Canadian Boating June 2024 - 22

POWER REVIEW
FAMILY CRUISER
RETURN OF THE
Bayliner's all-new Trophy 29 EX is an affordable weekender that
blends the best of cruiser comforts with runabout performance
By | Craig Ritchie
O
ne of the world's most recognized
boat brands, Bayliner has long
enjoyed an enviable reputation for
getting families out on the water, building
well-made, well-equipped boats that
over-deliver in value. For the 2024 boating
season the iconic, 67-year-old boat
builder has raised the bar with a line of
all-new Trophy models built with an eye
to versatility, affordability and extending
our time on the water with short cruises
and weekends away.
The fi ve new Pilothouse and Explorer
models joining Bayliner's Trophy collection
this year are new boats derived from
popular models sold in Europe as part of
sister company Quicksilver's lineup. So
while they may be new boats to the North
American market, each one comes with
a proven track record overseas, perhaps
explaining why the new Trophy models
made such an immediate impact at this
winter's boat shows. The series consists
of 23-foot and 25-foot models in both the
Pilothouse and Explorer series, along with
a 29-foot Explorer. Pilothouse models put
the emphasis on cockpit space for fi shing,
diving or enjoying the sun, while Explorer
models with their extended indoor spaces
provide greater year-round protection
from the elements.
I was among a handful of extremely
lucky boating journalists to be invited
to Bayliner's top secret media reveal
in Florida last November, where with
fi ve boats to choose from I immediately
hopped aboard the Trophy 29 EX - not
just because it's the largest model, but
because it's the one most likely to check
all the boxes for Canadian boaters who
want to make the most of the open water
season.
" The Trophy 29 EX feels larger than its
specs might suggest, thanks in part to the
large windows, full glass salon door and
large hardtop roof hatch, " explained my
host, Bayliner's Benoit Verley. " With its
fresh, clean interior décor and full beam
that carries well forward of the windshield,
there's plenty of space for a family
to stretch out. "
The T29 EX was designed for active
families looking for an easy-to-manage,
affordable weekender that can also manage
short cruise holidays. That's clear
the moment you step aboard at the stern
swim platform, with its retractable fourstep
swim ladder, and through a wide,
22 CANADIAN BOATING | JUNE 2024
Bayliner Trophy Explorer 29.
starboard-side transom door which leads
into the roomy cockpit.
Although the Trophy Explorer models
are confi gured to deliver more indoor
space, they still enjoy a roomy cockpit
with plenty of room for lounging about,
catching some fi sh or drying off in the
sun after a swim. A near full beam, forward-facing
bench seat features an adjustable
seat back that can convert into an
enticing sun pad. With the seat back up
and the Trophy 29 EX's removable cockpit
table in place, the wide bench makes a
great spot for dining al fresco while enjoying
panoramic evening views. There's
storage space below the seat cushion as
well, providing a convenient spot to tuck
away personal belongings while keeping
them close at hand.
Bayliner's attention to detail is impressive.
Just forward of the transom passthrough,
a small compartment to starboard
opens to reveal the Trophy 29 EX's dual
battery system, which comes included as
standard equipment. The T29's cockpit is
fully self-bailing, allowing any residual
water from overnight rains to simply run
along the deck, through the scuppers and
back over the side to keep the decking
Canadian Boating June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Boating June 2024
