1984 Bayliner capri question

[v-twindad]

Hello, this is my first post here and I would like to get some feedbak, Ok here goes, I found a 1984 17 foot open bow Bayliner Capri with a 85 Force motor. The problem is its been sitting outside for 6 years uncovered and unused with the bow elevated if that helps anything. Of course the vynal is shot and there is lots of oxidation but I really like the style of the boat, the guy says that the engine has had some work done to it like a new impeller, new spark plugs and a new trim motor, he said the bill was like 500. I looked underneath the boat and didnt see any damage it actually looks pretty good, the guy also said the boat has pretty low hours since new. He wants 1000.00 for it. what do you guys think, How would I check for any rot, and what else should I look at? This will be my first boat.

Thanks alot

Chuck
Great Falls, MT

 

[marine4003]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Leave it alone....why? -1st off its a Bayliner,not a top of the line boat to begin with,then add 6years of sitting in the rain-sun-hot-cold..Know what happens??,the structural components start to rot,all the things that hold the boat together,Then we add the Force motor...Force is the Yugo of boat motors,non withstanding he spent 500 smackers on it,so what you have is a real expensive flower planter,
If you have some money and you want a boat,look thru Craigs list...e-bay..local paper ect...also read this -Sticky: A guide for beginners just starting out boating
Please dont run out and buy the first boat that catches your eye..not so much fun having a broken/busted/rotten boat just sitting in your driveway with no idea or time to fix. Find something that suits your needs and then post it here for all to see,and you will receive the best advice/recommendations ever. Good Luck.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

totally agree.
Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.

A 30 year old boat motor combo, may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[bomar76]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

At $1000 that hulk is $1500 overpriced.

 

[fixb52s]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Here is what I would do:

1. Face the boat.
2. Turn around.
3. Run.​

 

[v-twindad]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Thanks for the warning, I will steer clear of the Bayliner. I have also found a Crestliner and a Starcraft, late 70s earley 80s trihull open bows, any opinions on these two boats?

Thanks
Chuck

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Knew this thread would bring out all the bayliner FORCE haters. Dont listen to them, there are some good bayliners out there and dont let a FORCE motor scare you. FORCE motors are easy to work on and parts are still readily available and its easily repaired. However, given the fact that this boat has sat uncovered for six years, i would run. I dont care if its a bayliner or a so called top of the line boat, anything thats been in the elements for six years uncovered is a breading ground for rot. Read TDs thread, any type of used boat can be quality depending on how it was taken care of, but runaway from this boat, not because of the boat type or motor type, but becuase it wasnt taken care of properly.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Thanks for the warning, I will steer clear of the Bayliner. I have also found a Crestliner and a Starcraft, late 70s earley 80s trihull open bows, any opinions on these two boats?

Thanks
Chuck

Crestliner and Starcraft both make excellent boats. However, as mentioned above, at this age it's going to come down to how they were maintained much more than brand name. Check for a solid transom and a deck with no soft spots. On fiberglass boats, a soft deck is usually an indication of a much more serious rot issue.

 

[v-twindad]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Ok, this will be a dumb question for some but here goes, what is the difference between the transom and the deck?

Ok so now you know just how new I am........

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Transom is the back of the boat. More specifically it would be the wood which reinforces whatever the hull material is (fiberglass/aluminum) to hold the weight and force of the motor. The deck is the floor.

 

[marine4003]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Knew this thread would bring out all the bayliner FORCE haters. Dont listen to them, there are some good bayliners out there and dont let a FORCE motor scare you. .

Lets not jump to conclusions...I dont HATE force or Bayliner, but statistically these two dont have a real good reputation for both reliability and quality,These are entry level boats,along with less expensive motors,combined allow for anyone to break into boating without spending a fortune. so when you have a less expensive boat/motor package then anyone else,what gives is the quality.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Lets not jump to conclusions...I dont HATE force or Bayliner, but statistically these two dont have a real good reputation for both reliability and quality,These are entry level boats,along with less expensive motors,combined allow for anyone to break into boating without spending a fortune. so when you have a less expensive boat/motor package then anyone else,what gives is the quality.

I agree, 'Statistically' you're right....but those statistics do not apply to every boat, every motor and every year. So the 'blanket statement' bashing of all those products always gets a reaction from those out there (including myself) who thus far have had great success with this combo.
Make no mistake these are budget boating combo's...just like a Ford Ranger or S10 up against a Toyota...however the ford and little chev is all some can afford at that moment...and although not great, they are good enough given the budget and intent.
I would avoid early-mid 80's Bayliners and I would avoid mid 90's (Mercury) Force products. The rest I would leave up to condition, history, maintenance and a very thorough check-out.
All Good
BP

 

[marine4003]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

BigPrarie - too true!!i do try not to "bash" and if i sometimes come across as such..my apologies.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

i am not a Bayliner basher. but you have to admit, most were first time boats, and not maintained. the new Bayliners are top notch boats, and no longer entry priced.

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

Offer 350.0 Take boat home. Enjoy new project. The bayliner capris have very sweet lines.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

i am not a Bayliner basher. but you have to admit, most were first time boats, and not maintained. the new Bayliners are top notch boats, and no longer entry priced.

...couldn't agree more guys, including Marine2003's comments. My next boat probably won't be a Bayliner/Force for the fact that I will try to 'step it up' a bit.
I feel very fortunate to have an example (so far) of a previously well maintained (entry level) boat yielding good boating...18 years later.
That said,....I'm goin' to hit the lake this afternoon for a quick buzz around.
Regards,
BP

 

[ron12]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

i have a 84 bayliner capri i got from craigslist for free at that and it had a seized merc 100hp so i sold the lower unit and ended up with a 1975 mwerc 1150 never had any problems with it and it to was stored outside only thing i had to do to the boat was new carpet. and just recently put a new internal harness,plugs,cables,solinoid and impellar. never really had a problem with her and i can put my family of five in it no problem. bayliners are great boats if taken care of properly.

 

[BonairII]

Re: 1984 Bayliner capri question

You just replied to a 4 yr old thread. That's a no-no.