Bayliner Element: Affordable Family Fun on the Water

The Bayliner Element lineup has gotten complicated with all the models flying around. As someone who’s spent time on these budget-friendly boats, I learned everything there is to know about what you’re actually getting. Today, I will share it all with you.

I remember the first time I stepped onto an Element at a boat show — my buddy kept telling me “just try it, you’ll be surprised.” He wasn’t wrong. For a boat that costs less than a lot of used cars, the Element punches way above its weight. But it’s not perfect, and I’m not going to pretend it is. Let’s get into the details.

That M-Hull Design — What’s the Big Deal?

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The Element’s M-hull is what sets it apart from basically every other boat in its price range. If you’ve never heard of an M-hull, think of it like a catamaran’s little cousin. Instead of one V-shaped bottom, you’ve got two sponsons running along each side with a flat section in the middle. Sounds weird on paper. Works surprisingly well in practice.

I’ve taken the Element out in some chop that’d have passengers white-knuckling in a comparable V-hull, and the thing just stays planted. It doesn’t slice through waves — it sort of sits on top of them. The spray stays outside the hull instead of coming over the bow and soaking your kids. For families with younger ones, that’s a huge deal. Nobody wants a crying, wet four-year-old twenty minutes into a lake day.

There’s a trade-off, though. The M-hull doesn’t handle rough open water the same way a deep-V does. You’ll feel the slap in bigger waves, and it can get a bit bouncy. For inland lakes and calm bays? Fantastic. For open ocean runs? Look elsewhere.

Layout and Space — Getting Creative with a Small Footprint

Bayliner keeps the Element’s deck layout dead simple, and I actually think that’s the right call. Everything’s right where you’d expect it. Helm controls are intuitive — even my father-in-law, who hadn’t driven a boat in fifteen years, figured it out in about two minutes flat.

Seating depends on the model, but you can fit anywhere from four to eight people depending on which Element you grab. The seats are comfortable enough for a day trip, though I wouldn’t call them luxurious. Storage is tucked into every available spot — under seats, in the bow, along the gunwales. You won’t have trouble stashing coolers, towropes, and the usual lake day gear. That said, don’t expect hidden compartments and clever organizational systems. It’s functional storage. It works.

Engine Options and How They Actually Perform

You’ve got outboard options ranging from about 50 horsepower up to 115 depending on the model. I’ve driven Elements with both ends of that spectrum, and here’s my honest take: the 50hp feels underpowered unless you’re running the smallest E16 with just a couple people aboard. If you’re looking at the E18 or E21, spring for the higher horsepower. You’ll thank yourself every time you need to plane out with a full boat.

The Element gets on plane quickly once you’ve got adequate power underneath it. That M-hull helps here — it doesn’t need to push as much water aside to get up and moving. Cornering is tight and predictable. I’ve whipped mine around at speed to pick up a fallen tuber and never felt like I was going to lose control.

Fuel economy is genuinely impressive. I’ve done full afternoon sessions burning through way less gas than friends with comparable-sized boats. Over a season, that savings adds up to real money.

Breaking Down the Models: E16, E18, and E21

The E16 is your entry-level option, and it’s perfect if you want something small enough to tow with a midsize SUV. I know a couple who keeps theirs at a campground and hauls it behind a Toyota RAV4 without any drama. It’s cozy with four people, a bit tight with more. Good for fishing, cruising, or just puttering around a small lake.

The E18 is where I think the sweet spot lives. You get noticeably more deck space without jumping to a boat that’s harder to store or trailer. It handles a family of four or five comfortably, and there’s enough power to tow a tube or wakeboard. Most people I talk to end up here, and I get it.

The E21 is the big one. More seating, more room to move around, and it feels like a proper recreational boat rather than a starter. If you’re regularly hosting groups of six or more, the E21 makes sense. Otherwise, you’re hauling around extra boat you might not need. It also costs more to register, insure, and maintain — just something to keep in mind.

