Long an Affordable Cruiser, This Bayliner Can't Be Beat for Liveaboard Accommodations.

When it was introduced in 1984, the 4550 Pilothouse Motoryacht was the queen of Bayliner's fleet and remained so throughout its 10–year production run. For reasons only Bayliner's marketing staff knows, the model name was changed to the 4588 following the 1988 model year, but other than minor cosmetic changes and some additions to the standard equipment list, the two models are the same. It's a great–looking boat with excellent accommodations for liveaboard or long–range cruising and has an affordable price tag, but careful attention must be paid to ensure the structure of this aging model remains sound.

Pilothouse motoryachts differ from more traditional motoryachts in that they have a separate, fully enclosed helm raised above deck level, similar to bridges found on large commercial vessels and workboats. The arrangement has the advantage of providing the helmsman an easily controlled environment (heat or air conditioning), a navigation table adjacent to the helm and ample protected space for sensitive electronics gear. On the downside, a significant portion of the interior accommodation space is taken up, and visibility is more restricted than from a flybridge helm. In fact, visibility astern on the 4550/4588 is practically nonexistent, and reflections from the windshield can make nighttime operation difficult.

On a positive note, with a second complete flybridge helm, it can legitimately be argued that the 4550/4588 offers the best of both worlds.

The method of construction of the 4550/4588 is typical of production fiberglass boats that are built with an emphasis on affordable price. The hulls are constructed of a fiberglass composite with a core throughout. None of Bayliner's literature provides construction details, although the few examples I have seen are cored with foam rather than balsa wood, at least below the waterline. The hull is supported by a system of longitudinal stringers and transverse frames of plywood encased in fiberglass and resin. The construction is certainly not as robust as a boat intended for fishing 100 miles offshore, but it seems adequate for the intended service. The only significant problems of which I'm aware have been the result of water penetration into the bottom core and delamination of the bottom composite.

Owners and prospective purchasers should carefully examine the area around through–hull fittings. Any delamination or elevated moisture must be dealt with immediately before it turns into an expensive repair.

The deck of the 4550/4588 is arranged in three separate areas: the foredeck, flybridge and aft cockpit. Because the main salon extends the full width of the boat, there is no direct access from the foredeck to the cockpit. This configuration can make short–handed docking somewhat of a fire drill, but it should cause no problems if there are at least two able crewmembers to assist the helmsperson.

The foredeck has plenty of room for storage of ground tackle, fenders and lines. Side decks, leading to access doors on either side of the pilothouse are wide and well guarded by welded stainless steel rails for secure passage.

The flybridge, reached either through a companionway from the pilothouse or via a ladder from the cockpit, has plenty of room for lounging or entertaining. Standard equipment includes a 500–pound–capacity davit for raising and lowering a dinghy.

The aft cockpit is only about four–feet deep, although it is over 13–feet wide and can easily accommodate several deck chairs. The flybridge overhangs the cockpit, so it is easily enclosed if an owner wishes.

Without a doubt, comfortable accommodations are one of the most attractive features the 4550/4588 Pilothouse Motoryacht has to offer. The master stateroom is forward and features a center–island double berth in one of the largest, most comfortable staterooms I have ever seen on a boat this size. There are his–and–her hanging lockers, drawers beneath the bed and a large adjoining head, complete with tub and shower.

Aft of the forward stateroom is a second port side stateroom with a private entrance and what I would describe as a large single or small double berth. There is storage beneath the berth, although no hanging locker. Across the hallway is a second head with a stall shower.

Working your way aft and up several steps, an all–electric gallery to port has all the conveniences of home—a microwave oven, upright refrigerator, countertop blender and even a trash compactor. Aft of the galley is the main salon, which extends the full width of the vessel. Large windows on each side offer an outstanding view. An L–shaped settee to port features a hi–lo table that serves double duty for cocktails or dining.

Propulsion is provided by twin Hino diesel engines, which were built in Japan and marinized in the U.S. by MerCruiser. Prior to 1991, 220–horsepower engines were used, with later models powered by twin 250–horsepower engines. These engines have a complex cooling system that includes a water–jacketed exhaust manifold/heat exchanger that is prone to galvanic corrosion. If it fails internally, water can enter the cylinders and cause extensive damage, so the system should be checked regularly by a knowledgeable mechanic.

At a comfortable cruising speed of 16 to 18 miles per hour, the 4550/4588 consumes about 18 gallons of fuel per hour, or a little more than a gallon per mile, which is quite economical for a 45–foot boat. At top speed, fuel consumption jumps substantially—to about 35 gallons per hour, or more than 1.5 gallons per mile.

Because of the long and moderately deep keel, the 4550/4588 has excellent directional stability, but the ride can be a bit wet in head seas. This model tends to roll quite a bit if seas are on the beam or stern quarters. This is typical of slower vessels with rounded chines.

Bottom line is that Bayliner's 4550/4588 Pilothouse Motoryacht offers a lot of boat for the money and is ideally suited for cruising the lakes, rivers and bays. And, with caution and proper planning, it is also suitable for coastal cruising.

Jack Hornor, NA is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co. Hornor writes for BoatU.S. Magazine and other marine publications.

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