Quick Answer: The Bayliner VR6 is a roomy, family-friendly 22-foot bowrider with seating for up to 10, sterndrive or outboard power, and competitive pricing on the used market. Its biggest strengths are interior space and versatility, though buyers should weigh the differences between the I/O and VR6 OB before choosing. If you're shopping for a family bowrider and keep running into the Bayliner VR6, you're not imagining the buzz. This 22 foot bowrider has built a reputation for offering more cockpit space than most boats its size, along with a lower price tag than a lot of competitors in the same class. This review breaks down the design, engine options, real-world pricing, and the questions owners actually ask before buying one, so you can decide if the VR6 fits your boating plans.Key TakeawaysThe Bayliner VR6 stands out for its spacious layout, with seating for up to 10 people in a roughly 22-foot package.Buyers can choose between a sterndrive VR6 with a full-width swim platform and a VR6 OB with outboard power and additional stern storage.Used VR6 prices currently range from about $18,000 to $73,000, with the average listing landing near $40,000.The VR6 is best suited to lakes, rivers, and protected coastal waters rather than open-ocean boating.Browse Bayliner VR6 listings on Pop Sells to compare current boats, prices, layouts, and engine configurations before you buy.VR6 Design and LayoutThe VR6 measures roughly 22 feet 4 inches long with an 8 foot beam, and Bayliner built it around two design ideas the brand leans on across its lineup: BeamForward and AftAdvantage. BeamForward carries the boat's full width further forward than most bowriders, which opens up noticeably more room in the bow seating area. AftAdvantage keeps the swim platform separate from the self-bailing cockpit, so the usable interior space runs almost to the back of the boat instead of shrinking to make room for a add-on platform.That extra space adds up to seating for up to 10 people, which is more than most 22 foot boats can comfortably handle. Key layout highlights include:U-shaped, rear-facing cockpit seating on both port and starboard, which is genuinely useful when you're spotting a tuber or wakeboarder.Midship ski locker for boards, skis, and other watersports gear that would otherwise clutter the cockpit.Lockable changing area in the port console, upgradeable to a small head for longer days on the water.Bow seating that converts to a sun lounge with an optional filler cushion, thanks to the BeamForward design.Dry weight around 3,800 pounds with the standard engine, closer to 5,000 pounds all-up with fuel, gear, and passengers, which matters when you're picking a tow vehicle.I/O vs. Outboard: Which VR6 Fits YouBayliner sells the VR6 two ways, and the difference matters more than it might seem.The sterndrive version comes standard with a 200 hp MerCruiser 4.5L MPI engine, upgradeable to a 250 hp MerCruiser. With the 250 hp engine, the VR6 will run into the high 40 mph range and cruise comfortably in the upper 20s at 3,000 rpm. Sterndrive models also get a full-width swim platform, since the engine sits inside the hull.The outboard version, badged VR6 OB, ships with a 150 hp Mercury FourStroke standard, with a 200 hp upgrade available. On this version, the engine box takes over part of the stern, splitting the swim platform in two around the motor, and that space doubles as extra storage.A quick side-by-side:VR6 (sterndrive): 200 hp MerCruiser 4.5L MPI standard, upgradeable to 250 hp. Full-width swim platform since the engine sits inside the hull.VR6 OB (outboard): 150 hp Mercury FourStroke standard, upgradeable to 200 hp. Engine box splits the swim platform but adds extra storage space.One thing worth knowing before you buy an outboard model: several VR6 OB owners on boating forums have noted that the outboard cannot tilt all the way out of the water the way it can on many other outboard boats. This appears to be a byproduct of how the transom and swim platform are shared between the I/O and outboard versions of the hull, rather than a mechanical defect. It has not stopped owners from running the boat hard for years, but if you regularly trailer in shallow water, sit in a slip long-term, or want maximum prop clearance for beaching, it's a detail to ask your dealer about directly. You can see both configurations, along with full spec sheets, on the Bayliner brand page on Pop Sells.Performance on the WaterBayliner's traditional multi-strake V hull carries over to the VR6, and it shows in the ride. With the 250 hp MerCruiser, the boat gets on plane in a little over 3 seconds without an aggressive bow rise, and it holds full-lock turns at speed without cavitating thanks to Bayliner's Active Trim system. Reviewers consistently point out how quiet the cabin stays at cruising speed compared to older Bayliner models, which matters if you're spending full days on the water with kids or guests aboard. The 20 degree transom deadrise keeps the ride steady in light chop, though like most 22 foot bowriders, it's built for lakes, rivers, and protected coastal water rather than open ocean running.Featured VR6 Listings on Pop SellsTwo current VR6 listings on Pop Sells give a good snapshot of what's available right now.The 2023 Bayliner VR6 for sale in Edgewater, Maryland is the sterndrive configuration, listed with 52 photos showing the cockpit layout and swim platform in detail. It's a solid example of what a lightly used, newer-model VR6 looks like on the used market.The 2023 Bayliner VR6 OB for sale in Somers Point, New Jersey shows the outboard version, with 50 photos covering the engine box storage and split swim platform layout described above. Comparing these two listings side by side is a good way to see the real differences between the I/O and outboard versions before you commit to one.How Much Does a Bayliner VR6 CostBased