Compare these two boats..please.

[gixxerjim]

I am thinking of buying a '91 Bayliner 2050 230hp I/O to replace my '88 SeaRay 180BR 130hp I/O. For those a little familiar with both boats, how would they compare for space, comfort, fuel economy under similar use, build quality, resale etc?

I like my Sea Ray a lot, but it is only rated for 6 people and I have a family of 5 (3 young boys). I would like a little more (okay a lot more) hp, more persons rating. I don't want more than I can tow with my 6cylinder minivan (our current boat is no problem at all after two full seasons). I have alwalys liked the lines of both of these boats (the Bayliner is an Arriva design I believe) but have to give the edge here to the Bayliner looks more modern to my eye.

Whaddya think?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

Well, in your two boats, for what you are looking for the advangtage goes to the bayliner. You just have to decide on the condition of the boat compared to what you already have...

That said, you asked other questions regarding space, comfort, fuel economy, build quality and resale...

Well, larger is going to give more space, that extra 2 feet can make a huge difference...
Comfort, the ride will be about the same, as they both have similar lines. Other comfort is going to be determined by the accessories ofthe two boats...
Fuel Economy, well a larger boat with a bigger engine is going to burn more fuel. How much more, I cann't say, but you will burn more. If that is acceptable, enjoy.
Now to Build quality. I have always felt that Sea Ray is ont of the best built boats on the water. They hold their value very well if maintained properly. Bayliner has a past reptation for their build quality. Not sure about the '91 models, but I know that their production quality has improved drastically, but they have left a bad name for themselves in the marine comunity. Not everyone os worried about it, but there are some that will not ever consider a Bayliner due to past rep. Therefore, resale will not be as well, unless you keep it pristine and have a no-bias buyer for the bayliner...

If you are looking for bigger, and the bayliner fits the bill and is in good enough condition, go for it...

 

[gixxerjim]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

Thanks!

NADA guides has the OAL only 1 foot longer 20ft vs 19 for my Sea Ray...from photos it looks like most of this foot is between the rear seats and the middle folding seats...
weight is only 95lbs more on the Bayliner (the motor must be 150lbs heavier, so is the Bayliner built lighter (weaker)?...

Bayliner is two inches narrower than my Sea Ray....

Hmmmm stil need more input.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

If the Bayliner is indeed an Arriva, they are really sharp looking boats. Both boats in consideration are pretty well "fully depreciated". At this point brand name matters very little. It's all about how well either were maintained. My real concern would be towing a V8 20' with a minivan. I think that would be really pushing, if not exceeding, the towing capacity. Your van, loaded up with your family, towing that big boat? I don't know about that. If your boys are still young and you're fairly happy with the SeaRay...I'd keep running and enjoying it. Perhaps in a few years you can upgrade the whole package. Plus I think your current SeaRay is a pretty sharp boat as well.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

I wouldn't bother with a Bayliner, unless it was a late 90's early 00's model. They were still crap back then as far as I'm concerned (bracing for sh!tstorm of Bayliner lovers). Like any boat that is almost 20 years old, wood rot/transom rot will be an issue and needs to be checked thoroughly. I would find a 20-22ft with a deeper-V to make the ride smoother. I also wouldn't go with less than a V8 engine to power it.

I don't consider the 1' much of an upgrade, but 2' may make it worth the hassle to accomodate the 3 boys.

 

[gixxerjim]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

Also, I can put $500 in my pocket in the process....

The boats weigh about the same (if NADA is to be trusted), so towing isn't an issue based on my good experience towing my Sea Ray...

I think the BL is rated for 8 people, not sure though...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

The boats weigh about the same

How in the heck is that even remotely possible??? (and if it is, do you want to know how that's made possible? )

 

[gixxerjim]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

Old Sea Rays are heavy, solid boats.
Bayliners are light, not so solid boats.

BL is 2' narrower.

Nada says
2006lbs SR
2100lbs BL

??

 

[steddy]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

Sea Ray has a thicker hull. Much thicker. Bring along a cordless drill and a tape measure, then try to convince the current owner it is a normal part of the buying/testing process to drill a hole in the bottom of the hull. You'll see what I mean about the thickness.

 

[gixxerjim]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

Thicker hull....good to know.

Well it turns out the Bayliner was a scam sale on Craigslist. I am toying with the guy to see if I can get him busted but I think he is on to me already as he hasn't called me. The old "well I am in New Jersey right now with the boat but I can arrange for shipping with a guarantee" etc...

Thanks anyway for your help. I have a legit option available that I like alot but can't haul: 1991 Bayliner Rendezvous 26' in really nice shape for $4400!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too slow for me though with a top speed of only about 28mph with the Force 150.

I really would like a 20ft deck boat with 200hp outboard....at least I think that's what I want!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

You don't want a Force anyway.....

 

[gixxerjim]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

...true on the Force. I will probably er definately need a new tow vehicle for the 20' deck boat too...

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

What is your tow vehicle? There aren't too many 20' boats that will weigh more than 4K lbs or so.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

How in the heck is that even remotely possible??? (and if it is, do you want to know how that's made possible? )

The V8 I/O is the reason, as opposed to a force outboard

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

Just sold my first boat, 1999 Bayliner. I did a resto-mod (link below) I dearly loved it! But after being out every week for the last 5 months, realized a deck boat was what I wanted and needed. Hurricanes are very well constructed, with tons of storage, weight ~ 3500 lbs, wet... I have a 150 Yammy 4-stroke that isn't broke in yet, but seems like it's gonna fly compared to the 39 mph I got from the Bayliner's 3.0 Mercruiser. I highly recommend any Godfrey Marine product...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

The V8 I/O is the reason, as opposed to a force outboard

You need to read the original post.....

 

[gixxerjim]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

What is your tow vehicle? There aren't too many 20' boats that will weigh more than 4K lbs or so.

I am towing my 18ft 3.0L Sea Ray with single axle braked trailer with my 2005 Nissan Quest SL (std tranny cooler, 240hp V6, 4wheel disc brakes, 3500lb tow rating), no problems other than this van is LOOOOW from the factory. With my 250lb tongue weight or so it's occasionally an issue. Looking at adding airbags to the coils, a $100 job that users seem to love....

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Compare these two boats..please.

I am towing my 18ft 3.0L Sea Ray with single axle braked trailer with my 2005 Nissan Quest SL (std tranny cooler, 240hp V6, 4wheel disc brakes, 3500lb tow rating), no problems other than this van is LOOOOW from the factory. With my 250lb tongue weight or so it's occasionally an issue. Looking at adding airbags to the coils, a $100 job that users seem to love....

Just buy an old pickup truck to use to tow it. Being at max tow and max tongue weight will be tough on your tranny and suspension. Find a 90's Ford or Chevy extended cab truck so you can bring the kids along. They're all over the place for 2-4K in good condition. That money is well worth the ease and safety when towing the larger boat.