I just purchased this boat. I know what is said about OMC (don't buy 'em 
). However it was a steal at least for the trailer for this price So...
The good:
1. 18' 1989 Bayliner Capri closed bow (the right size boat that I was looking for pleasure and maybe some fishing...)
2.Body is in good condition, no cracks, leaks, seats are OK, everything does look in good condition for a year the boat is, looks like previous owners took care of it. In other words - hull is usable
3.Trailer in good condition EZLoader and is a keeper (worth more that I paid for a boat w/trailer)
The Bad:
1. 2.3L OMC Cobra Model#232BMRMED that has 2 cracks right by the pistons on the upper engine block. This part is non-repairable therefore I'm looking at junk yards as this is a common Ford 2.3L engine for a replacement. Local repair shop can easily magnuflux the replacement (look for cracks) and add new cylinder bores. There are no other known problems with an engine (I've taken apart most of it).
2. Transom mount Model# 985680 with NO outdrive. I mean no physical Vertical drive on the outside of the boat, just the transom mount (looks in good condition though.
I'm technically savvy enough to do most repairs myself. I'm comfortable fixing engine and outdrive however is it worth the effort paying that money (I'm not sure how much total parts would cost me yet as have not found an outdrive for a reasonable price...). I don't have much money to fiddle around however I can spare my free time as it's fun to fix it
Questions:
1. Has anyone looked at replacing this particular type of sterndrive with different manufacturer? I can rebuild engine fairly comfortably and keep it running for years, but is there any benefit replacing that outdrive (both vertical and transom mount) with diff manufacturers? Are they so much different from company to company?
2. Is it worth getting older OMC vertical drive as I'm sure OMC parts will not be available for long as they are out of business AFAIK and outdrives are costly.
Hope I did explain this good enough. I'm open for questions and suggestion as long as it helps me to decide. I'm new in boating therefore suggestions can help me a lot. Family would like the boat but have to be low on costs... Also if there is anybody with suggestions where to get the vertical drive cheaper would help...
--Regards, DJ
). However it was a steal at least for the trailer for this price So...The good:
1. 18' 1989 Bayliner Capri closed bow (the right size boat that I was looking for pleasure and maybe some fishing...)
2.Body is in good condition, no cracks, leaks, seats are OK, everything does look in good condition for a year the boat is, looks like previous owners took care of it. In other words - hull is usable
3.Trailer in good condition EZLoader and is a keeper (worth more that I paid for a boat w/trailer)
The Bad:
1. 2.3L OMC Cobra Model#232BMRMED that has 2 cracks right by the pistons on the upper engine block. This part is non-repairable therefore I'm looking at junk yards as this is a common Ford 2.3L engine for a replacement. Local repair shop can easily magnuflux the replacement (look for cracks) and add new cylinder bores. There are no other known problems with an engine (I've taken apart most of it).
2. Transom mount Model# 985680 with NO outdrive. I mean no physical Vertical drive on the outside of the boat, just the transom mount (looks in good condition though.
I'm technically savvy enough to do most repairs myself. I'm comfortable fixing engine and outdrive however is it worth the effort paying that money (I'm not sure how much total parts would cost me yet as have not found an outdrive for a reasonable price...). I don't have much money to fiddle around however I can spare my free time as it's fun to fix it
Questions:
1. Has anyone looked at replacing this particular type of sterndrive with different manufacturer? I can rebuild engine fairly comfortably and keep it running for years, but is there any benefit replacing that outdrive (both vertical and transom mount) with diff manufacturers? Are they so much different from company to company?
2. Is it worth getting older OMC vertical drive as I'm sure OMC parts will not be available for long as they are out of business AFAIK and outdrives are costly.
Hope I did explain this good enough. I'm open for questions and suggestion as long as it helps me to decide. I'm new in boating therefore suggestions can help me a lot. Family would like the boat but have to be low on costs... Also if there is anybody with suggestions where to get the vertical drive cheaper would help...
--Regards, DJ