28' contessa 1988...hmmmm

[filthy-oar]

Looking at purchasing this model to use on the lakes of Arizona. The one I looked at was the sun bridge model with dual volvo v-8. We really like the layout and size of the cabin but some issues sort of scare me and I thought I would bounce some off the forum.
water in the bilge (he said it was from the strong rains we had this week)
discoloration on the side (looks like the bumper may have rubbed through the gelcoat)
slight rust on one of the through bolts at transom (shows inside afraid of rot)
I guess the only real solution is a survey but $500 is huge if we don't end up buying it. What do you think?
Thanks

 

[gcboat]

Re: 28' contessa 1988...hmmmm

I for one could not afford a $500.00 bump in the pocketbook for every boat I was interested in. Find one that you really like and really want. Go through it to the best of your ability. If nothing major is glowing then go for the survey.
At present you are looking at one of Bayliner's worst years for production boats. I would highly recommend a survey on that vessel. Paying very close attention to stringers, transom, motor mounts and the area around your I/O cut outs.
As far as the gel coat being rubbed through that has me scratching my head. Highly unlikely but still possible. Take some rubbing compound ( mild )
and see if the discoloration is just from fender wear. If it really is worn through you'll have a grayish cast coming through. Very unlikely but it might also be green from the original layup.
I'd look that one over really good.

jerry

 

[filthy-oar]

Re: 28' contessa 1988...hmmmm

Thanks, sort of what I was thinking. The rub on the side is more yellow than anything and it doesn't appear to be worn down but it is very smooth, Good idea with the rubbing compound
can you tell me the years that are better for this model? Iy is just so roomy with that 10' beam. I don't think I have looked at any boats that length with that much. I am a mechanic so doing a compression test is nothing but the transom and stringers are my big concern.
Thanks again

 

[gcboat]

Re: 28' contessa 1988...hmmmm

The model years for that boat are varied. Different years - different names.
Production models during that time frame could vary from six months to a year between name changes. But all could be the same boat with some very slight modifications.
That particular vessel is a very good boat for the money but please reread my previous post on their faults.
As far as the better years for this model it is hard for me to say. They are all decent boats as long as they were maintained properly - big issue !!!!!
Being a mechanic you do have the ability to check certain motor functions but there are the outdrives that are also in question. If I'm not mistaken that boat has the twin 305's with Cobra lower units? A really nice setup but those Cobra's are very finicky and do require a certified OMC mechanic to make the necessay shift adjustments. They will eat gear sets if not properly done.
If this is THE boat for you then most definately have a qualified surveyor do their thing.

 

[filthy-oar]

Re: 28' contessa 1988...hmmmm

The outdrives are volvo 175's. I am having the transom , stringers, and motor mounts checked out. Thanks for the advise.

 

[gcboat]

Re: 28' contessa 1988...hmmmm

Congrats on the VP's - good stuff. Keep us posted on the outcome of your survey.

 

[martinrab]

Re: 28' contessa 1988...hmmmm

Do the survey. Never buy a boat without having it surveyed well first. ..... Just my humble oppinion as a boat salesman, ......

 

[Mike H]

Re: 28' contessa 1988...hmmmm

if it got the 275s and not the OMC out drives then its an 86
not 88 Bayliner stop putting on the 275 280s in 86

i have the same setup 86 2850 contessa S/B 275 twins
i had mine for 5 years and it been a nice boat.
Dose it look like this. Mike