I'm glad I found this thread as I am to considering a 4788 but was wondering how the boat would act in somewhat rough water. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I haven't been able to fully ascertain the hull shape from pictures on YachtWorld, but from what I could see the bottom is fairly flat without much of a keel and prop protection. Am I wrong? I too think the layout will work well and will be looking at one soon. We just need to get to the Bahamas in one piece and if encounter rough water can't have the boat coming apart. Thanks for any advice!
So much is relative and more about the operator than the boat. One person will venture far out when another stays at the dock. Bayliner will do as well or better than any boat in it's size and type. Am not aware of any coming apart. But rough water is your definition. I know many here who don't venture out in greater than 3-4'. Others of us don't hesitate on 6-8'.
Keep in mind the Bayliner was a PNW boat in it's origin. While on the trip to the Bahamas from Florida you'll most often see 3-4' with 6 seconds or 6-8' with 9 seconds, off the coast of Washington 10' swells at 13 seconds are not uncommon. You'll have to determine your own tolerance.