95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

I don't think it will cost you 4-6K to fix but easily $2500 if you can DIY everything.

I agree
I was adding the $1500 purchase price.

$2500+1500 = 4K

then another 2K if the drive is not in good shape

 

[BAproject]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Indeed, then I agree! I would stay away

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

So I looked up the boat.. It retails in decent condition around $4850-$5550...

 

[John_S]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

My questions are -

1. Do you think it is worth the price?

NO

2. What Issues are these boats known for?

Any 15 year old boat may have multiple issues. Bayliners are value oriented boats, that if the owners do not maintain well, can have floor, transom, or stringer rot. A motor not running and cracked vynel is not indicative of well maintained. Any of which, will turn a new boat owner into a very fustrated one in short order.

3. What should I look for?

Another boat, that is newer and has no obvious problems, and can be inspected and run by a knowledgable person.

4. What could be my engine issue?

Anything from a cracked block to coil wire pulled out.

 

[IES99]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

1995 Bayliner with an engine that doesn't run. My opinion, since you asked for it, is they should give you the boat. It's worth zero as it sits there right now.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

If you are serious about this boat, hire a surveyor to give the boat a through inspection, hull, motor and outdrive. Will be worth it in the long (and short) run.

 

[1dumbscreenname]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

1854 Bayliner with 3.0 will be a slug on the water. minium power for that boat should be 4.3L. if will get you fishing, but do not expect a grown man to do water sports.

I have a 99 capri 1950 with the 3.0 mercruiser and mine goes 40 mph (gps verified) I haven't tried to pull any skiers but I wouldn't call that a slug.

LOL @ BAYLINER ARMY, Funny perchin!

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

As with all of these questions, it's CRITICAL that we know where you are located.

The engine problem could be simple, or it could be major. If you live anywhere where it gets cold in the winter it's absolutely critical you check the engine for a cracked block before buying it. If it was not winterized or improperly winterized, the engine could have been destroyed and you won't know it until you try to start it.

IMO, just given the very basic facts you've laid out, I would NOT pay anything near that kind of money for a non-running Bayliner. If the owner want's to play the "easy fix" card, they should go ahead and fix it. If not, they should be prepared to acccept significantly less.

Grouse

 

[jmarty10]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

Spend $100-$150 for a marine survey if you dont know what you are looking for. Like Grouse said, if it was not winterized in a cold climate thats big problems. If the boat is not started all the more reason to have a prof. look at it. But you never know, the prof. mech. may find something simple to fix and the $1500 becomes a good buy.

 

[RobbyA]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

I am looking into buying a 95 bayliner 1854 with a mercruiser 4.0 4cyl for $1500.

My .02 cents. Keep Looking!

I am not bashing it because it's a Bayliner. I am saying that because that is a $750.00 boat at best if it has any engine problem. I always love when the owner says it's a small fix. Oh yeah, then fix it, bring it to the lake, and I will consider paying what you are asking.

 

[seizethecarp]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Thanks for the input guys.....

I live in Dallas, Tx ....we get the mild occasional freeze

I plan on using whatever I buy to tube/wakeboard a bit with my wife and kids.

The inspection is a good idea I just have to find someone reputable.

So I know opinions are like.....well you get where I'm going but, What would be a good starter boat for I plan to do?

 

[seizethecarp]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

Well i'm in Dallas, TX and I plan to take the wife and kiddos out on the water for some tubing and wakeboarding. It seems like the common concensus is that its not really worth it.....

that being said so what are some suggestions for boats I should be looking at as a newbie to get me on the water?

 

[RobbyA]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

Well i'm in Dallas, TX and I plan to take the wife and kiddos out on the water for some tubing and wakeboarding. It seems like the common concensus is that its not really worth it.....

that being said so what are some suggestions for boats I should be looking at as a newbie to get me on the water?

You can see where I am located! I search craigslist EVERYDAY looking for new projects. I have found better bargains in Oklahoma City craigslist than Dallas. As a matter of fact, all three boats I have bought have come from OKlahoma!

What lake are you gonna frequent?
What are the ages of your children and how many?
That will determine a lot about the right boat for you!

 

[RobbyA]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

Also, knowing your budget and if you can wait a month or two will help also.

If you can wait for a month or two, you will get more bang for your buck as people try to get rid of their summer fun toy.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

Here's the deal: If you buy a cheap non-functional boat, or one that's functional in old, tired and poor condition, it will not be a satisfactory buy for family/small children use, especially for the typical day-excursion by trailer to the lake. Why? Because that type of use requires reliability.
It's different if you are a fix-up guy, and one with a couple of old boats available so at least one is running. And if you have an old one that will need work to keep it running, you have to have either the time, or a good but available mechanic. That way if you have a problem on August 1 you can be on the water the following weekend, or maybe two. Having the boat down for a month, twice during the summer, you may as well not have one.
There are two ways to buy "reliable." One is a lot of money. The other is a lot of luck, coupled with a lot of hunting.
Also, for a starter used boat, get the most simple rig with little to go wrong. Outboard. Self bailing. Minimal electronics and hooked-up gadgets.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

How many people will be going with ya to go have fun?? Remember all your friends and or family will want to go.. Get one that will handle more than just your wife and kids.. Even if you don't take extra people with ya. More room is always nice.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

How about something like this? http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/1926771615.html older and a little more money, but sounds well maintained and is running, and the owner will give you a test drive. Still should have it checked out before the final sale. You would probably have way more money into the Bayliner than you would have to pay for this ready to go boat. There are lots of good boats out there, especially this time of year. Just another .....opinion

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Yeah season is almost over.. People will be selling their tubs for extra money.. You will find some good deals on craigslist. That's where I got mine.. Boats are picky about sitting for some time.. Fuel goes bad, and engine will seize up.. The more someone runs it the better off they are.. I had a ol 72 Johnson. I ran 3 times a week.. It is older than I am and it would fire off and run like a champ cause I used it regular.. So try and find something like in the above link.. Where the owner wants newer and or larger.. How much do u have to spend?

 

[seizethecarp]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

I can definetly wait a couple of months (or a little more)

Kiddos are 7 and 8months

Budget I'd like to spend is up to about 6k.........being my first boat I always hear that you never use them as much as you think you will and I wouldnt want to drop a bunch of cash on yard art

 

[seizethecarp]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

How many people will be going with ya to go have fun?? Remember all your friends and or family will want to go.. Get one that will handle more than just your wife and kids.. Even if you don't take extra people with ya. More room is always nice.

Yeah, I could easily see 6 or more out on it at a time...... I'm with ya with more room just trying not to make my truck (2500 dodge ram 4x4 lifted) look tiny next to some yacht that I have to then try and launch when these lakes get low in the summer