BAYLINER DISCOVERY 192 REVIEW
FROM THE ARCHIVE: First published in
The Bayliner Discovery 192 is a family day boat with all the little niceties you've come to expect from your car. They've packed a heck of a lot into a relatively small package for a very reasonable price.
For under 50 grand you can hitch up this American beauty and away you go.
Of course there will be some options which you'll want (electronics maybe and certainly some trim tabs) which may tip you into the pain barrier over that figure, but generally speaking, the boat is ready to roll.
It's a genuine 19-footer at 5.89m LOA and beamy at 2.41m. It's also high out of the water to accommodate the inboard engine box without encroaching too much on interior space. This hull depth also gives additional headroom in the cuddy and although that's adequate for a boat with a low profile forward deck, it's certainly not generous.
The cuddy is fully enclosed and while the bi-fold poly door (in front of the passenger seat) is very wide it is not high, so you have to sort of "crab" your way inside. Of course there are compromises everywhere in a six-metre boat where a lot of stuff is being packed into a small space.
The cabin is fully lined with bone and grey toned carpet on the roof with sides well padded and white vinyl lined. V-bunk cushions are dual toned white and blue patterned fabric. There's the usual under-bunk storage as well as a toilet, two interior lights, a 12V outlet and light from a small hatch which is for ventilation only.
Access to the deck is via two steps in the dash through a centre-opening panel in the windscreen. This is an excellent feature and keeps wet, sandy and muddy little feet out of the cabin, something mum will appreciate.
The deck is fully non-skid and the bow is fitted only with a roller with a large hatch behind that for the anchor and rope. Either side are navigation lights, stainless steel cleats and a bowrail is solid.
The split screen, despite having twin anchoring pillars, was a little loose on the test boat and the bimini far too low. The dash is very car-like with a height-adjustable wheel. However with that fully raised it hides major instruments, speed dial on the left, rpm on the right, as well as the trim gauge. Drop the wheel and everything is ok.
The test boat had basic engine instrumentation in a flashy silver inlay but there's room on the grey, molded dash for a compass (special molding) and electronics left of the wheel. On the right side are a CD player and a small, open storage box. Speakers either side at ankle level get the music happening.
The driver's bucket seat is excellent and driving position as good as you'll get anywhere. Vision is good and there's a handy molding space under the dash for feet.
The passenger seat is one of those old-fashioned back-to-back seats over storage boxes which fold flat to make a sun lounge. Good ideas never die and still work.
The coamings are fully lined above very long and deep sidepockets which have drink holders molded into them, out of the way. Good idea.
The non-slip floor has two storage boxes on gas struts. Such is the depth of the hull that these sit on top of the 87lt fuel tank and that's enough for a fun day on the water.
The hatch over the 135hp, 3-litre four-cylinder Mercruiser - covered by a padded ivory vinyl cushion - swings up on a gas strut. Two quarter seats in the stern can be cleverly removed or turned sideways, raised and re-fitted to create, with the engine box cushion, a long, wide sun lounge across the transom.
Naturally, there are cup holders and plastic grab handles handy.
Over the back is a boarding platform on the starboard side complete with stainless steel rails and telescopic ladder. A towing eye on the stern will accommodate skiers and toys.
Performance was a little disappointing, not the least of which was excessive noise from the Mercruiser. Conversation, even at cruising speed (48kmh at 3500 rpm), was raised voices all round and at WOT (58kmh at 4500 rpm) nigh on impossible.
The boat suffered from excessive prop torque, leaning quite disconcertingly into the wind at anything above cruising speed. Still, a pair of trim tabs will fix that quickly. At cruising speed the boat was very comfortable indeed and a nice option for a day on the bay anywhere.
WHAT WE LIKED
Through-screen bow access
Fully lined cabin
Car-like interior
Transom sundeck
NOT SO MUCH
Bimini too low
Cramped access to cabin
Hidden instruments at top of wheel adjustment
Engine noise
Specifications: Bayliner Discovery 192
HOW MUCH?
Price as tested:...$46,210
Options fitted:….Safety and regulatory gear
Priced from:…$46,210
GENERAL
Material: GRP
Length overall: 5.89m
Beam: 2.41m
Deadrise: 19°
Weight: 1526kg on trailer
CAPACITIES
Fuel: 87lt
ENGINE
Make/model: Mercruiser
Type: Sterndrive
Rated HP: 135
Displacement: 3.0lt
Weight: 288kg
Propeller: 21 Black Max
SUPPLIED BY:
Avante Marine,
345 Dorset Road,
Boronia, Vic, 3155
Phone: (03) 9769 2222
Email: sales@avantemarine.com.au
WORDS Bernard Clancy
Originally published in TrailerBoat #220