1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

[boat-newbie]

Hello! I need some advice I am looking into buying a 1989 Bayliner Cierra Sunbridge 2155 with the Cobra 3.0 liter 135-140hp engine coupled to a king cobra outdrive. The boat is in really nice shape for its age. However, I am concerned why bayliner would be so stupid as to put such a small motor in such a large boat. All in all, the engine runs beautifully along with the outdrive. I realize that this is not a speed boat. I am not looking for something that does 40 mph. If this engine got 25-28mph, I would be happy... as long as the engine isn't tasked so much that it kills the poor thing. Is there anybody out there that can give me some guidance before I make either a huge mistake or a great purchase. Incidentally, they are asking 6k. Thanks for your help in advance.
Regards,
Alan

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

Welcome to iboats!

A few observations:
1. That should be a regular Cobra, not a King Cobra. But that's not a bad thing because parts are less expensive and easier to find. Some will say you should stay away from ALL OMC drives, but parts ARE available. Finding someone to service them may be a different matter, though.

2. If you are unhappy with the performance when you sea-trial the boat, I can guarantee you won't grow fonder of it as time goes by. However, with the proper prop, etc., it should be capable of around 30 MPH, or perhaps a little more. If it doesn't reach that, something isn't right.

3. The price is high, at least for my neck of the woods.

 

[boat-newbie]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

NYBo,
Thank you so much for the reply. Your were the only one to reply but your information was invaluable to us. The owner is a 67 year old retired navy man who really took care of the boat within respect to all new engine hoses, trim lines, he even keeps the captain's chair covered while dry docked. Of course none of that matters once she breaks down one week later. With that said, I am having the boat mechanically evaluated in 20 minutes from this email. If they give their blessing, then we are going out for a ride. Then your information will go into effect regarding speed, performance, etc. I would be very happy if she could do 30 mph; considering the size of the boat. My local marina does work on OMC, which from your comment is a good thing. Once again, thank you. If you think there is anything else I should know, I welcome your input. I am a commercial pilot now who also retired as a pilot for the USMC, so my expertise is flying and airplanes. Boats (at the moment) are not my strong suit, but I am learning everyday. Take Care.
Regards,
Alan

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

Thank you for your service.

You should have the transom, sole, and stringers checked for rot, a notorious problem with Bayliners of this vintage. Generally, if the sole (aka "deck" by landlubbers) is sound and original, the stringers are fine also. The transom is best checked at the outdrive opening. Also, if the mounting bolts for the outdrive are indented in the transom, that may also indicate rot.

Bring along a portable GPS to accurately gauge speed when you test the boat if there isn't one installed.

Of course, with a retired navy man owning and pampering it, I'll bet it's in great condition.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

man that is a small engine for a Ciera...My buddy was looking into a '94-95 2155 that had a 4.3L and we thought that might not be enough

 

[outrider]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

I have an 89 Ciera 2150 with a 5.8L OMC. It speeds up to 42mph(GPS) and cruises at 31mph with 3400 RPM. It gets on plane quickly with no assists.

 

[boat-newbie]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

Thank you, outrider for the info. We ended up purchasing the boat. She is as clean as a 1989 can be. In fact, I was very fortunate to find an owner who takes care of their toys like I do. We've been on the boat several times, and on lake erie waters; I was able to get her up to around 32 mph trimmed consistantly, and that was in 2-3 footers. I wasn't quite at full power, but I knew I was coming close to her top end. That works for me. If I wanted a speedster I wouldn't have purchased a cabin cruiser. We do have plane assits on ours and I can tell that it does help coming out. Anyway, take care and God Bless.
Regards,
Alan
Semper-Fi

 

[Knight1396]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

Hey there congrats on your boat purchase! You will be happy with this boat regardless of the power, 32 is good enough, your family is probably like mine..
25 is good lol!
I have an 89 2155 as well, my first year with it and we love it. Ours has the 5.8 but we never seem to need to go that fast with it as we use it to hang out and cruise around in.
Ours is the biggest little boat at our marina so we are told
Anyway happy boating !

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

another happy ending. sure would like to see pics of that boat. nothing like a well kept machine

 

[mj05]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

X2 on the pics!

 

[paulenich]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

Hello! I need some advice I am looking into buying a 1989 Bayliner Cierra Sunbridge 2155 with the Cobra 3.0 liter 135-140hp engine coupled to a king cobra outdrive. The boat is in really nice shape for its age. However, I am concerned why bayliner would be so stupid as to put such a small motor in such a large boat. All in all, the engine runs beautifully along with the outdrive. I realize that this is not a speed boat. I am not looking for something that does 40 mph. If this engine got 25-28mph, I would be happy... as long as the engine isn't tasked so much that it kills the poor thing. Is there anybody out there that can give me some guidance before I make either a huge mistake or a great purchase. Incidentally, they are asking 6k. Thanks for your help in advance.
Regards,
Alan

I own a 1987 similar model. Boat is great on gas with that size engine but you'll never get 40 mph. You'll want to have trim tabs on it because with a full tank a a couple heavy people on board you will never get up to plane quickly. Also, you won't be able to pull a skier. Price seems right. If i were to put mine on the market with trailer I'd ask $5K.

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: 1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra Sunbridge and a 3.0 liter cobra motor question

All this talk and still no pics...