Bayliner Boats - Boat Review, Bayliner 340 Cruiser
Wednesday, August 20th, 2008
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Bayliner’s 340 Cruiser is their flagship cruiser built to get more people into the cruising lifestyle.
Her list of standard features fulfills the needs of the cruising lifestyle, while her options allow you to step it up a notch and customize your fun. Bayliner has gone to great lengths to make sure this cruiser is not what your father had.
The 340 Cruiser is an evolution on the previous model year’s 325 with few changes other than the tried and true Bayliner price. Still a bargain, this latest offering from US Marine shows the company’s dedication to improving product styling, finishing quality and confirming that this is not your father’s Bayliner anymore.
Bayliner 340 Cruiser - Key Features
- Bimini Top: w/Boot
- Aft L-Shaped Lounger: Converts to Sunlounger
- Carpet Runner
- Double-Wide Helm Seat: Includes Rotating Feature & Flip-Up Bolster
- Entertainment Center: w/Sink, Faucet & Storage Cabinet
- Transom Shower
- 100% Polypropylene Carpeting: Solution-Dyed, Stain & Fade-Resistant
Bayliner Cruiser 340 - Captain’s ReportCockpit Layout
The single level cockpit is both spacious and comfortable for entertaining a group, or for letting each member of the family enjoy their own space. The large L-shaped lounger fills the starboard and wraps around the stern to the port side walk-through. The table quickly converts this into a large space to enjoy the sun or sleep topside on a pleasant summer night. To port is an entertainment center for mixing beverages and serving snacks. Our test model included a granite countertop, sink and handy cockpit refrigerator/freezer combination. One feature it lacked was storage at the wet bar. Our captain found the battery switch and power switches located near this center to be a plus, as you can reach them easily from the swim platform. Speaking of the swim platform, you do have hot and cold water at the swim shower to rinse off before coming back on board.
At the Helm
The helm shows the class of a more expensive yacht with burlwood accents and space to add on more flat panel electronics. Tilt power-assisted rack and pinion steering is standard with the tilt wheel. Electronic/hydraulic trim tabs are also standard. Our test captain felt the standard throttle and shift controls were a bit dated and preferred a more modern system.
In the Cabin
Moving inside, the salon takes advantage of light and air in this spacious design. The two large tables allow your guests the choice to dine inside or al-fresco all together. The forward table and benches convert into a roomy berth, and a double berth is aft. The galley is to starboard with solid surface counters and a two burner electric cooktop. You do have ample storage for dry goods around the galley. Other standard features include a microwave oven, Norcold refrigerator/freezer and stainless steel sink. The wet head has a full fiberglass liner for easy maintenance, and the design inside is typical of cruisers with a marine head with macerator and a vanity.
Specifications
The Bayliner Cruiser 340 measures 35 feet length overall. Her beam is 11 feet 6 inches, and hull draft measures 2 feet 2 inches with the drives up and 3 feet 5 inches with the drives fully deployed. This model has a standard dry weight of 12,900 lbs. Fuel capacity is 175 gallons and fresh water capacity is 40 gallons.
Testing
Our test captain found this model to perform better with a pair of 300 hp MerCruiser 350 MPIs with Bravo III drives. She is on plane in 10.1 seconds and up to 30 mph in 16.5 seconds. With four people on board and ¾ tank of fuel, she has a cruising speed of 16.2 mph for a range of 143 miles at 3000 rpm. Top measured speed was 41.4 mph at 4500 rpm.
New Features
For 2008, the Bayliner Cruiser 340 had a few new features. Those included a new color choice of a black hull side. A Sirius satellite capable radio is now available as well as a stereo upgrade with a full range of speakers. You may also order Sunbrella canvas packages for more protection and overnight camping aboard. Cockpit upholstery and design has been enhanced, and you also have some new cabin interiors over previous years. Thanks to;Bayliner 340 Cruiser Overview | BoatTEST.com
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Rick Ostler, North American Waterway