1993 Bayliner Classic 2859 - Underpowered??

[Hodgey]

I am looking a buying a 1993 Bayliner Classic 2859. Very nice boat and in great shape. Under 800 hrs on it. It has a 5.7l Bravo II. We were out on the water testing it and at 4200 rpm, we were getting only 12-14 knots. We had 7 people on board but I am looking fo comments about whether it is underpowered. These boats came with 3 options, 4.2l, 5.7 and 7.4l

What do you think??

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 1993 Bayliner Classic 2859 - Underpowered??

Here is my $.02 from being in the business for over 35 years, if its over 26 ft the bigger engine is better. If you going to have that many people aboard you, will be better to drop a pitch size on props to get engine back into operating range....

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 1993 Bayliner Classic 2859 - Underpowered??

It amazes me when I see 26'+ boats with single small blocks. Bayliner was notorious for putting small engines in larger boats. I have a boat one foot longer, and possibly a bit wider and with twin 350s, it is FAR from a rocket ship. It cruises well and has decent top end.

If a 28' boat not designed to be a displacement hull cant get on plane with 7 people aboard, it is underpowered in my opinion.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: 1993 Bayliner Classic 2859 - Underpowered??

Does it have trim tabs (real ones like Bennett)? If not, they'd likely help hold plane at lower speeds (and get up on plane faster). Probably... but it's still underpowered IMO.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: 1993 Bayliner Classic 2859 - Underpowered??

I am looking a buying a 1993 Bayliner Classic 2859. Very nice boat and in great shape. Under 800 hrs on it. It has a 5.7l Bravo II. We were out on the water testing it and at 4200 rpm, we were getting only 12-14 knots. We had 7 people on board but I am looking fo comments about whether it is underpowered. These boats came with 3 options, 4.2l, 5.7 and 7.4l

What do you think??

Pass on this boat, you'll be sorry if you don't.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: 1993 Bayliner Classic 2859 - Underpowered??

Boats in that size range came with a variety of engine/power packages to try to include as many potential customers in every price range. Underpowered? Yes. Can it be augmented to be sufficient? Yes. Single engines have always been in bigger boats also for space considerations. My brothers 28' Rinker has a single VP 8.1L and runs 50 MPH according to the GPS.

Make sure the hull bottom is clean. Make sure the engine is tuned and prop it so it reaches it WOT range. Adjust your weight displacement and try trim tabs. All will help.

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: 1993 Bayliner Classic 2859 - Underpowered??

I'm looking at the same boat only a year newer. That boat is waaaaaay to heavy (7500 lbs) and beamy (9'10") for a single 350. According to the folks on another board that I frequent who love Bayliners, the ONLY engine to have in that boat is either the 7.4L (93) or the 8.1L (94). But given the weight of the boat, you WILL need to change props depending on the day's activities.