Bayliner 170 ob vs Element E18?

[mwang]

Hi Mates
So I've been continuing looking and researching. Just found out that Bayliner element E18 sells for about the same price compare to 170 OB (actually has a lower M.S.R.P.), and it sits 8 ppl vs 170 OB's 5 ppl and has a much larger deck.
I think is has to do with the M hull design. So I most likely will pull the trigger near the end of this season or at the beginning of the next season. My question is that how would M hull perform in choppy water (compare to the 170ob) ? I'll be using the boat in protected water, mostly rivers. And I just don't see how the E18 sales for about the same price as the 170 OB, seems a lot more of a boat to me.

 

[briangcc]

Look closely as the 170 has a full windshield where the E18 has basically a bug deflector for the driver only. There's your base price difference. Looks like the hull design on the E18 is what gives you the extra capacity person wise. Not that I'd try to get 8 into an 18' boat as that'd be very cramped for my liking.

 

[ajgraz]

M-Hull equals the return of the tri-hull?

That deckboat certainly looks to me like it is more designed for lakes, protected bays, etc. That bowrider is gonna do better cutting through chop, will likely be more maneuverable, responsive in steering, etc., certainly faster too (with same motor).

I looked at the downloadable spec sheets...the deckboat only has 12" of draft, while the bowrider claims 2'11" of draft (which seems way too high...misprint?). Less draft might be something to consider on a river.

To me, those are both 4-person boats. Though the deckboat will be more stable at rest (i.e., rock less), and clearly has more "walkaround" room when not underway.

Where exactly will you be boating? How will you be using it? (Fish, ski, tow tubes, party barge, cruise?)

There is some weight difference between the two (the deckboat is heavier)...what would you be towing with?

 

[mwang]

Thanks for the reply guys. I'll be towing with my ram 1500. And yes, I wouldn't want to fit 8 ppl on the deck boat. It's mostly me, my wife and two kids. My parents may occasionally join us but wouldn't be often (a few times per season). I think the draft difference is that the bowrider's motor sticks into the water much deeper. (I've seen people saying the element's prop ventilate easily.) I live near Toronto, Ontario and I'll be using the boat mostly in in-land lakes and rivers for sight seeing and swimming, maybe some tubing. I think 18 footer would be even too small for lake Ontario so if I ever challenge the great lakes, I'll be sure to check the weather and stay close to shore.