The following review was written by John Page Williams, Editor-at-large, Chesapeake Bay Magazine. John, senior naturalist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has been a regular contributor to Chesapeake Bay Magazine for 30 years, specializing in environmental issues, nature, wildlife, fishing and boats. He has been testing new and used boats for the magazine's Time-Tested and New Boat News departments since 1998.

FEBRUARY 2009

Length overall  22' 6" Beam  8' 6" Draft  1' 6" Weight3,750 lb Fuel 50 gals Power  250-300 hp Base Price  $39,920

Bayliner's new 225 is a well executed bow rider--a classic all-around family boat. Large enough to handle nearshore seas safely, the boat has a wraparound stern seat, comfortable helm and companion seats, plus a deep forward cockpit with additional seating. The bow-rider layout offers plenty of storage space, including a deep centerline well for skis or wakeboards, a dedicated space for a 36-quart carry-on cooler and a dedicated trash receptacle. There's a removable cockpit table. A wakeboard tower is optional, and there's even a water temperature gauge in the dash.

Another nice feature is the full-width stern sun pad, with a stern deck and a broad swim platform for lounging. Construction is robust, with a vinyl-ester skin coat to prevent blisters. The hull has a limited lifetime warranty, Bayliner Boats, Knoxville, Tenn.; 800-443-9119; www.bayliner.com