They Say: The 204 Ski N Fish packs more fun than six strippers in a vat of Mazola.
We Say: Pull fish in the morning, pull skiers after lunch, then pull the boat home on the standard trailer. The versatility offered by the 204 Ski N Fish’s cockpit layout and standard equipment lets you please every faction of your crew. A wireless trolling motor, fishfinder, fore-and-aft casting platforms, and livewell please anglers. For those seeking thrills instead of kills, a ski-tow-eye, swim platform with stowage bins, and fore-and-aft boarding ladders fill the bill. Poor access to the fuel filter was the one glaring low point. Performance with my tester’s 220-hp MerCruiser Alpha One stern drive is dandy. Planing like a shot, the 204 Ski N Fish reached a top speed just shy of 50 mph. Turn the wheel, and you’ll find the 204 forgiving. It exhibits just a touch of slide, preventing crew and gear from getting thrown into the outboard gunwale. Yet it holds its line well enough to please all but competitive slalom skiers. In some rough water, I flew off waves and landed repeatedly without excessive shudder. This is one tough bowrider.
Who’d Want One: Those who can’t make up their mind whether to fish or carve figure eights.
The Numbers: $34,603
Contact: 800.603.5291 www.bayliner.com
