95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

[seizethecarp]

I am looking into buying a 95 bayliner 1854 with a mercruiser 4.0 4cyl for $1500. The interior is a little cracked and weathered but nothing that couldnt be used for a season or two. The current owner says they have used it for the past 3yrs without issue but this year when they tried to crank it, it wouldnt start up.....supposedly they have not tried to mess with it anymore and dont know what is wrong with it.

My questions are -

1. Do you think it is worth the price?
2. What Issues are these boats known for?
3. What should I look for?
4. What could be my engine issue?

my background: This will be my first boat but I can work on cars and motorcycles and have plenty of tools and equipment.

Thanks!

 

[seizethecarp]

1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

I am looking into buying a 95 bayliner 1854 with a mercruiser 4.0 4cyl for $1500. The interior is a little cracked and weathered but nothing that couldnt be used for a season or two. The current owner says they have used it for the past 3yrs without issue but this year when they tried to crank it, it wouldnt start up.....supposedly they have not tried to mess with it anymore and dont know what is wrong with it.

My questions are -

1. Do you think it is worth the price?
2. What Issues are these boats known for?
3. What should I look for?
4. What could be my engine issue?

my background: This will be my first boat but I can work on cars and motorcycles and have plenty of tools and equipment.

Thanks!

 

[NYBo]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

Welcome to iboats!

There is no such thing as a 4.0L MerCruiser, AFAIK. The standard engine in this boat was the 3.0L MerCruiser 4 cylinder, and I suspect that's what this one has.

The starting problem could be almost anything, just like with a car. Spark, fuel, and compression are the three basic things to check.

Check the sole, stringers, and transom for rot. Generally, if the sole (a.k.a. "deck") is original and in good shape, so are the stringers.

At the least, check the outdrive for water in the oil.

What is the overall condition of the boat and trailer? This could be a diamond in the rough or a sow's ear that will never be a silk purse.

 

[Adirondack]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

I am looking into buying a 95 bayliner 1854 with a mercruiser 4.0 4cyl for $1500. The interior is a little cracked and weathered but nothing that couldnt be used for a season or two. The current owner says they have used it for the past 3yrs without issue but this year when they tried to crank it, it wouldnt start up.....supposedly they have not tried to mess with it anymore and dont know what is wrong with it.

My questions are -

1. Do you think it is worth the price?
2. What Issues are these boats known for?
3. What should I look for?
4. What could be my engine issue?

my background: This will be my first boat but I can work on cars and motorcycles and have plenty of tools and equipment.

Thanks!

I think it's probably a 3.0 motor. That being the case I wouldn't buy the boat unless they can start it up on muffs and you can check for leaks, and smooth run. I just bought one under the same conditions. Found a cracked block which was no big deal to me until I tried to find another motor for it. If you can't do your own work, and aren't prepared for the worst case big money scenario I would stay away. If they can get it running and it checks out good it may be a good deal.

 

[ChrisCraftJohnny]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

$1,500 is nothing in B.O.A.T terms.

Hell, It's only $500.00 more than the acronym.
Bust Out Another Thousand.

No matter what condition a boat is in, It's gonna cost ya Money. And plenty.

If the boat is solid with no rot it could make a good first boat for you. Engine and drive problems will always happen to any craft. You will have to fix it now or in the future. These are not Toyota Camerys. They are boats.

And if $1,500 is a ton of money to you. Find a different hobby.

Johnny

 

[seizethecarp]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

I believe you are correct about the motor...I just started researching and that is what it looks like it has to have. What kind of power can I expect out of this 4cyl?

The boat and the trailer appear to be in really good shape, I was told it was stored inside until a 2-3years ago and since then was outside but covered.

I am going to go and look this over a little more indepth. I will check out the fluids and the structure as you mentioned anything else you can think of that I should look for would be apprecieated.

All in all what would you think it is worth?

 

[Adirondack]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

I'm with ya ChrisCraft. I just figured that if the crappy upholstery would have to be let go for a couple years, 3 or 4 grand for a motor might be a bit out of the question right off the bat. I'll bet that's what it's looking like. A boat runs great last year. It's put away, and properly winterized. Not much reason you shouldn't be able to charge the battery and fire it up in the spring.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

if the sole (a.k.a. "deck") i

Bob, In all my years of boating .
I have NEVER heard of the deck being called that !!!.

