87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

[JimInMichigan]

Sorry, I need advice fast. Just found your forum while trying to research this boat, before I bought it ( today ).

1987 Bayliner 18' 7" bowrider with a 125 Force outboard.

All the floor carpeting has been removed. He was going to replace it and didnt get around to it. This means I will be able to inspect the wood floor for rot. All the other upholstery ( side walls/seating ) seem to be in great shape from the photo I seen.

What else should I look for? I have read here a bit, but dont understand some of the terms people have used.

He offered to take me on a test drive before I place me money in his hands.

Price is $2,000 with trailer.

Thank you in advance for any help/advice you can give.

Jim

 

[fishingdan]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

1) Check the floor carefully for any soft areas. Walk around and pay special attention to areas where seats are mounted, where the consoles meet the floor, the edges of the ski locker (if one), and anywhere water would typically collect.

2) Check the transom carefully. If you have a non-marking hammer, bring it. Tap lightly on the transom paying close attention to anywhere a hole was every drilled. You should have the same solid sound as you tap around. Changes in sound signal potential issues.

3) Push/pull on the engine and lower unit, look for transom flex.

4) Talk to the owner about the maintenance history. You want to hear things like "always did end of season lower unit gear oil changes".

5) Take him up on the offer for a test ride. The engine is old and hasn't been in production for many years. Parts are available, but get more difficult to find every year.

 

[oops!]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

RUN AWAY

if the floor is rotted....so are the stringers and foam....the transom probablly needs to be replaced as well....there has been problems with the force motor....

i have an 89 capri....it needs a total re fit.....only worth 800 max

 

[JimInMichigan]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

RUN AWAY

if the floor is rotted....so are the stringers and foam....the transom probablly needs to be replaced as well....there has been problems with the force motor....

i have an 89 capri....it needs a total re fit.....only worth 800 max

He states the floor in ok. No carpet on it, so I will be able to inspect it all.

What is a stringer, and where do I look ( and how do I tell ) if it is no good?

 

[JimInMichigan]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

5) Take him up on the offer for a test ride. The engine is old and hasn't been in production for many years. Parts are available, but get more difficult to find every year.

Whats the average top speed it should do? I'll take a GPS with me.
I wont have time to be able to check compression, so I want to be able to have a good idea if the motor is ok during the test drive.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

1987 Bayliner 18' 7" bowrider with a 125 Force outboard.


Price is $2,000 with trailer.

Thank you in advance for any help/advice you can give.

Jim

RUN AWAY!!! That guy should be paying you $500 to haul his rotted out piece away. Force outboard on a rotted floor Bayliner = money pit and no time actually spent boating!!!!!! If you buy that boat, get real familiar with the outboard repair and boat restoration sections on this page, cause all you'll be doing is working on the boat, no driving it.

 

[oops!]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

just run away bud........there is other boats in your area for 2000 that will be way better...

more comin......

 

[oops!]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

the stringers of the boat are the "spine".....you can see them from the ski loocker....but they will look good.....(fiberglass incased) but inside will be all mush......the flotation foam in the boat will be fully soaked with water and needs to be replaced........even tho you can see the floor and it looks good.....i will gaurentee you there is water and rot all over the boat....

bayliners of that age...are notiourious for rot and wet foam.....anr the force motor was not very good at all......

if you want to test my theroy of water....look on the hull vin plate....it will tell you the weight of the boat....tow it to some self weigh scales....it will be six hundred pounds heavyer than its supposed to be....thats all wet foam and rotted wood

 

[AKCoastie]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

JimInMichigan: I'm new here too. These guys sound like they are just spouting off doom and gloom without much proof. LISTEN to them. I just checked out an 88' Bayliner and they called it. Everything they said to check was trashed.

 

[oops!]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

look what you can get for an extra 500

http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/781164947.html

ill add more in a sec

dont buy this one cause its an omc......but see what you can get for the same or close money???

http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/781086889.html

 

[ratracer]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

Check the bottom of the hull for signs of the fiberglass blistering.

 

[oops!]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

youd prob get this one for 2500

http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/781083165.html

good deal

heres more

http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/780916154.html
this ones a good project boat
http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/779948642.html

 

[sidthekid]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

I'm a Bayliner owner and I have to agree to runaway from this one!! 2000 bucks is too high even if it was in good shape. Don't make the mistake of falling in love at first boat..There's ton's of great boats out there for excellent prices. It's a buyers market. Good luck in your search and make it fun. Don't get all stressed out or in a hurry...Sid

 

[oops!]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

dont let it seem like we are down on bayliners......

the new ones are reported to be great....my friend has one and he loves it...

the older ones are not that well built.....mass produced price point boats....since then bayliner has produced some really good stuff

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: 87 Bayliner... Need advice before I purchase today

Agree way to much, although the poster sending you to look at the thompson with the 3.7l merc must have a sense of humor, that particular engine is right down there with the force for reputation.

I own a bayliner, and fix up old boats for a hobby. I would suggest looking for something that is mid to late 80s, but garaged and taken care of. Even though the power will be marginal (better than that force) find a 3.0l 4cyl mercruiser. Reliable, plenty to ski with, easy to fix.

Stay away from OMC outdrives, Force or Chrysler outboards, pre 80s mercury outboards, and any electric shift Johnson or Evinrude. The 3.7L 4cyl mercruiser was a lemon, and also watch out for 5.8L fords hooked to OMC or Volvo outdrives - good motors but parts very hard to find. Lastly, you might stumble onto a Yamaha I/O boat - rare as an honest politician - stay away from those as well.

Most of all, have fun shopping, it is - as always - a buyers market.