With the increases in fuel costs over the past several years, many boaters are looking for cruisers that
will help them stretch every fuel dollar. One often overlooked yet efficient mid-size cruiser is the 3388 Motor Yacht from Bayliner, powered with fuel-efficient Cummins diesels.

Manufactured from 1996 to 2001, the Bayliner 3388 Motor Yacht replaced the 3288 with an updated and more stylish exterior, refinements to the hull and more standard features, creating a cruiser that seems larger than its 32 feet, 11 inches.

Our test boat was an excellent example of the model, obviously well maintained with several upgrades
and additions. The current owner has rigged this 3388 for cruising with an electric windlass, all chain rode, CQR and Danforth anchors, an eight-kilowatt Westerbeke gen set, and a Heart 2000-watt inverter. Other upgrades on this 1999 include all-new canvas with Strata Glass and screens, a custom extended aluminum swim platform, custom barbeque mount, and a Tend’r Roller davit system to handle a dinghy or PWC.

The cockpit with full enclosure makes a great spot for relaxing. The cockpit is self bailing with moulded steps to the side decks, a solid transom door and moulded-in sink and icemaker. A pair of gas strut assisted hatches in the cockpit sole provide access to the engine compartment, where there was adequate space to work around the optional Cummins 4BTA 3.9 Turbo diesels.

A sliding door with screen provides open access to the salon, which is one of the key attractions on this
boat. The comfortable L-shaped dinette seating, located to port on a raised deck that provides excellent sight lines, converts to a double berth. The expansive windows bathe the galley down layout in plenty of light, while the dual Zone air conditioning system has no problem keeping up with the heat from the sun.

The U-shaped galley features ample counter space and storage and has a three-burner propane stove
with oven, dual stainless sink, microwave oven, and an under-the-counter AC/DC refrigerator Below the helm and opposite the galley is the all-fibreglass head with lots of natural light, a marine toilet, sink, vanity and separate shower stall.

The forward stateroom features a V-berth and hanging lockers, as well as plenty of light and ventilation thanks to the two ports and overhead hatch.

The mid cabin, located immediately to port inside the salon door under the dinette, is quite large with good access despite a low ceiling. Here you will find a hanging locker and vanity with sink, as well as an upgraded custom foam mattress for the king berth. On newer models of this boat, the mid cabin is found below the helm deck and is noticeably smaller.

This owner has outfitted both helm stations (a lower helm is standard on the 3388) with dual station Raymarine colour chartplotters, radar and autohelm. The flybridge has a centreline helm position for excellent sight lines with a single adjustable captain’s chair. Space for guests on the bridge is available on an L-shaped bench with flip backrest for forward-facing seating.

Typical to Bayliner, the helm design is plain yet well laid out with all instruments, switches and controls logically placed. Unlike most diesel powered boats, our 3388’s engines muttered away at a low 400 rpm when idling out of the marina, pushing the boat along at a very manageable 2.6 mph – not the typical seven or eight mph.

With a total of 500 hp on tap and upgraded four-blade Nibral propellers, this 3388 performed quite well
out on the water.

Hitting the throttles, the turbos took 16 seconds to spool up, but the boat was on plane three seconds after
that. Top speed was 28 mph and the Cummins diesels could maintain a 24 mph cruise.

The reasonably beamy hull, coupled with its 33-foot length, provided a comfortable and stable ride and
handled well in lock to lock turn tests.

When comparing similar boats on the used market and rationalizing the price differences, remember to factor upgrades and options like the ones found on this Bayliner 3388. Additions, such as the twin turbo diesels on this boat, are well worth the extra dollars they will command on the used market.

TEST BOAT ENGINE
Twin CumminsMarine 4BTD, 250 hp apiece
Cruising speed (rpm/mph):
1800 / 24.0

Time on plane: 19.0 seconds
Top speed (rpm/mph):
2800 / 27.9