiberglass hull was paired with a top deck designed with traditional bowrider seating layouts.

Her wide beam ensured ample interior space, so it is no surprise that the manufacturer claimed the 205 to be the most spacious model in its size range, Boats.com reports.

Yet, the 205 was easy to tow due to her relatively low trailering weight.

In terms of power sources, the boat came with MerCruiser V8 engines paired with Alpha I sterndrive propulsions. The standard 220hp package could be opted for 250 or 260hp.

Just like many other Bayliner runabouts, the 205 also built her reputation on simplicity, affordability, and easy handling.

Despite her age, this classic bowrider-style dayboat is still in demand on the used market.

Depending on the age, engine type, and condition, average asking prices vary between $5,000 and $20,000.

Thanks to her appealing price tags and low running costs, the 205 BR is a common choice for first-time boat buyers.

If you are considering buying a used dayboat in this size range, you can’t go wrong with one of these.

Furthermore, you may also want to take a look at her closest family members, the 195 Bowrider and 215 Bowrider.