By: Mike Gridley

Making decisions on what models in a lineup to continue forward is a tough job for any boat manufacturer. Bayliner made an excellent decision when they opted to carry a previous model forward as the 2010 335 Sunbridge.

Bayliner designers have done a masterful job with the design of the 335, which will replace both the 320 and 340.The use of lines and details along with the blue hull treatment gives this beamy 33 footer a sleek and purposeful look.

In keeping with Bayliner’s mission of delivering affordable boating, they have also come up with the right mix of standard and optional features for this family cruiser. The standard package is great and the available option list is short, making the choices for upgrades simple.

Boarding aft puts you on the boat’s adequate integrated swim platform – much easier than clambering over the high cockpit sides. At the transom, you’ll find a good-sized storage compartment that also provides easy dockside access to the boat’s three battery switches, shore power cords and two 30-amp plug-ins, and circuit breakers. Conveniently located at the transom gate are the standard pressure shower and optional stereo remote.

To overcome the high gunwales, Bayliner has moulded-in steps port and starboard from the swim platform to the side decks to ease moving forward. The grab handles on the radar arch and the bow railing make the trip safer, as well.

But the best route to the foredeck is via the large moulded steps in the companionway door and through the walk-through windshield. If you opted for the Preferred Equipment Package, the deck is adorned with sun cushions and grab rails.

At the bow, there are the spotlight, stainless anchor roller and windlass with foot controls – all of which are standard equipment on the 335.While the rode locker access hatch is small, the locker is one of the largest I’ve seen on a 33 footer and will hold quite a length of rode and chain.

Bayliner offers two choices of cockpit layouts for the 335, both with seating that wraps around from the transom up the port side. The difference between the two configurations is a backrest for forward facing passengers versus a continuing extended lounge for a more open feeling. What’s nicest about the choice is that there is no additional cost for either.

While not high-end wood, the laminate cockpit table is standard. The aft corner is quickly converted to a small sun lounge by installing the table’s shorter leg, flipping out supports from under the table and seats, and adding some cushions.

Removing the cockpit table opens up the space lounging in this simple yet practical cockpit. If you opted for the Preferred Equipment Package, the engine hatch opens at the touch of a switch to make storing the cockpit table away in its dedicated rack on the underside of the hatch a lot easier.

Other cockpit amenities include a moulded-in refreshment centre with sink and pressure water, an optional refrigerator and a convenient (but still hidden) garbage can. Nice details include plenty of cup holders, an AC outlet and two marine-grade stereo speakers.

The helm is typically Bayliner, nicely laid out with all of the required and standard twin engine gauges in two rows at the top of the binnacle, leaving space in the centre for your choice of electronics packages.

All system switches are neatly grouped with the 12-volt circuit breakers at the bottom panel – a real plus as it means you don’t need to run below in case of an emergency.

Underway, the double wide helm with flip-up bolster and the tilt wheel will make navigating quite comfortable whether seated or standing. The other nice feature of the helm seat is it unlocks and rotates to port, allowing the captain to kick back and relax and join in the fun with the crew.

Overall, the interior of the 335 is light and airy due to the selection of finishes and fabrics combined with the numerous port lights, windows and hatches. The standard layout has a V-berth forward with privacy curtain, while the optional layout exchanges this for wraparound seating and a convertible dinette. Under the berth, you’ll find storage and access to the forward bilge.

Aft is the standard walk-in midcabin, with cabinets at the head of the berth housing the electrical panel and a deep storage locker. With an opening port and overhead window, this double berth should be quite comfortable for two adults.

Rounding out the cabin is a settee and table to starboard and the galley to port. The settee can convert to additional sleeping space by utilizing the table and a filler cushion.

The galley features a microwave, upper storage cupboards, a large stainless sink and ceramic cooktop. Under the counter are drawers, a cupboard and the AC/DC refrigerator.

The entertainment centre is positioned as part of the galley to allow it to face the settee. The system comes with a 15-inch LCD television, DVD player and an AM/FM/CD Satellite-ready stereo with MP3 plug in. The fibreglass moulded head compartment has an electric toilet, sink and vanity, shower and an all important opening, screened port.

While conducting my checks for the on-water test, I had a chance to look over the engine compartment and was impressed with what I saw.

Even with an optional generator, there is room to work around the twin MerCruiser 5.0-litre V8s.

The rigging was clean and all of the batteries were boxed and secured. Bayliner was even thoughtful enough to install access steps.

After idling along for a while in the confines of the Floridian section of the Intracoastal Waterway, I finally found some open water to put the 335 Ciera Sunbridge through its paces.

Though the bow rose for a few brief moments during the transition to planing speed, applying

the standard trim tabs reduced the bow rise and the 335 planed at 2500 rpm. The twin 260-hp MerCruiser 5.0 MPIs coupled to Bravo 3 drives accelerated our lightly loaded tester to 20 mph in 10 seconds and to 30 in 13.6. Cruise was 30.2 mph at 3500 rpm, while WOT of 5000 rpm produced 43.5 mph.

The wind was up a bit on test day and the water was choppy, but the 335 was not fazed. Turns were clean and steady with minimal spray and the ride was smooth once tabs and drive trim were set.

Bayliner is certainly well known for producing a wide range of value-priced boats and the 335 is no exception. Bayliner has done an excellent job with this model, making cruising more affordable and comfortable even with the base model. Add a Sunbrella canvas option, reverse cycle air conditioning and heat and maybe a generator from the option list and the 335 is more than good to go. 

TEST BOAT ENGINES
Twin MerCruiser 5.0 MPIs, 305ci / 5.0 litre V8, 260 hp apiece, Bravo 3 Drive with 22/24 P props

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20 / 9.1; 0-30 / 13.6

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
5000 / 43.5

CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
3500 / 30.2

SOUND LEVELS AT CRUISE (3500 rpm)
Helm – 98 dbA ; Aft Cockpit – 107 dbA ; Cabin – 98

SOUND LEVELS AT TOP SPEED
Helm – 108 dbA ; Aft Cockpit – 110 dbA ; Cabin – 110