Bayliner is back in the center-console business with the relaunching of the Trophy Series and the introduction of two all-new models at the Miami International Boat Show.
Trophy showcased a 20- and 22-footer from the CC and CX lines. Both lines are designed to offer fishing and crossover boaters a user-friendly, affordable offering.
“What we’re seeing in the marketplace are consumers that want the center-console design, they want to be able to fish occasionally but they also want to be able to take the family out and have family friendly features as well as kind of fishing authenticity,” said Corey Duke, general manager for the Venture Group North America, during the unveiling in Miami. “With this CX model we’re going for the family appeal.”
The Trophy 22CC with a 150-hp Mercury outboard and a trailer has a MSRP of $41,999, a strong price for a boat that comes standard with a self-bailing cockpit, hydraulic steering, a leaning post with a livewell, aerated livewell and insulated fish box.
The CC models include aft seating that folds into a casting platform, while CX models opt for a full aft bench seat for cruising and all-day comfort. CC and CX models offer conveniences such as an enclosed head compartment, two livewells, plus options like a ski tow pylon for family fun. Additional optional equipment allows for further customization as well.
Across the series, Bayliner’s BeamForward design extends the full beam further into the bow, which maximizes seating, creates a generous casting platform, and provides a dry ride. Bayliner designed the CC and CX models with a common hull and deck platform, making the series more economical and easily expandable in the future.
Duke said they leaned on Brunswick’s Fiberglass Boat Technology Center to perfect the running surface. “They brought a tremendous amount of knowledge to the process,” Duke said. “They’ve got so much heritage, they’ve got so many consumer insights. They made the process better.”
Duke said he put about 30 hours on the boat running it around Sarasota, Florida, describing the ride as a “flawless, dry ride.”
The goal of the six-model series, which range from 16 to 22 feet, is to bring new boaters into the market without a steep learning curve, Duke said. It was also important to offer features that appeal to the whole family, not just the angler in the family.
The Trophy brand was discontinued about a decade ago by Brunswick and relaunched this year under the Bayliner banner. Bayliner, Heyday, Quicksilver and Uttern brands are under the new Venture Group formed by Brunswick.
“We look at innovation as a way to design a better boat for our customers but also create that family-friendly price point,” Duke said in a statement. “For the Bayliner brand, it’s paramount that these boats not only be affordable, but offer all the features and versatility that lets anglers pursue their passion with ease.”