Re: 1988 cudy??? should i buy?????
Your story sounds an aweful lot like mine. Just two weeks ago I bought an 88 Bayliner Capri Bowrider 19.5'. Paid $1000. A Gluttin for Punishment I guess... Completely rolling the dice on my first boat. It also has a 125 Force. As far as I know, everything is in working order. Engine Runs. I have not been able to put it in the water just yet. Shooting for Saturday. So far what I've learned is the Tilt/Trim systems are junk on this line of boat until atleast 93. No such luck for you and I. I'm fortunate that mine has been a freshwater boat so I should be able handle the rebuild myself. There are a lot of kits online, however I'm struggling to find the parts for the Valve body rebuild.
Most of the seats are in good shape. The drivers seat is shredded, and the front bow seat had a family of mice living in a hole they dug out. I found a product online called AnyFoam that may fill any holes or rips you may have in the seats, but it won't help any broken seams. You can find Terry Cloth seat covers for about $20.
I'm currious to keep up with your experience. Circle back in a few weeks when you've learned more about the boat. I'd love to hear about it.