86 Bayliner 1950 Fair price?

[zonaman]

I'm thinking about buying an '86 1950 cuddy cabin. Fresh water use all it's life. It has the 125 hp Volvo Penta with about 200 hours with service records, all the canvas is original and good. The Deck seems solid, gel coat's getting a bit dull from the years but not too bad, carpet is good, no tears in the uphostery. NADA (with options added) says low is $4,440; average is about $5,000; asking price is $5,200. Based on this information, what do you think is a fair price?

I'm kind of taken with this model so anything you folks can tell me about the 80's vintage 1950's would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[gcboat]

Re: 86 Bayliner 1950 Fair price?

z-man,

Well, it is a buyer's market out there right now so a little haggling on your behalf over the price would seem appropriate.
Of course there will be pro's and con's over any 22 year old boat, no matter what brand and no matter what anyone else says. Bayliner did get a bad rap over some of their earlier 80's production boats - and rightfully so -. They were going through a major transition period ( management, etc. ) and along the line some of their manufacturing process turn a downward spiral.
Especially noted in the glassing and lay down. Transoms and stringers were not done properly, sloppy and quick jobs. However, not all of them are prone to failure. It's the previous owner (s) who should be handed some of the responsibility as well.
Before you turn over some hard earned cash see if you can locate a marine surveyor. Might cost you $250.00 to $300.00 for a complete survey. When done you will know exactly what is wrong - if anything. If the owner is really anxious to sell he'll be more than happy to foot the bill or go halves with you. If he has something to hide then he just might decline the offer. Well, time to start looking for another boat.
Just food for thought.

 

[azlakes]

Re: 86 Bayliner 1950 Fair price?

... as gc states, lots of boats for sale. its the start of the boating season so this asking price is a bit steep. whats fair IMO is $3000-4000. thats only if all records check out and the boat is truely mint. the decks on these boats were never the thickest so ask if thats at all been replaced. they can weaken with age and not always rott. also the bellows and thru the hull outdrive seals. make certain all is well there. just ask BAYLINER185 about bellow work. it can add up so fast you'd think your sinking. for the positive. the boat has nice lines and a workable size but then again i'm biased. here is a thread on your power plant.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=45028&highlight=125+hp+Volvo+Penta

to many to choose from on your hull - mainly doom and gloom. TD has a good summary of what to do when looking at a possible purchase:

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.

A 30 year old boat motor combo, may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

good-luck