• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
  • Email Newsletters
  • Boat of the Year
  • 2024 Freshwater Boat and Gear Buyers Guide
  • 2024 Boat Buyers Guide
  • 2024 Water Sports Boat Buyers Guide
  • 2024 Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide
  • Cruising Boats
  • Pontoon Boats
  • Fishing Boats
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Water Sports
  • Boat Walkthroughs
  • What To Look For
  • Watersports Favorites Spring 2022
  • Boating Lab
  • Boating Safety
  • Ultimate Boating Giveaway

Boating Magazine Logo

2021 Bayliner Element M15

  • By Alan Jones
  • Updated: July 30, 2021

Bayliner Element M15 cruising at sunset

The evolution of Bayliner’s Element Series continues with the introduction of the M15, a new entry-level deck boat that features a more open cockpit design and upgraded upholstery, with a starting price below $14,000 including a trailer. Despite being a foot shorter and nearly a foot narrower than the E16—the original Element—the M15 feels larger because it does away with the space-eating rear playpen and fiberglass dividers between seating areas. Moving the helm seat to the aft bench also creates more usable space in the cockpit. A major evolution is the integrated swim platform, which gives the boat a more graceful sheerline and creates a one-level back porch that’s perfect for key-off lounging facing rearward. Bring on that sunset!

The standard engine is a three-cylinder Mercury FourStroke 40 EFI, but upgrading to the four-cylinder Mercury FourStroke 50 EFI we ran during our test is a recommended option ($775) that pushed its top speed to a respectable 31.3 mph. The M15′s M-hull gives it admirable side-to-side stability, with 17 degrees of deadrise at the stern to help mitigate the chop. The hull also provides lots of lift, which helped it get on plane in 5.7 seconds and also allowed it to stay on plane at only 14.5 mph. The angular outer sponsons push back during hard turns to reduce inward lean.

Bayliner Element M15 helm

Interior and Accessories

The few available options are bundled to make choosing a setup easy. Buyers could select the bare-bones E Package, but they should fork over an extra $1,050 to upgrade to the EX Package, which includes the choice of black or red hull color, a Jensen 120-watt AM/FM MP3 stereo, a 500 gph bilge pump, a mooring cover, and a Bimini top with boot. For another $525, the EXL Package builds on the EX Package by adding SeaDek padding to the cockpit sole and swim platform, a digital depth finder, and a bow filler cushion to create a sunning platform.

Bayliner Boats’ newest entry-level model accomplishes the mission of delivering great value and fun in an easily trailerable package.

Bayliner Element M15 cruising on the lake

How We Tested

  • Engine: Mercury FourStroke 50 EFI
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/10.25″ x 13″ 3-blade aluminum
  • Gear Ratio: 1.83:1 Fuel Load: 5 gal. Crew Weight: 425 lb.

High Points

  • Open cockpit design maximizes seating options for up to five passengers.
  • Excellent side-to-side stability at rest.
  • Integrated swim platform gives it a more refined look.
  • Fun to drive and economical to run.
  • Nonadjustable helm seat is comfortable for most drivers, but not all.
  • Absence of a bow cleat makes anchoring more difficult.
  • No Bayliner ski-tow option, but dealers can offer aftermarket solutions.

Toughest Competitor

Check out Tahoe’s T16 ($19,995) with a Mercury 60 FourStroke, Kicker two-speaker stereo, single-axle powder-coated galvanized trailer, depth sounder, speedometer with fuel gauge and trim switch, and bilge pump.

Pricing and Specs

Price: $14,774 (with Mercury FourStroke 50 EFI)
LOA: 15’2″
Beam: 6’7″
Draft (max): 2’1″
Displacement (approx.): 1,385 lb.
Transom Deadrise: 17 degrees
Bridge Clearance: NA
Fuel Capacity: 12 gal.
Max Power: 50
Available Power: Single Mercury Marine outboards to 50 hp

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Bayliner Element M15 performance data chart

Bayliner Boats – Knoxville, Tennessee; 865-971-6311; bayliner.com

  • More: 0-20ft , 2021 , Bayliner Boats , boat tests , Boats , outboards , Runabouts , September 2021

EdgeWater 208CC Watchman cruising

Boat Test: 2024 EdgeWater 208CC Watchman

Stingray 23 OSX running fast

Boat Test: 2024 Stingray 23 OSX

Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer running inshore

Boat Test: 2024 Grady-White 231 Coastal ­Explorer

Hurricane SunDeck 2600 OB on the lake

Boat Test: 2024 Hurricane SunDeck 2600 OB

Hurricane SunDeck 2600 OB on the lake

Boat Test: 2024 Brabus Shadow 1200 ­Sun-Top

Bote inflatable mat for boaters

Inflatable Water Mats for Boaters

Monterey Elite 30 running offshore

Boat Test: 2024 Monterey Elite 30

Boating Magazine Logo

  • Digital Edition
  • Customer Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cruising World
  • Sailing World
  • Salt Water Sportsman
  • Sport Fishing
  • Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Boating may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Boating Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Heritage Series

An ideal tender or companion boat for your home on the lake. It’s completely unsinkable, which gives parents a lot of confidence when the teenagers ask for the keys — Boating Magazine

The 158CS was designed for escapades beyond the jetty or shuttling provisions to a private island picnic.

Its rugged built and deep-V hull give it the feel of a much larger boat. The versatile 158CS packs the big boat features into a compact package, such as a self-bailing deck, hefty-functional cockpit, ample storage, and the reliability of Yamaha Power. When you head out in the 158CS for island adventures or offshore fishing, enjoy the day with complete confidence.