on current national listings, used Bayliner VR6 boats typically start around $18,000 for older, higher-hour models and climb to around $73,000 for newer, fully optioned units, with the average used VR6 landing around $40,000. New VR6 models, both sterndrive and outboard, generally price out in the $40,000 to $75,000 range depending on engine size and options like the tower, upgraded sound system, or chartplotter.When budgeting, factor in more than the purchase price. A tandem-axle trailer, insurance, storage, and fuel for a 200 to 250 hp engine all add to the real cost of ownership. Bayliner has partnered with trailer manufacturers like EZ Loader on factory-matched trailers for its runabout and bowrider lines, so ask your dealer whether the trailer is included or sold separately.Bayliner VR6 vs. Other BowridersThe VR6 isn't the only boat in its price range worth cross-shopping. Depending on what matters most to you, there are several other boats and categories worth considering.Chris Craft Corsair: More Upscale Fit and FinishIf you want a similarly sized bowrider with a different take on layout and finish, the Chris Craft Corsair leans more upscale and might appeal if you're prioritizing fit and finish over maximum interior volume.Yamaha AR250: Jet Drive AlternativeIf a jet drive interests you, with no exposed prop and easier access for swimmers and shallow launches, the Yamaha AR250 is worth a look. It trades some of the VR6's storage and seating flexibility for that jet propulsion setup.Chaparral vs. Sea Ray: Other Bowrider Brands to CompareBuyers who are still deciding between brands more broadly may also find our Chaparral vs. Sea Ray comparison useful, since both brands compete in a similar price bracket to the VR6 with slightly different design priorities.Flats Boats: If Fishing Is the PriorityIf what you actually need is a dedicated fishing platform rather than a family bowrider, it's worth understanding what a flats boat is built for before you buy a boat that's better suited to watersports than skinny-water fishing.Browse More BowridersFor anyone set on the bowrider category generally, Pop Sells' full selection of bowriders for sale is worth browsing alongside the VR6.Bayliner VR6 Pros and ConsProsClass-leading interior space for a 22 foot bowrider, with seating for up to 10.Self-bailing cockpit adds a real safety margin without relying on bilge pumps alone.Priced lower than many comparable bowriders, with a wide used market to shop.Choice of sterndrive or outboard power depending on your maintenance and performance priorities.Strong low-speed handling, holding full-lock turns without cavitating.ConsOutboard version doesn't tilt the engine fully clear of the water, which matters for shallow launches or beaching.Built for lakes, rivers, and protected coastal water, not a boat for open ocean running.Some owners have reported build quality inconsistencies (loose fittings, gel coat issues) on certain model years, so a pre-purchase inspection is worthwhile.Higher-hour or older used models can need trailer and electronics upgrades that add to the total cost.Ready to Find Your VR6Whether you're leaning toward the sterndrive's full swim platform or the outboard's lower-maintenance simplicity, the VR6 is worth a closer look if cockpit space and family-friendly features top your list. See the full lineup on the Bayliner brand page at ?? Pop Sells to connect with sellers across the country.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow Much Does a Bayliner VR6 Weigh?Dry weight for the standard-engine VR6 is around 3,800 pounds. Once you add fuel, gear, and passengers, plan on the boat weighing closer to 5,000 pounds on the water, which is the number you should use when matching a tow vehicle and trailer.Does the Bayliner VR6 Still Have the Outboard Problem?The most commonly reported issue with the outboard version isn't a mechanical defect but a design characteristic: the outboard on the VR6 OB doesn't tilt all the way out of the water like it can on some competing hulls, because the transom is shared with the sterndrive version of the boat. Owners have discussed this on boating forums for several model years, and it doesn't appear to have been redesigned away. It's not a dealbreaker for most buyers, but ask your dealer to walk you through the tilt range before you buy if beaching or shallow trailering is part of your routine.Does the 150 HP Bayliner VR6 Raise Out of the Water?The 150 hp Mercury FourStroke on the VR6 OB tilts up like any outboard, but not to full clearance the way it might on a boat designed exclusively around outboard power. See the answer above for more detail.How Much Is a Bayliner VR6 Bowrider?Used VR6 bowriders currently range from around $18,000 for older or higher-hour boats up to around $73,000 for newer, well-equipped models, averaging close to $40,000. New models run higher depending on engine and options.Which Outboard Comes Standard on the Bayliner VR6?The VR6 OB ships standard with a 150 hp Mercury FourStroke outboard, with a 200 hp FourStroke available as an upgrade.Where Should You Install a Radio on the Bayliner VR6?Most VR6 owners mount their stereo head unit in the helm console, where Bayliner already runs wiring for the standard sound system, making it the simplest spot for an upgrade like a Rockford Fosgate system. A marine electronics installer can confirm the cleanest wiring path for your specific model year.Where Do You Put the Anchor on a Bayliner VR6?The VR6's bow storage compartment is the standard spot for anchor and rode storage, keeping the weight forward and out of the main cockpit area.Who Makes the Trailer for a Bayliner VR6?Bayliner dealers commonly pair the VR6 with trailers from established manufacturers like EZ Loader, though the exact trailer brand can vary by dealer and region. Confirm what's included with any specific listing.