buying a used boat?

[msp750]

Were are looking at buying a 1991 Bayliner capri 20 foot cuddy cabin. The boat is in good shape but what concerns me is the 120 HP Force outboard. The seller states the motor was rebuilt (pistons, rings, etc) last year and runs good now. He did not say why it was rebuilt but there was three extra prop for it in a storage compartment (would this have anything to do with it). We are going to test drive it in a few days and any information would be appreciated since I have heard varying stories on this kind of motor. Thanks

 

[fishthebay]

Re: buying a used boat?

If you are 100% serious about buying the boat,I would recommend a marine survey. It should cost you a little under $200.00. Also, I would get a marine mechanic to look at the motor.<br /><br />I have a 1987 Force Outboard and it has been trouble free for the past 5 years I have owned the boat. Proper care will prolong the life of the engine and keep it running for years.<br /><br />Again, have an expert look at both the boat and motor. They can do a compression check on the engine to determine its condition.

 

[JB]

Re: buying a used boat?

Howdy, MSP750. PLEASE DON'T buy that boat!! There are good used B'liners out there and there are good used FORCEs, but there are too many that mean nothing but headaches and heartaches, particularly for a new boater.<br /><br />Read 12Footer's post in Stupid Human Tricks forum.<br /><br />Would you buy a used Yugo?<br /><br />Find a smaller or older high quality boat with a good engine. OMC, Merc, Yamaha and Suzuki are all good engines.<br /><br />I heard about a guy who went into a marine store and said to the clerk, "give me a fuel pump for my FORCE 75," The clerk said, "Tell me what engine you want the fuel pump for and throw in fifty bux and you have a trade."<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[msp750]

Re: buying a used boat?

Thanks for the advice! I am kind of new to the boating scene and basically want the boat to fish with and my wife wants to waterski a little bit. With the addition of children we figured we would like the cuddy cabin for naps and ect. What do you think a boat like that is worth? He is asking $3500 and said he would take less. Any suggestions?

 

[Cwr]

Re: buying a used boat?

I only have a 40 force on my boat but it is the second one on it. I bought the boat new in 1996 and in 1997 the powerhead bolts all came loose and messed up the motor. Mercury put a new 1998 motor on the boat, and it has been nothing short of a nightmare either. I wouldn't recommend a force to anyone.

 

[AMFcrestliner]

Re: buying a used boat?

I wouldn't reccomend a bayliner to any-one...<br /><br /><br /> tee-hee !!!!!!!!

 

[martinwinte]

Re: buying a used boat?

I had a force 50 on an old fishing boat.... The boat was used very little. I had many problems with the outboard. The charging system. "glue" went bad and the charging system fell down and tore up it and the coils. The foam on the inside of the cover gave way and cause it to fall also (I caught it before it did anything. just 2 odd things from many.