Bayliner looks to hook families, anglers with all-new Trophy models

Tennessee, US-based Bayliner Boats, part of Brunswick Corp, is looking to snag a growing share of the North American fibreglass cabin boat market with the introduction of five new Trophy models designed to compete on affordability.

The company’s all-new Trophy Pilothouse and Explorer lines – to be formally launched at the Miami International Boat Show – are based on existing models from Brunswick’s Quicksilver boat brand sold in Europe. At least initially, the new boats will continue to be manufactured at Brunswick’s Venture Group production facility in Vila Nova Cerveira, Portugal, and shipped to North America.

The company plans to initially offer two fishing-focused pilothouse models in 23ft and 25ft lengths, along with 23ft, 25ft and 29ft Explorer models with larger cabins and additional, family-friendly features.

Pilothouse models include a dedicated fishing station with live well and cutting board, a large fish locker with oxygenated water system, raw water washdown, a slightly asymmetrical cabin with full walkaround and three access sliding doors, aft and starboard flip seats in the cockpit, and a galley with sink, refrigerator and portable stove.

Explorer models feature foredecks with an opening hatch that can be converted to a sun lounge, a bow walkway, a sliding cabin entry door, a fully equipped galley with sink, recessed storage and optional stove and refrigerator, and an enclosed cabin with a head and sleeping accommodations for overnight trips.

“We are thrilled to officially introduce the widely successful Pilothouse and Explorer models to the North American market,” said Venture Group president, Benoit Verley. “The preliminary feedback from consumers, dealers and partners has been incredibly overwhelming, and we are confident these models will fill a gap in the cabin style category and exceed the needs of our customers. We look forward to introducing more consumers throughout many of the 2024 boat shows, as well as seeing the models on the water for the 2024 boating season.”

Speaking at a cool and windy pre-launch media event in Florida, Verley told IBI the new models are expected to have strong appeal in coastal markets and on large inland waters such as the Great Lakes. “There are some differences in the product to reflect market preferences, so it is not a straight rebadging,” he says. “There are differences in construction standards to conform to different certifications, and we’ve obviously converted the electrical system from 220 volt to 110 volt. There are more and larger drink holders, since that is important in the US market. But the aim is to keep the boats relatively simple and not drive up the costs, because affordability is key.”

Comfort is also critical, he says. “In the Bayliner lineup we have excellent centre console models, but in markets like the northeast or the northwest, or the Great Lakes, boaters want more protection from the elements,” he said. “Cabin boats provide that and let them extend their boating earlier and later into the season.”