Is this like Rick aka 2850Bounty talking about that Q/E sh*t ??.

Theres only 000.2 differences with his piston crap of thinking.


Ask DonS about that thread over there. Before Rick drove him off.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

this year when they tried to crank it, it wouldnt start up.....supposedly they have not tried to mess with it anymore and dont know what is wrong with it.

That should answer your question!

 

[Challenger84]

Re: 95 Bayliner 1854 - is it worth it?

All in all what would you think it is worth?

It's worth what you paid for it.
$1500
Post up some pictures so we can see.
It's hard to estimate anything without looking at it right?
If you were buying a house and never looked at it how can you tell how much it's worth?

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

The 95 you're looking at could very well be a good find.. If you are mechanically inclined.. Getting the engine to pop off and do something should be pretty easy less something is major wrong.... If you live up in like New Jersey or something, for sure stay away.. Likely got toasted in last years winter.. Hate to say it. I would buy it on the fact I am sure I could fix almost anything on it and the hull may very well be worth the price with a good trailer to boot.. Working on your boat is a great hobby. Cruising around in all your hard work.. Even better ..I got bit by the bug 2 years ago..

 

[Adirondack]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

The 95 you're looking at could very well be a good find.. If you are mechanically inclined.. Getting the engine to pop off and do something should be pretty easy less something is major wrong.... If you live up in like New Jersey or something, for sure stay away.. Likely got toasted in last years winter.. Hate to say it. I would buy it on the fact I am sure I could fix almost anything on it and the hull may very well be worth the price with a good trailer to boot.. Working on your boat is a great hobby. Cruising around in all your hard work.. Even better ..I got bit by the bug 2 years ago..

Joshua, your absolutely right, and if it were anything but a 3.0 motor I would be with you. Looks like your running a 4.3. You can replace them all day long. Short blocks, long blocks, and junkyard motors are all easily available. The 4 cylinder block hasn't been in automotive production since 69. The only thing you can find is new long blocks. $$$$$ LOL I'm looking for a block myself right now. I'll take anything as long as it's rebuildable. Anybody has one let me know.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

I see those 3.0L on craigslist all the time.. Didn't know they was uncommon. I hear they are pretty tough if maintained well..

 

[tashasdaddy]

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.

it will be hard to sell, in 2-3 years. what you pay for it, and put into it, you have to consider as recreational money, do not expect any of it back at time to sell.

 

[Adirondack]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

I see those 3.0L on craigslist all the time.. Didn't know they was uncommon. I hear they are pretty tough if maintained well..

I'm running one right now that I rebuilt 27 years ago. Fresh oil & filter, points & condenser, and proper winterization every year and three alternator belts over the 27 years. That's it. Still runs now as strong as the day I built it. The only thing they can't stand up to is ice.

 

[perchin]

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.

it will be hard to sell, in 2-3 years. what you pay for it, and put into it, you have to consider as recreational money, do not expect any of it back at time to sell.

Probably the advice the OP needs to actually listen too...... its just too bad the "BAYLINER ARMY" will be here soon to counter-attack anything said about them.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

We got snow down here last year.. Of course it melted once it hit the ground.. People here put a light in the engine box for the cold nights... I don't know where the fella is from..

 

[oldjeep]

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'm going to disagree with just the first part - unless by grown man, you mean grossly over weight people in the boat and behind it. 3.0L in a Bayliner 18ft (and my 19ft) is plenty of power to ski, wakeboard and tube.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

It's worth $1500 if it's on a brand new trailer.

Best WAG estimate at turning it into a seaworthy boat with a combo of new and used parts and you do the labor: $4000 -$6000

Average price of same boat in seaworthy condition from a reputable dealer with 1 season warranty and water test:
$4000 - $6000

 

[BAproject]

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

Re: 1995 Bayliner 1854 - Is it worth it?

That's too much for that boat and not running. I don't think it will cost you 4-6K to fix but easily $2500 if you can DIY everything.

Gonna need an impeller, carb rebuild, manifolds and risers, belts, hoses, oil in everything, dropping the drive, plugs, tank draining, and that's just to start

-BAproject