Looking for opinions on Bayliner E21

[Waterdog03]

I’m interested in a Bayliner e21 as a family boat. Are they worth it?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Welcome aboard

new..... used.....???

help us help you

Bayliner is an entry level boat

 

[Waterdog03]

Wanting to buy new. I’ve been around boats for years just never owned my own. We are moving to Florida and for the most part it will be me and the wife with family and friends coming in from all over to visit. She wants to lay in the sun (the aft section of the e21 ) and I want to fish and scuba dive. And just be able to cruise around the waterways

 

[roffey]

My 2 pennys are buy used first. Get out on the water and find out what you need, want and don't care for. Boats are a huge investment and when you buy new you take the hit for depreciation. Buy used and you can test the waters so to speak. I found out not as many people want to go out in the boat as I had initially thought, including my wife, lol. Once you know what you want, buy new if you like.

 

[JimS123]

Its a nice boat and certainly has utility for a lot of families. Bayliner has come a long way.

However, its not really suited for fishing if there are more than 1 fisherman, it might hold 5-6 people but more than 4 will feel cramped, not suited at all for diving.

It really needs a bimini or the family will fry in the hot FL sun. Also, the windshield option should be a strong consideration.

Just my opinion.

 

[Scott Danforth]

With a new boat, you will be fine. As stated, Bayliner is an entry level boat. so some of the plastic trim is not as good as a higher build quality brand.

keep up with the maintenance and it will last up until you dont keep up with the maintenance.

However if you havent moved yet, buy a boat after you are down here. Maybe rent a boat first. you may find a center console set up with a bow lounging area and a dive/fish door may be a better fit for what you want, or something else entirely.

Any of the "sofa" boats will have a lounging area somewhere.

there are many boat rental companies that will allow you to try different styles of boats.

keep in mind there are three types of boaters in the ICW's down here in Florida..... those that ran aground, those that will run aground and those that lie about not running aground. Make sure you have tow insurance from either Boat US, or from Sea Tow. a tow up the ICW back to your ramp may cost you well over $1200 out of pocket otherwise.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

I found out really quickly how many friends and family didn't enjoy going out on the boat as much as I thought they would. Including my wife, she detests boating in a big lake, we are on Erie, and my plan was for us to both enjoy it. As others here have suggested buy used 1st until you know exactly what you "need" in a boat. Another positive when it comes to buying used not many folks think about is generally used comes with all the ancillary equipment you need like fenders, anchor, rope as well as electronics.

I took a look at the e21. I don't see much storage and you will need plenty especially if you are going to dive from it. I SCUBA dived for years in my youth. The swim platform doesn't look like it will be conducive to get back in with all the equipment on. Once you get 4 people in it and all the stuff 4 people bring on board for a day on the water it is going to be very tight. One can fish on anything that floats but the e21 doesn't seem set up to fish comfortably depending on what type of fishing you plan on doing. I would say no more than 2 fishermen at anytime.

 

[JimS123]

Times are a changin'. Most reputable dealers provide a complete safety package including all the items mentioned. Additionally, upon delivery the boat is already in the water and they won't deliver it without a sea trial to verify that you know what you're doing. A manufacturer follow-up letter verifies that the dealer followed their policy.

The last 2 boats I bought came with the "USCG Package". In one case I didn't need all that stuff so they took $600 off the purchase price. In the other case they refused and I found everything stowed on delivery. Everything went on Craigslist, but i only got back about $400.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Dealers where I am don't give you squat when you buy used. They want to sell you the few thousand dollars in equipment and upgraded electronics. I know a couple that had a very tight budget, bought a small run about skow for 500 bucks then had to spend more than that on safety kit etc.