Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

[Mark42]

Found this on craigslist. Its a 1985 16' Capri Cuddy Cabin. Who would have thought that cuddy cabin came in 16' size?

I drove 3 hours to see it. Beautiful condition. Only used in fresh water, garaged, very well maintaned. Will have to do something about that old Force. It doesn't even have power tilt/trim, but runs.

Boat also came with a custom bimini top that snaps to the windshield frame convertable style, full OEM Bayliner canvas boat cover hardly used (its garaged, remember!)

I went all over looking for soft spots, rot, leaks, etc. This thing is dry as a bone, and doesn't even smell funny in the bilge. The bilge was dry! And the vinyl is soft and I only found one small tear. The owner had all the original documentation and brochures and owners manual. Thats nice.

Plus a nice galvanized trailer and a boat load of tow toys.

I couldn't resist. Its just what I have been looking for for the last couple years.

Paid for it tonight, but will pick up in a few days.

 

[Twidget]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

That looks like quite a find Mark. What are going to repower with?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

I'm going to look for a late model 4 cycle 80-90 hp, but it will have to be used to keep things in budget.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

Wow mark. That's alot of boat stuffed into a small package. Very cute. Ya ought to just run the prop off that Force. Who made those, anyway?

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

Real nice

Don't show it to Bondo

 

[ob]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

Ya ought to just run the prop off that Force. Who made those, anyway?

Chrysler

 

[RRitt]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

that particular Force engine is pre-mercury. It doesn't have the self-destruct upgrade that was factory installed on the post '92 models. you can't stop it from being noisy and sucking down gas. you'll have a hard time finding good mechanics and you might be forced to do a lot of work yourself. Other than that it should run for another decade or so and cost little more than pocket change to maintain.

 

[studlymandingo]

May the Force NOT be with you!

May the Force NOT be with you!

Will have to do something about that old Force. It doesn't even have power tilt/trim, but runs.

You could part that outboard out on eBay and probably end up with nearly enough to fund a nice Merc.​

 

[eeboater]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

Wow - nice find Mark! Throughout High School, I learned to boat on a 19 foot version of that boat. I kind of like the fact that it is a itty-bitty 16 footer. Thoser are rare!

Sean

 

[aspeck]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

Sweet, even if it is a Bayliner ! Really nice little boat there - it would fit in my garage very nicely - and would be nice for the family now - want to trade a bass boat for her? But I get to keep my Johnson!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

The boat seems to be really solid. And I was expecting to see crummy fiberglass work below the floor from complaints I read about Bayliner quality. So I really checked it out well. All surfaces I could touch below the floor were fully glass/gel coated. I could not find bare wood except the edges of the floor where the cutout for the ski locker was. And that looked to have resin on it and was solid.

The owner took real good care of it. I felt better when I saw this house was meticulous both inside and out. And his cars were clean as can be. So it is believable that he took good care of the boat.

I didn't tow it home with my towncar becasue I thought it weighed 2500 lbs, but now I read the literature, and boat AND 85hp Force motor are listed as only 1140lbs. Add about 600lbs for trailer and 200lbs for gas and batteries, etc and I can still tow that with the Town Car. DOH! I should have brought it home last night. I mentioned it to the seller today and he said he towed it with his Buick Century a few times with no problems. Now he tells me......

I think the kids will flip when they see it!

BTW, the wife thinks I'm going to sell the MFG. God, what is she smoking!

 

[OldMercsRule]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

Very nice Mark, one of my friends has the larger version with the 125HP Force, (I would guess mid 1990s). Once ya start collectin' boats, ya can get in lots o' trouble, (from the 'war department' or the 'department of war', [in my house that is a female staffed position]). Every time I find a deal on a black boat anchor: I get in trouble!! (I only bought one boat this year: for my 20 year old son), n' I took some serious grief, (since I already have a fleet). I sure would think a couple of times before putting a newer motor on that boat. I ran a Mid to late 1970s Chrysler 105 for a few years and it ate one power pack due to a low battery, (so I was told), but other then that it ran fine and had lots of power. The Chryslers were a bit heavy, but a newer four stroke would be much worse, (power to weight). I don't know what the hull is rated for but a 4 cylinder two stroke black boat anchor 80 or 85 with PT could be had off season out here on the left coast for less the $500, ( I actually have a nearly perfect very nice looking fixable non PT 800 with one bad hole fer parts). It would likely be lighter then the force. You seem like a Johnnyrude fan, and I don't follow those prices or know much about the larger ones. The other cornsideration: how many holes do ya really want to drill in a 22 year old transom? I think the motto of: if it aint broke don't fix it should rule here! Just try to find a PT unit to attach!! My $.02. JR

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Just bought this 1985 Bayliner Cuddy...

I used to have the 87 2150 Bayliner Capri with a 5.0L OMC Cobra. It was the bigger brother of your boat.

Its only problem was a floor that was going out because my cover was leaking. If you can keep it as dry as a bone...like the previous owner did...you should be in good shape.

The quality on those boats was kinda "so so" because it was during Bayliner's cheapen them up years. You will see when you grab a bow rail or the trim falls off the cuddy cabin door.

I sold(practically gave it away) to my neighbor for $2500 5 years ago.