Why People Keep Buying These Things

That’s what makes the Bayliner Element endearing to us boaters — it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s an honest, affordable boat that gets families on the water without a second mortgage. I’ve seen too many people stretch their budget for a fancier brand and then barely use the boat because the fuel, maintenance, and slip fees eat them alive.

The Element flips that equation. Low purchase price. Low maintenance costs. Easy to trailer, so you don’t need a marina slip. Simple systems mean there’s less stuff to break. I’ve talked to Element owners with five, six, seven seasons on their boats who’ve barely spent anything on repairs beyond routine stuff.

First-time boat owners especially love these. There’s nothing intimidating about the controls or the handling. You can launch it yourself without needing a PhD in backing up a trailer (though practice still helps). Several boating schools in my area actually use Elements for instruction — that tells you something about how forgiving they are.

Keeping Your Element in Good Shape

Maintenance on the Element is about as straightforward as it gets for a powerboat. You’ve got an outboard motor, which means no winterizing an inboard, no worrying about a sterndrive bellows — just basic outboard care. Check your oil, swap your lower unit lube, replace the impeller on schedule, and you’re golden.

The hull’s pretty low-maintenance too. Give it a good wash after each use, especially in saltwater. If you’re keeping it in the water, some bottom paint will keep the growth under control. Parts are cheap and widely available because Bayliner sells a ton of these things. That’s a real advantage over boutique brands where a simple replacement part takes three weeks to arrive.

I keep a seasonal checklist taped inside my console locker — battery check in spring, fuel stabilizer in fall, trailer bearings and lights before each trip. Nothing complicated, but staying on top of it prevents those annoying breakdowns that ruin a Saturday.

Accessories Worth Considering

A bimini top is practically mandatory unless you enjoy sunburn. Most Elements don’t come with one standard, so budget for that upfront. I’d also strongly recommend a decent fish finder if you plan to do any angling — even a basic unit changes the game on unfamiliar lakes.

A marine stereo is a nice-to-have. Some models come with one, some don’t. Bluetooth speakers are a cheaper alternative if you’re trying to keep costs down. For water sports, a towing pylon or ski package opens up tubing, wakeboarding, and skiing — just make sure your engine has enough power to pull riders effectively.

Don’t skimp on safety gear. Good life jackets for every passenger, a throwable cushion, flares, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the stuff that actually matters when something goes sideways.

What You’ll Pay and Where to Find One

Base models start around $15,000, give or take. By the time you add a trailer, prep fees, and a few accessories, you’re probably looking at $18,000 to $25,000 out the door for most configurations. The E21 with a bigger motor can push higher, obviously.

I’d strongly suggest visiting a dealer and getting a test drive. Sitting in the boat at a show is one thing — running it across a lake is another. Most authorized Bayliner dealers will set up a demo if you ask. Financing is usually available through the dealership, and rates on new boats have been reasonable. Don’t forget to budget for insurance — it’s required in most states and protects your investment if something unfortunate happens.

The used market is also worth watching. Elements hold their value decently, but you can find well-maintained ones with low hours for significantly less than new. Just do your homework and get a survey on anything over a few years old.

What Owners Actually Say

I’ve talked to a lot of Element owners over the years, and the consensus is pretty consistent. People love the value, the ease of use, and the stability. Weekend warriors who just want to get out on the lake without fuss — that’s the core Element buyer, and they’re almost universally happy.

The most common complaint? “I wish it had more power” or “I wish it had [feature from a $50,000 boat].” Fair enough, but that’s comparing apples to oranges. For what you’re paying, the Element delivers. It’s not trying to compete with premium sport boats. It’s trying to get regular people boating, and it does that really well.

A Quick Note on Environmental Impact

The Element’s fuel efficiency isn’t just good for your wallet — it means fewer emissions per hour on the water compared to thirstier boats. Bayliner’s manufacturing process has also gotten cleaner over the years, with less waste during production. I’m not going to call any gas-powered boat “green,” but if you’re choosing between options, the Element is on the better end of the spectrum.

Do your part too. Use eco-friendly hull cleaners, keep your motor tuned so it burns clean, and always pack out what you pack in. Our waterways stay fun when we take care of them.