1989 Bayliner 3255 Avanti

Bayliner 3255 Avanti Sunbridge: Affordable Family Express Cruising

1. General Information

The Bayliner 3255 Avanti Sunbridge is a 9.75 m family express cruiser (10.67 m including the pulpit) with a broad 3.35 m beam, offering a generous mid-cabin interior at an accessible price. The 1995–99 version is easy to recognise by its distinctive reverse radar arch, which gives the boat a sporty, distinctly 1990s profile.

Below deck there are double berths forward and in the aft mid-cabin, a convertible dinette, a full galley and an enclosed head with shower, so a family can comfortably spend weekends or longer coastal trips aboard. Tankage of 681 L fuel, 132 L water and 114 L holding supports extended cruising, and with the optional twin 310 hp MerCruiser sterndrives it cruises at around 19–20 knots and tops out near 32 knots.

2. Construction and Design

The 3255 is built on a lightweight, solid fibreglass modified-V hull with moderate transom deadrise, while its wide beam delivers interior volume and stability at rest. The design puts family space first: a bi-level cockpit with a U-shaped settee opposite the helm, a wet bar, a transom door and a swim platform make it a sociable boat at anchor, and a foredeck sun pad adds lounging room. The trade-off is narrow side decks that are awkward to get around, partly because of the arch.

3. Key Features

Mid-cabin layout: Two double berths plus a convertible dinette give real sleeping space for a family.

Reverse arch styling: The signature reverse radar arch sets the later 3255 apart from other express cruisers of its era.

Entertaining cockpit: A U-shaped settee, wet bar and bi-level layout make the cockpit the social heart of the boat.

Twin sterndrive performance: With optional 310 hp MerCruisers it cruises at 19–20 knots with a top speed of about 32 knots.

Easy water access: A transom door and swim platform make boarding and swimming simple.

4. Summary

The Bayliner 3255 Avanti Sunbridge suits budget-conscious families who want weekend cruising capability, real sleeping space and a sociable cockpit without the cost of a premium express cruiser. It appeals especially to first-time cruiser owners and buyers stepping up from a smaller cuddy boat.