This fall Bayliner announced a new addition to their Element line, the E17. Wait a sec — the Element line consists of Bayliner’s deckboats, and their Trophy line is their fishboats. So, why would we want to talk about the E17 in FishTalk? Two reasons: first, it’s available with a fishing package that does give it enough additional accouterments to serve as a basic fishing boat. Second and just as important, in a world of boat-pricing-gone-mad the E17 is eminently affordable.

bayliner element e 17
The Bayliner Element E17 is a sweet, simple boat that serves as a runabout and can be rigged with basic fishing accoutrements.

While noting that advertised boat MSRPs are not exactly “real world” numbers, Bayliner lists this model at a base MSRP with a swing-away tongue trailer and a 60-hp outboard for around $20,000. Rig it to the teeth, include extra costs like freight and prep, fill the fuel tank, and buy a bag of bloodworms — you’ll have a very tough time getting north of $30K before parking it in your garage. So even after loading it up with goodies and upgrades, you can get a fish-ready rig for less than buying a relatively inexpensive car. Sweet!

Speaking of loading on the goodies: adding on the fishing package gets you an aerated livewell in the center of the transom, a basic fishfinder, bow-mount trolling motor rigging, and a bow casting platform with a seat. You’ll need to add on some rod holders, but for an angler keeping his or her eye on the bank account balance, this package is going to be very tough to beat. Plus, we note that there are an awful lot of new anglers with young families out there these days, and you can also add a ski-tow pylon and give the kids joyrides when the bite slacks off.

Looking for a simple, inexpensive way to take your newfound fishing passion from the shoreline to the open Bay? You also want to make sure that each and every family member will be grinning from ear to ear? Like they say: it’s elemental.

Bayliner Element E17 Specifications

LOA – 17’0”

Beam – 7’6”

Displacement – 1984 lbs.

Draft (max) – 2’3”

Transom Deadrise – 16 degrees

Fuel Capacity – 18 gal.

Max. Power – 90 hp

Area Dealers – Riverside Marine, Essex, MD (410) 686-1500.