Bayliner hasn’t built Trophy models in years, and instead has been focusing its fishing efforts on the Element line with its “M” hull, like the Element F21. But this year, that becomes history — the Trophy series is back.

bayliner trophy running
The Bayliner Trophy T20CC is one of the first in a new generation of Trophy boats.

Why would Bayliner reanimate the brand and roll out a 20-footer when it already has 18’ and 21’ Elements? Because unlike the Element line, these new Trophy boats are V-hull designs. The T20CC also has a larger console than the Elements to gain room for a head compartment, as well as a solid list of standard-issue fishing features: four flush-mount gunwale rod holders, under-gunwale racks, four rocket launchers on the leaning post, a livewell in the leaning post (and one under the aft deck if you opt for it) and elevated casting decks both fore and aft.

As with the Trophy line of yore, the T20CC is intended to offer anglers a relatively low-cost way to get into a new boat. And as such you’ll find that the MSRP is more than a little bit attractive, coming in under the $35K mark for the base boat-motor-trailer package and around $40K well-equipped. Financing it makes for a monthly payment best described as car-like. So, how does Bayliner keep the overall cost down? Expect that you’ll see a few plastic parts (cup holders, latches, and some fittings, though upgrading some with a stainless-steel package is optional). Hatches will open up manually rather than on gas-assist struts, the rocket launchers on the T-top are bolted in place rather than being welded, and the base boat is rigged with a relatively modest 115-horse outboard (which can be beefed up to 200 horses).

Although these boats carry the Trophy moniker, truth be told, you won’t find many similarities between the old Trophy models and the new T20CC. This is an all-composite, self-bailing boat that comes with a lifetime limited transferrable hull warranty, and it has a widely flared bow that not only makes for a dry ride but also expands the forward casting platform. In other words, the new Trophy has it where it counts. So if you value financially fishability over fru-fru frills, the T20CC is definitely a boat you’ll want to check out.

Trophy T200CC Specifications:

  • LOA – 20’5”
  • Beam – 8’0”
  • Displacement – 3250 lbs.
  • Draft (hull) – 1’7”
  • Transom Deadrise – 18 degrees
  • Fuel Capacity – 55 gal.
  • Max. Power – 200 hp
  • Area Dealers – Riverside Marine, Essex, MD, (410) 686-1500.