2017 Bayliner VR5 Bowrider

Bayliner VR5 Bowrider Outboard: Big-Boat Space in a 20-Footer

1. General Information

The Bayliner VR5 Bowrider Outboard is a spacious, sporty and versatile 6.23 m family runabout that packs remarkable room into a trailerable 20-foot package. With a full 2.43 m beam carried well forward and seating for up to nine, it is an excellent all-rounder for day cruising, watersports, swimming and casual fishing on lakes, rivers and coastal waters.

Outboard power keeps maintenance simple and frees up cockpit space, with a Mercury 115 hp FourStroke as standard and options up to 150 hp. A 125 L fuel tank provides ample range, while the boat's weight of around 1,516 kg keeps it manageable on the trailer.

2. Construction and Design

The VR5 builds on Bayliner's proven V-bottom runabout heritage, with a fibreglass monohull and a 20-degree deadrise that delivers a confident, comfortable ride in a chop. Bayliner's BeamForward design carries the full beam further towards the bow, creating more passenger space, deeper under-seat storage and higher gunwales for added safety.

At the stern, the AftAdvantage layout extends the seating to the aft-most point of the running surface and adds the swim platform behind it, so the platform never eats into usable cockpit space. A self-bailing cockpit, non-skid fibreglass floor and wraparound safety-glass windscreen with opening centre section complete a practical, family-friendly design.

3. Key Features

BeamForward design: Full beam carried further forward gives a roomier bow, more storage and a more secure feel for passengers.

AftAdvantage cockpit: The swim platform sits behind the running surface, maximising aft seating and creating an ideal staging area for watersports.

Watersports ready: In-floor ski and wakeboard storage, a stainless steel tow ring and optional watersports packages make towing fun easy.

Comfortable helm: A 180-degree swivelling helm seat, tilt steering, full instrumentation and side-mounted controls with trim make driving relaxed and precise.

Flexible Mercury power: Choose from efficient 115 hp FourStroke options up to a 150 hp FourStroke for extra performance.

4. Summary

The Bayliner VR5 Bowrider Outboard is ideal for families and groups of friends who want maximum space and versatility in a boat that is still easy to tow and own. Whether the day calls for watersports, swimming, fishing or simply cruising, it offers exceptional value and practicality in the 20-foot bowrider class.