1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

[mikep.]

First of, completely new to boating. I am a 12 volt technician, I used to be a mechanic and am pretty mechanically inclined. I picked out this boat and have a deal pretty much tied up with the seller. I am looking for any advice anyone has to a first time boat owner. Anything specific to look out for, anything to check for. It has a 2.3l omc cobra i/o.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

You do realize OMC went belly up years ago and parts are very hard to come by and expensive? I would not walk away from this deal -- I'd run. Being mechanically inclined is of little help if you can't get or afford the parts this thing will require -- sooner or later.

 

[mercrewser]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

have a deal pretty much tied up with the seller
Thanks in advance.

It's free? otherwise - no

 

[mikep.]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

Are they really that terrible?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

Are they really that terrible?

Ayuh,.... Especially the 2.3l model....

 

[Philster]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

It's free? otherwise - no

It's overpriced.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

That boat + that power package would be pretty near the bottom of my list of consideration.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

Depends on how it was treated, condition, and asking price. Definitely should be discounted with the motor/drive - but if it's a cheap, safe boat that gets you on the water, I won't hold it against you. Best to take a friend who is familar with boats to go look at it with you. Good luck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

Are they really that terrible?

Perhaps you misunderstand what the issue is. Anything in working order is ok -- until it breaks. At that point you need to repair it. If you can't get parts or the only parts available are used and expensive, that is what makes it "terrible". The point is you can't fix it if you can't get parts. Heed the advice of those who know!

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

Welcome to iboats!

The 2.3L has been an orphan for a long time. The condition of the boat would have to be extremely good (no rotten wood, a HUGE problem in that vintage Bayliner; ask me how I know this) for me to spend a dime on it.

 

[mikep.]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

I have an oppurtuntiy to pick up an 85 thompson with a 3.7l merc in that one? Better bet?

 

[mikep.]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

Pics of the boat in question.

 

[mikep.]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

 

[mikep.]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

 

[mercrewser]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

only marginally. With so many used boats on the market, why are you considering ones with so many problems?

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

Wow, the upholstery is in great shape, and looks like it's original. If the cockpit sole ("deck") is completely solid, it may be worth looking into. Can you get an on-water test?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

I have an oppurtuntiy to pick up an 85 thompson with a 3.7l merc in that one? Better bet?

Not to scare you off and make you think we're all a bunch of negative nancies but.......the 3.7 is at least as bad a choice. It's a problematic design and also has a number of NLA parts. For I/O boats, stick with Mercruiser or Volvo running GM blocks (3.0, 4.3, 5.0, 5.7 etc) For outboard boats anything but Force/Chrysler motors should be pretty well supported.

 

[mikep.]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

ok, I know it might kind of a stupid question, but what about upgrading the motor if this one takes a crap? Honestly, we really like the style of the boat. I still havent seen it in person yet. The interior looks to be in great condition. The seller said to has low hours and he has had it for 10 years. What are some obvious things to look out for on this or any first time boat?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

you don't say where you are but if you "like the design" in many parts of the country that's all you see. So find one with a motor that you can repair WHEN it breaks on you.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1987 1750 bayliner capri (newb)

... we really like the style of the boat.

I'm going to jump on the "don't" ... Some good advice is saying the powerplant on this mug is not that reliable. I'll toss in that you're close enough to the Great Lakes that this isn't a boat I would want on Michigan. There are just WAY too many good boats out there used and you're WAY too close to Chicago to settle for this boat.

Whaddya' thinking y'all will do (fishing, crusing, skiing, lots of friends, just the two of you ...)? What kinda' budget do you have? Check out this thread and you'll see a process that was just gone through ... and a bunch of us had fun helpin' shop! Good points on what to look for too.