[1][2][5] The boat has a draft of 1.75 ft (0.53 m) with the standard keel, allowing beaching or ground transportation on a trailer.

[2][5] In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote, "Best features: The competition in this size and weight range was fierce in the 1970s, and to clearly differentiate their product, Bayliner went for low price, a wide beam for plenty of space below, and a simple-to-use boat.

Neophyte sailors found a vessel with a low first cost, and a shallow keel for easy launching and retrieving on a trailer ramp.

Worst features: The new sailors would also find eventually that a boat with a shallow keel tends to side-slip when sailing upwind in a light to moderate breeze.

A long, narrow centerboard housed within the keel (such as on the Chrysler 20) would have eliminated that shortcoming, but would raise the price and complicate sailing.