BAYLINER PILOTHOUSE 47' MOTORYACHTS Putting Quality First

     Quality starts with the finest designs. Bayliner's product design and development efforts, the most extensive in the industry, employed the talent, skills and experience of top naval architects, engineers and stylists, backed by the latest computer-aided design resources. Using advanced software applications- including those also used by the U.S. Navy- Bayliner design teams developed on-screen performance (CAD) models for each hull design, to pinpoint optimum weight distribution... calculating stress and load factors for correct stiffening and reinforcements.  The primary tooling from which they created the fiberglass molds, took place through a computer controlled five-axis milling process that was so precise it worked within a tolerance of  25 one-thousandths of an inch!  That level of accuracy ensured a uncommonly fair running surfaces and perfect fit of joined fiberglass parts. Bayliner was YEARS ahead of the other boat builders with this technology, and today in 2005 there are still MANY boatbuilders who cannot afford this technology which Bayliner used for years. Fact is-not many companies had, nor have the financial strength and buying power of Bayliner, and few can claim Bayliner's stature as a leader in design innovation with such owner loyalty.

     Scale models, shaped by hand in the Bayliner studios, enabled designers to evaluate new configurations and refine the styling elements. Full-size interior mock-ups allowed the real-life appraisal of comfort, convenience and issues. Other builders routinely overlook these important design steps, but not Bayliner. TESTED TO A HIGHER QUALITY

   Prior to acceptance for production, gelcoats, vinyls and other exterior finishes had to endure accelerated ultraviolet, temperature, and salt spray exposure far surpassing a lifetime of normal use. Laminates suffered 200 hours of immersion in boiling water, an extreme test of resistance to blistering. Gelcoats and laminate sections had to meet exceedingly high standards for flexibility and tensile strength. If the materials didn't measure up, they didn't use them.

   Completed prototypes didn't have it any easier: They were subjected to a four-stage gauntlet of on-water evaluations, Performance criteria included low-and high speed maneuverability, acceleration, impact and stress resistance, and hour after hour of full-throttle endurance operation.  TAKING THE EXTRA STEPS

   Advanced manufacturing technologies and absolute insistence on top-quality materials assured an uncommon level of quality in the finished product. Gelcoat finishes are super-isophthalic polymer formulations that yielded an extraordinary tough brilliant surface that resists fading and retains it's new boat shine.  They took the important extra step of allowing the underlying fiberglass to cure prior to applying subsequent layers.  This stabilized the surface laminate for an ultra smooth, lustrous finish.  To guard against blistering, Bayliner applied a three-component hybrid-resin barrier coat. Another time consuming process, but one that resulted in a exquisite and long last profile. BUILT TO LAST

     Hand-laid fiberglass is the heart and soul of every Bayliner Motoryacht. Multiple layers of 24-ounce woven roving by PPG, bedded in alternating strand layers for maximum adhesion, provide exceptional strength and integrity. Space-age coring materials, including syntactic foam applications, keep weight down for improved performance and operating efficiency.   Stiffening geometry includes a heavy-duty stringer grid, fully encapsulated in fiberglass for extra strength and to lock out moisture.  Lateral components, also glassed in, interlock with stringers for even greater rigidity, giving a solid feel, even in heavy seas.  Included is Unibody construction, incorporating deck, topsides, and cockpit liner into a single structural unit, for even greater strength and integrity.  FIRST CLASS MATERIALS

     Welded steel railings of 316 stainless steel, through-bolted to the the deck with heavy duty backing plates... tempered safety-glass windshields and cabin windows... heavy duty marine-grade vinyls, dye-penetrated and pre-treated for easy clean up and lasting good looks... custom engineered wiring systems, properly supported and run through conduit, with anti-chafing gear.  The components are a Who's Who of marine quality:  Perko lifetime-guaranteed deck hardware, Racor fuel filters, Hynautic Steering systems, Bennett Trim Tabs, Westerbeke Generators, Sunbrella Fabrics, Muir windlasses, Corian Countertops (97 onward),Ritchie & Danforth compasses, Raytheon electronics, Princess stoves, Norcold refrigerators, Whirlpool appliances, Marquipt davits, Hino diesels in the 94 -95 models, and Cummins from 1996. On & on the list goes. THE QUALITY IS IN THE DETAILS

    Limber holes, drilled through stringers to allow passage of water to bilge pumps, are lined with sealed-in PVC tubing to positively protect end grain from moisture. A heavy duty bonding system protects underwater fittings against electrolytic corrosion. Below deck spaces receive a generous base coat for easy clean-up and a shipshape appearance. Bronze sea-cocks, bronze rudder struts, Stainless steel shafts,  Color coded electrical systems, Vinylester skin coats, thermal and accoustic insulation, Unitized construction with glassed in bulkheads, hand -laid fiberglass, etc. Compare these nuances with any other premium yacht brand. What you discover might surprise you.  If you've ever taken a very expensive yacht through a survey and been shocked at all the defects discovered, you are going to love a 4788.  Ask any owner, they will be glad to tell you what they've known for a long time. There are many owners who could afford to buy any yacht on the planet, have chosen these boats. Hopefully now you are learning what many marine professionals have known and have been saying for years. CUMMINS DIESELS

     Designed for high power-to-weight ratios. With a normal operating range closer to peak RPM, Cummins Marine diesels deliver higher continuously available horsepower than other engines.  You enjoy higher cruising speeds per rated horsepower, long-life dependability, and extraordinary fuel efficiency throughout the power band. Their light weight assures peak performance; compact, low profile designs leave more room for comfortable living space onboard.   Cummins provides a worldwide network of parts and service locations, to keep your Bayliner Motoryacht running strong, year after year.  They come with the finest world-wide warranty in the business, including an Extended Base Engine Components limited warranty that spans six years.

BUYING POWER

     There is no doubt that Bayliner had the financial power to order product in bulk, which translated into lower prices. Whereas perhaps a boat building competitor  would order maybe 10 engines, Generators, refrigerators, etc., Bayliner ordered them by the THOUSANDS. Is there any doubt of why Cummins chose to team with Bayliner when they introduced their then-new Diamond Series engines back in 1996?  This bulk purchasing power combined with "got it down" manufacturing enabled Bayliner to build a high quality yacht for 1/2 the price of an competitor using the exact same materials. The difference is that Bayliner passed these savings along to the consumer as initial low prices.  These vessels have the highest resale values in the boat business. One regularly see's these vessels selling pre-owned for almost what they cost new.  Of course, now if you want to purchase a new one you must buy a Meridian 49' and I can assure you the price is much higher than what it was when they were called Bayliners. This much higher pricing is one reason the resale value is so strong on the pre-owned models.

This should forever put to rest any rumor of Bayliners being built thin. This is a photo of a 2000 4788 that hit a reef in the Bahamas. Note that the outside layer of fiberglass is almost 2" thick BEFORE you get to the core and then there is another at least an inch of fiberglass on the other side of the core. This is as thick as many Hatteras motoryachts and definitely thicker than many Taiwan built yachts I've seen that have MAYBE a 1/4" of glass on either side of the core.  

Although the bronze props were bent to hell and the port BRONZE rudder was bent, the struts did not go through the bottom. You can imagine the forces that the rudder endured to bend like that, yet the rudder posts and swim platform braces held firm.  These photos PROVE once and for all that 4788's are built strong. No doubt remains.

The boat was picked clean by the locals but you can see how thick her bones are! Look how thick the fiberglass is where the holes are.