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WATERSKI MagazineA ski boat from Bayliner? Didn't the company try a direct-drive a few years back that made only a minor dent in the hotly contested inboard market? So why try again? That's what we thought when the Wake Challenger pulled up to our test site. But a quick run-through and ski ride behind the solidly built 20-footer put history where it belongs – in the past. This is one good all-around ski boat that's light years ahead of the past Bayliner, offering – at a very attractive price.
The Wake Challenger, second in a series of towable-specific boats from the Seattle-based Bayliner, is sandwiched between a 20-foot direct drive (Ski Challenger) and a 22-foot sport-V (Wake Challenger) and is designed for the rapidly growing sport of wakeboarding. While that's true and it does a good job of delivering wakes that will allow air time, it's a diverse boat that doesn't shut out skiers on a slalom. And with its sport-V configuration, it's one of the better barefoot boats, offering excellent wake curl and crest qualities suitable for training purposes.
The wake quality and good overall skiability will attract you, but the price will absolutely hook you: under $18K with a base MerCruiser 5.7L Competition Ski engine. That price includes a full fiberglass liner, heavy-duty 32-ounce marine carpet, Morse competition controls, transom-mounted mini-pylon, recessed pop-up cleats and transom platform pad – stuff other boats offer at a price far above what Bayliner brings it to the lake for.
Even though the standard configuration includes the necessary pylon, we'd recommend the optional Ski Pac for $895, which covers all the bases for skiers: mirror, transom shower, heater, 100-watt CD changer, extended pylon and depth finder. Up the power to an optional 265-hp MerCruiser 350 Magnum and you're still writing a check for less than $20,000.
As is, the interior quality and fit and finish are nicely done. There's plenty of space for lounging after a long set, but you will have to bend knees and make concessions for gear, since there isn't a lot of storage space for boards. (Skis go in the in-floor locker.) Drivers might feel closed in because of the sweeping, wraparound windshield, yet there is good access to the dash and gauges, and the seat is supportive. We found the speedometers reading about 3 mph fast on our test boat (they didn't adjust), and would recommend installing a competition speedo for more accurate speeds and better speed-holding. Otherwise, drivers will feel in control of the Wake Challenger. It has some bowrise on takeoff until plane, and takes turns with a wide, rolling arc.
Behind the boat, skiers should have no trouble having fun. Slalom wakes are crossable for all skill levels; in the kneeboard and wakeboard range, 15-18 mph, they are small to medium in size and are perfect for those learning wake jumps.
Sure, there are better-skiing sport-V's, but none that can match the price – with all of the needed ski amenities – of Bayliner's Wake Challenger.
