1988 bayliner

[drops]

I am looking at buying a 88 Bayliner with a 4 cyl OMC Ford motor in it. I know very little about Bayliner, but have owned several OMC Johnson Evinrude motors and have had great luck with them. Any feedback would be most appreciated.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1988 bayliner

I would avoid that one ..... it was not a good time for bayliner construction practices, the omc and unless the money I spend could be recovered after I scrapped the boat by selling the trailer.

 

[drops]

Re: 1988 bayliner

What are the major issues? I can get the boat for 500 dollars, it needs the seats and deck replaced, but the motor runs like a top and the outdrive is in good shape. I opened the drain screw and oil came out (not new oil you can tell it has been in there a season) so I know it wasn't full of water. Gimble bearing was replaced 2 years ago (was what iwas told) and all the hydraulics are working.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1988 bayliner

What are the major issues? I can get the boat for 500 dollars, it needs the seats and deck replaced,

Ayuh,... That'll put you up to 3500. or so after you repair All the Rot....

Why not buy a Real Boat with a driveline that Parts can be bought for,..??

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1988 bayliner

drops, OMC sterndrives are no longer made or properly supported with parts. Many marine mechanics won't even work on them. The Ford motors are even more difficult parts-wise as they got our of the marine business a while ago. Combine that with the fact that a Bayliner of that vintage is more than likely rotted....it would be a really bad idea to pay anything for that boat.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: 1988 bayliner

To do it right, it takes a lot of work to repair the rotted floor (and stringers for sure) and seats etc.

On the other hand, there is no law saying you have to do it right. Lots of people just slap a layer of plywood over the rot and keep on boating. The 2.3L ford engine is durable, not smooth or powerful. And the cobra outdrive can be reliable but finicky. So if you are handy, it wouldnt be a bad project to work on and improve to whatever level you prefer.

I know a local guy at my marina with a beat on old open bow, totally junk. he just uses it to fish - ruined floor, runs fair at best...but he keeps fishing .

 

[H8tank]

Re: 1988 bayliner

For $500 bucks who cares. Make sure it floats, make sure the transom has no major leaks.

Don't listen to these OMC fanatics who have never owned one.

 

[drops]

Re: 1988 bayliner

Floats good, transom is good, motor runs good lower unit works and the cables are not frozen.

 

[ngoldenm]

Re: 1988 bayliner

For $500, I'd buy it if it floats and runs. I just bought a boat that has a couple of soft spots in the floor, which I know aren't the only bad places. I found a local guy who is in need of work and agreed to replace the entire deck, seat boxes, carpet, and reupholster the seats for $1600. He had another boat in his shop at the time that looked great. So there are deals out there, you just have to know where to look. Just don't buy the boat and expect to go straight out in it. It will probably need a lot of work. Then add on a little more work because you'll notice other things that need fixing. Good luck.

 

[drops]

Re: 1988 bayliner

I plan to do a resto this winter, I am hoping to be able to just run it around the lake a bit this summer with minimal repairs (crosses fingers)

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 1988 bayliner

Great price, bad boat combo !!!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1988 bayliner

What are the major issues? I can get the boat for 500 dollars, it needs the seats and deck replaced, but the motor runs like a top and the outdrive is in good shape.

All that plus an obsolete engine and outdrive, from a company that doesn't exist anymore? Wow! What a great deal! NOT!!


RUN AWAY RUN AWAY!