1989 Edson Challenger GT

[Roadblock007]

Anyone know anything about these boats? Were they decently built? Is Edson still in operation? Looking at one with a 4.3L and Alpha 1 2nd gen outdrive.

Thanks.

 

[jbcurt00]

Its a 28yr old boat, its current condition is significantly more important then if it was 'decently build'... The best built boat in the world will succumb if parked bow down, out back, uncovered for 5yrs.

Sure its a 1989? The USCG MIC listing shows it no longer in business in 1979.
http://www.uscgboating.org/content/manufacturers-identification.php

 

[Roadblock007]

I can only go by what the owner says about the year until I go on Friday to check it out.

I am seeing Edsons all the way up to 1991 for sale so I don't know if they opened up shop somewhere else or what.

I have been looking at different boats for a bit now and have been warned about the poor build quality of the 80's bayliners. That's the kind of thing I meant by build quality. Age is age but if a certain manufacturer had outstanding issues then that's good to know.

 

[jbcurt00]

IMO, Bayliners get so much bad press, esp about the 70s and 80s models because there were so many of them made quickly and pushed out the door. Add the targeted buyer of entry level boats and you get lots and lots of Bayliners showing up here and in the market w rotted below decks and transoms.

I wouldnt expected exceptionally better builds from other same period builders, except maybe the high end and custom builders, they just didnt build as many. They were still production build boats...

 

[Roadblock007]

IMO, Bayliners get so much bad press, esp about the 70s and 80s models because there were so many of them made quickly and pushed out the door. Add the targeted buyer of entry level boats and you get lots and lots of Bayliners showing up here and in the market w rotted below decks and transoms.

I wouldnt expected exceptionally better builds from other same period builders, except maybe the high end and custom builders, they just didn't build as many. They were still production build boats...

My searches aren't turning up much. Looks like the 4.3 Merc and Alpha 1 Gen 2 are pretty solid though. I'll know better when we have it out for a run. Most boats I've looked at so far the owners want me to drive. I tell them no while I am on my hands and knees in the back with the engine cowl off and my flashlight out and my eyes glued on the motor. I've already found block cracks and leaky casting plugs.

 

[Roadblock007]

I went to look at the boat yesterday. the owner redid the interior horribly and when we went out on the water there were huge problems. Where the motor mounts are there are 2 longitudinal supports that are part of the hull. The motor mounts are bolted to them. Anyways, they were completely separated from the hull and the motor was bouncing all over the place.

 

[southkogs]

Condition, condition, condition ... I'm the guy who likes to own the obscure older boats, but that sure sounds like one to pass on

 

[Roadblock007]

Oh yeah! I ran away from that one. just sucked that I drove over 2 hours to see it.