158CS Virtual Tour

158cs specifications, features & options gallery.

Bow Cushion Area

Additional info, if available, will be shown here.

Standard stainless, 1-inch split bow rail

Standard Features

  • PermaGrid® Fiberglass Stringer System
  • Limited Lifetime Structural Hull Warranty
  • NMMA, ABYC & CE Certified
  • Self Bailing Non-Skid Decks
  • NO WOOD All Composite Construction
  • Closed-Cell Foam Flotation
  • Variable Deadrise Deep V Hull
  • High Density Composite Transom
  • White Gelcoat Hull Color
  • Stainless Steel Bow and Stern Lifting Rings (3)
  • Welded 316L Stainless Steel 1” Split Bow Rail
  • 8″ Stainless Steel Cleats (4)
  • Heavy Duty White Rubrail with Black Insert
  • Folding Stainless Steel Transom Boarding Ladder w/ Grab Handle
  • Portable 6 Gallon Fuel Tanks (2)
  • 3/8″ Clear Acrylic Windshield
  • Stainless Steel Steering Wheel w/ Cable Steering
  • Ritchie Compass
  • Stainless Steel Console Grab Handles (2)
  • Stainless Steel Drink Holders on Console (2)
  • Canvas Sun Top with Stainless Steel bows and Hardware
  • LED Navigation Lights
  • 1000 GPH Auto/Manual Bilge Pump (1)
  • Console Switch Panel with waterproof switches, circuit breakers & 12V Outlet
  • Waterproof Electrical Connectors & Tin-Plated Copper Wiring
  • Heavy-Duty Marine Grade UV Resistant Vinyl Upholstery
  • Helm Fiberglass Bench Seat w/ Removable Cushions
  • Helm Bench Seat Back Rest
  • Bow Cushion
  • 48 Qt. Console Cooler
  • Bow Storage Locker w/ Drain
  • Transom Quarter Storage Compartments (2)

Yamaha F70 Four Stroke  w/ Aluminum Prop, Group 24 Battery w/ Box, Fuel/Water Separator & Primer Bulb, Tachometer w/ Warning Lights

Optional Features

Hullside Color Dark w/ White Bottom

  • COLORS: Stars & Stripes Blue

Hullside Color light w/ White Bottom

  • COLORS: Pewter, Ice Blue, Sea Foam Green
  • Garmin EchoMap Chirp 64CV with UHD GT24 Transducer
  • Fusion Stereo RA55 with JL Audio 6.5″ M3 Speakers (2)
  • Removable Ski Pylon (Swivel Eze)
  • Console Cover (Navy, Black, Toast)
  • Magic Tilt Trailer
  • Aluminum Magic Tilt Trailer

Plug & Play

User-friendly and accessibility are the key ingredients of this solid center console.

158cs Plug And Play

A boat made for new beginnings.

158cs Growing Up

Build Your Boat

Download Catalog

Find Your Dealer

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More

IMAGES

  1. 15 Ft Nireus 460 Mini Motorboat Without License

    15 foot motorboat

  2. 15 Foot Delta Motorboat Boat Boats 100hp Evinrude Starflite

    15 foot motorboat

  3. 15 Foot Delta Motorboat Boat Boats 100hp Evinrude Starflite

    15 foot motorboat

  4. 15 foot SUNBIRD motorboat for Sale in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin Classified

    15 foot motorboat

  5. 15 Ft NIREUS 460 Mini Motorboat WITHOUT LICENSE

    15 foot motorboat

  6. 15 foot boat with mercury 55 hp, electric tilt and with trailer

    15 foot motorboat

VIDEO

  1. #motor boat 🛥️#gaming#like🎮🥀#subscribe💗💖#shorts

  2. Maxus Outboards 15HP Key Benefits

  3. ASMR 15 minutes motor sound of a boat and waves

  4. Newport boat stranded on rocks

  5. Подвесные лодочные моторы. сравнение 10 и 15 сил

  6. 2016 Top Fishing Boats by Legend Boats

COMMENTS

  1. 2021 Bayliner Element M15 Boat Test, Pricing, Specs - Boating Mag

    The evolution of Bayliner’s Element Series continues with the introduction of the M15, a new entry-level deck boat that features a more open cockpit design and upgraded upholstery, with a starting price below $14,000 including a trailer.

  2. Bayliner Element M15 – Explore Deck Boat Models | Bayliner

    Explore the versatility of the Bayliner Element M15. This side console deck boat has an open bow, an outboard motor, and is low-maintenance making it perfect for cruising.

  3. Bayliner Element M15 boats for sale - Boat Trader

    Got a specific Bayliner Element m15 in mind? There are currently 47 listings available on Boat Trader by both private sellers and professional boat dealers. Of those available, we have 38 new and 9 used. The oldest boat was built in 2021 and the newest model is 2025.

  4. 15-Foot Center Console Boat - EdgeWater Boats

    Learn about the 158CS, a 15-foot center console boat that is rugged built, and has a deep-V hull, which gives it the feel of a much larger boat. The versatile 158CS packs the big boat features into a compact package, such as a self-bailing deck, a hefty-functional cockpit, ample storage, and the reliability of Yamaha Power.

  5. Bayliner Element M15 boats for sale

    The M15 marks the beginning of our M Series line of versatile deck boats. This compact lightweight and low-maintenance model makes boating easy for couples and small families. Both first-time and experienced owners can appreciate its simplicity and style.

  6. Bayliner M15 boats for sale

    The M15 marks the beginning of our M Series line of versatile deck boats. This compact lightweight and low-maintenance model makes boating easy for couples and small families. Both first-time and experienced owners can appreciate its simplicity and style.