Need advice on used boat purchase.

[pail25]

I am looking for a used boat for family tubing and fishing. I want to spend about $5000. I have searched the forums and it seems Bayliner has a bad reputation. I have found several 1995-1998 Bayliners with the 120 hp force and some with the mercruiser I/O within my price range. Which setup has the most problems? Isn't the mercruiser the same on all brand boats? Should I look for an older but better branded boat? I have talked to some local mechanics and they said to stay away from OMC/Cobra. I am new to boating. I also have found a 1991 Sea Ray and Chapperal within my price range but the Bayliner is 6-8 years newer and alot can happen in 6-8 years. I want to get the most for my money. Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

 

[DJ]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

MerCruiser is the same, regardless of what boat it is in. A decent choice.<br /><br />Stay away from the Force unless you are skilled at maintenance.<br /><br />I, personally, have no problem with newer Bayliners.<br /><br />Just do the usual checks.<br /><br />1. A thorough exterior hull inspection.<br /><br />2. Walk around/stomp around in the interior. Soft spots in the floor spell trouble, regardless of the brand.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

Go check out both of them and compare. If you find a Sea ray that is in good shape, it may suit you better than a Bayliner. For instance if the rigs you are looking at have the 3.0l Merruiser, the sea ray may have power steering where the bayliner won't.<br /><br />The ony way you can tell what works for you is if you go shopping. As DJ said I would stay away from the Force.<br /><br />If you find a rig with a 110-120 merc or Johnson/evinrude outboard, you will get more bang for the horsepower than you would with the 3.0l Mercruiser.

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

I wouldnt purchase based on brand. A boat is a boat is a boat. Purchase based on condition, and how it fits your needs. If it floats and is in good condition, the mercruiser will be the same from name brand to name brand.<br /><br />I think people just love to hate something and bayliner takes a kicking on this board. <br /><br />IMO, there's a lot of boat manufacturers that have come and gone for one reason or another. Bayliner and sea ray and others that have been around awhile, makes part finding easier.

 

[pail25]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

I found a 1997 Bayliner 1950 for $5250. It has been in saltwater but the owner said he flushed it everytime he has took it out. He also says it has less than 200 hours. What do you all think?

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

I am betting this probably has the 3.0l Merc. If I am right, that is a lot of boat for that engine. I wouldn't be interested. If it has the 4.3 or 5.0 it is definitely worth a look..

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

yes I agree thats a lot of boat for that engine... I have an 86 1950 bowrider with the 2.1 volvo.. I can just reach 30 mph.. I want for more hp but i'd act stupid with more hp so i'm sticking with what I have. It'll pull a skier no prob but would still like a lil more speed for that oncoming thunderstorm.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

pail25 - You said that owner "He also says it has less than 200 hours. What do you all think?" Remember he is the seller and unless he can demonstrate that the rig has < 200 hours by an hour meter I would not place much weight on this in my buying decision. Have the engine checked out by a marine mechanic that you pay for.

 

[trebor0301]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

I think you can find many "good deals" out there but,try to look past the shiny new boat and look for problems that could ruin your outlook on boating.If you have a friend that knows about the mechanical parts on boats you should see if he or she will do a check-up before closing the deal. A test drive would be a great way to go.Make sure the outdrive goes in and out of gear.check for water in oil.Look at overall appearance if the boat wasn't well kept on the outside,the motor probably wasn't either.If a shabby winterizing was done you could find a cracked block(freezing).Remember there are people out there looking to unload their problems.As for my personal opinion,I would look for a 18-20ft.bowrider type.with at least a 6cyl.motor.Its a perfect boat for what you want.Easy to trailer,beach or dock.I have an open bow and the kids love it.The only problem is everyone wants to sit up front.Not exactly the best weight distribution.LOL.

 

[pail25]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

Thanks for all the information. I went to see that Bayliner at the coast. I drove 4 hours with the wife and kids to find out that the floor was rotted. The consignment dealer said he didn't know that the floor was rotted. Needless to say that was a rough drive back home. I am looking at a 96 wellcraft excel 19 w 130 volvo and 95 Caravelle 19 w 4.3 merc. Any info on these boats.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

I like the Welcraft as far as quality.Now if you can find a Wellcraft with a good outboard(not a Force),that seems like s great first boat to me.Starting out boating with an outboard in my opinion is a better choice.The i/o route really take more maintainance and knowhow.A beginner will appreciate an outboard more and wont get overwhelmed with the maintainance aspect.Charlie

 

[DeliveryCaptain]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

It is Always/Typically better to go with the Boat witha Bigger Motor,, In this case a 4.3 over the Excel with a 3.0 YOU will find that the Hull on a Caravelle is adequate,, but the Motor is a 190hp. 4.3,which is better in the Long Run!! I woul throw in a 185 or 190 Stingray w/ 4.3** Just a thought, seem some descent Ones here in FLA> But if it comes down to the Two you mentioned..GO with 4.3; It will be a better choice for You! Bill D.

 

[Belchy]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

Also to, if you are looking at a boat quite seriously, I would recommend getting a survey on it, especially if you are new to boating. The surveyors will be able to point different things out that you may have missed. Although they can be pricy, they are worth the money.<br /><br />Belchy

 

[DJ]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

Pail25 wrote:<br /><br />

Needless to say that was a rough drive back home.

I'll bet it was a tough ride home. But you saved yourself from a BIG mistake. Take solace in that.<br /><br />As otherts have said, the six cylinder is going to be a better all around set up.

 

[pail25]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

I have a question about the mercury force engine. I have found a bayliner with 99 mercury force. I was told by the owner that by 1999 mercury had switched to using a regular mercury engine instead of the troubled force although they still put the force name on it. Is this true?

 

[gregintexas]

Re: Need advice on used boat purchase.

pail25:<br />Just my 2 cents worth. I just bought a 1989 Bayliner Capri 2150 from an old buddy of mine. It has the OMC 5.8L V8 with the stock OMC outdrive. Keep in mind the OMC Cobra engine is a Ford mill. My boat was well kept and in very good condition. No, I didn't try to examine stringers and stuff like that, but the floor and hull were solid.<br /><br />As for maintenance, there are any number of marine mechanics that can work on my boat. A V8 is a V8. As for OMC parts, they are around. Good regular maintenance is the key, but then isn't that true for your car/truck/RV??<br /><br />Anyway, I knew the Bayliner was a "value" line boat when I bought it, but its a lot of float for the bucks. I wouldn't avoid Bayliners because of a few bad stories. I see the Mercedes and Volvo dealers always have full service bays!!!<br />Good luck-hope this helps!