Spotlight On: Bayliner

The largest manufacturer of recreational boats is Bayliner. In 1957 boat Orin Edson racer started selling racing boats in a parking lot in Seattle, WA. The first Bayliner was sold by Edson’s Advanced Outboard Marine business that year. By the following year Edson had grown so much he was able to open a showroom that began selling several brands of new powerboats, wooden boats, and outboard engines.

Eventually, Edson got into boat building and purchased the Bayliner name from his long-time friend and supplier, Al Koffel. Through the 1960s and 70s the company developed a name for innovative design, as well as excellent working conditions for its employees. In 1986 Bayliner joined the Brunswick Corporation, the largest marine company in the world. Bayliner has facilities in Tennessee and Washington in the U.S., as well as in Mexico and Portugal. If you’re fortunate enough to own a Bayliner, be sure to keep the motor in tip top shape with Evinrude XD50 oil.