Are you looking for a boat to take your family or a few friends out on the lake for a quick swim and sunbathe? The Element XL has convertible seats, two small, non-slip bathing platforms and an extendable stainless steel folding ladder that reaches deep into the water and is easy to reach even when folded up. And what about water skiing? Works great. Top speed (32 knots) and acceleration are perfectly OK even with the "small" 80 Mercury.
If there are more than three people in the boat and you still want to really get going with the sporty, ambitious mono runner on the sturdy drawbar, you need a more powerful engine. Permitted and safe is 115 hp. There is plenty of storage space for skis and boards and, of course, for sports fishing equipment in the neatly lined boxes in the seat consoles. If the compartments are not filled to the brim with heavy goods, the Element XL rarely weighs more than 1250 kg, even with a full tank.
Good for trailer captains! It is also good that the matching trailer is included in the complete price at Boote Pfister, just like the cool box, bimini top, harbour tarpaulin, radio, sports bar, wakeboard rack and the Mercury F80. This means that the buyer primarily has to invest in certified position lights, anchors, fenders and lines.
However, the final coat of paint, which is intended to protect the laminate together with the flawless gelcoat, is anything but complete. Sharp laminate tips and the construction foam used as an "enhancer" in some places remain clearly visible. This can be done better, which also applies to the routing and mounting of the cables and Bowden cables.
The propeller, which is one size too big and therefore "only" allows the test engine to turn 5300 rpm at full load, is quickly replaced. Although the "rev limiter" has a positive effect on fuel consumption and sound pressure level, it does take away some of the temperament of the 2-litre four-cylinder engine.
If you prefer cruising at 20 knots, the 47-litre plastic tank, which is lashed to the seat console in the stern with tensioning straps, is only emptied to the reserve after 67 nm. Those who prefer a fast pace (30 kn plus), on the other hand, will be at the petrol pump after just 49 nm or 1 ½ hours of driving fun. The fact that they don't feel stressed is due to the moderate noise level of the F80 and the comfortable and safe handling characteristics of the Element.
It is stable on course and sideways in every situation and, when properly trimmed, can be steered smoothly into tight bends and circles with little lean angle and smooth steering. No hooking, rocking or ventilation. Hardly anyone will notice that the M-hull design, which ensures exceptional lateral stability, makes the turning circles a little larger and is responsible for the 3-second delay when turning.
However, everyone realises that the driving position looks better than it is. The seat cushions are soft and not adjustable, the large round instrument, which only displays speed and battery voltage, is partially concealed. The sports steering wheel, gearstick and depth sounder are stylish yet functional. The same applies to the six cleats and the rubbing strake.
In terms of safety, the handling characteristics, freeboard, cockpit side height and the non-slip floor, hand fire extinguisher, main battery switch and handholds are impressive. The lack of a manual bilge pump (electric alone is not enough), compass and navigation lights without a German certificate are criticised.
Data sheet: Bayliner Element XL
Shipyard: Bayliner
Type designation: Bayliner Element XL
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 5,49 m
Width: 2,20 m
Displacement: 1,07 t
Price: 23.900,00 €
