About to buy an '89 cuddy

[Sunsetrider]

Hi folks. I am looking into buying a 1989 19.5 Bayliner cuddy and before I make the jump I thought I should ask around about this model. The seller says everything works well and has new gimbal whatsis for the outdrive (it is 240 hp). He is asking $4K incl. trailer and I hope to take a look (and even a ride) later this week.

I was wondering (a) in general, what to look out for, and (b) is there a cabin-type canvas top (edit: camper top) available for this boat? Does the price seem in line for a boat that will hopefully be in decent condition (i.e., still shiny)?

I have boating experience but not with I/O boats, just outboards, small pontoon (current boat) and cruising sail. I plan to use the boat at home (we live on an inland lake) and trailered to Kingston for the Thousand Islands. Pic with PO below. Edit - I was unable to figure out how to drag my uploaded file to the drag and drop area.

Any comments will be appreciated!

 

[badkins50]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

I never owned a bayliner before but yesterday I did purchase a used sea ray after taking alot of time researching boats and motors. Just search "1980's bayliner" and you'll have alot of reading to do. There was alot of cheap one around here too but I stayed clear because of their reputation in that era. It really your choice and only you can make it. Just make sure you do your research on the boat and the motor before your stuck and definitely get it survived for sure. Good luck.

 

[badkins50]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

Oh yeah, welcome to iboats. There is a ton of great experience and knowledge here to help along the way.

 

[NYBo]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

Welcome to iboats!

a. General considerations: Bayliners, being entry-level boats, were often bought by boating novices with little knowledge of proper care and maintenance. Additionally, those of that era suffered from spotty quality control, especially in the realm of fully sealing the wood used in construction (cockpit sole, stringers, transom, seat boxes, etc.). It is therefore very important to check these items carefully, particularly at the asking price. For $4K, it had better be in great condition, IMO. Of course, you can always dicker on price. Ask for maintenance and repair records.

b. Camper top: You may be able to get one made by Leta's Top Shop. They have patterns for many old Bayliners. However, I don't think a camper top was available from the factory, so the pattern for one may not exist. Certainly worth a call to them if you end up buying the boat. If not, you'll have to get one made at a canvas shop. Either way, be prepared for major sticker shock.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

Thanks for the input guys . . . your comments bring to mind the concerns one might have about buying an AMF Harley of that era .

The other boat I've been looking at is an older Grew
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-boats-watercraft-powerboats-motorboats-24-Grew-Weekender-Boat-W0QQAdIdZ277573668a brand I have a good feeling about.

The seller in this case (the Bayliner) has had the boat for 10 years and strikes me as an upfront guy. Realistically I am not likely to arrange for a survey by a marine engineer on a $4K boat. The Grew is probably a little bit silly-big for my purposes (although maybe I can go to the BVI's??).

I currently own a 20-year old boat (small pontoon) and it is reliable, so I don't judge by age alone. However . . . 1980 was a long time ago, even for a Grew . . .

What to do, what to do . . . ?????

 

[bshattuck87]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

I took the dive and bought an '88 Cuddy last year and LOVE IT. What size (litre) is it? And actually, they did make a camper top from the factory for these boats. I have one myself (still missing a few pieces, BUT..) along with the factory Bayliner instructions.

(I have the one on the top)

Just TAKE YOUR TIME looking over the boat. Step in every place possible on the floor to try and find a soft spot. If you need motivation to want to pull up the floor, look at my resto thread.

Brenton

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

I have been checking out your resto thread. Very instructive. And I now have another question which I hope someone will answer because I can't find an answer yet by searching google: I am now plannign to take a serious look at the 89 Capri cuddy already mentioned, and a very sweet looking (by photos) 88 Ciera Sunray 20. The Ciera looks hawt . . . with the bowsprit and all . . . both around the same $4K price but the Ciera has no trailer and the Capri does. Very big advantage!

I am going to look at them on the weekend - the Ciera is in the water, so we get a "sea trial." So far the Ciera impresses me more. BUT . . . what exactly is the difference between the Ciera and the Capri??? Besides the bowsprit? In this case the Capri is 120 hp and the Ciera is 205 hp . . . but no trailer! :facepalm: Opinions NEEDED!!

Lets see if these pics work:

No. Until someone tells me how to drag and drop those files.:facepalm:

So I'll try linking to the ads instead:

http://kingston.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-boats-watercraft-powerboats-motorboats-1988-Cierra-Sunray-20-Cabin-Cruiser-boat-W0QQAdIdZ288785363#

http://kingston.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-boats-watercraft-powerboats-motorboats-19-5ft-Bayliner-cuddy-W0QQAdIdZ288092662#

 

[bshattuck87]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

I paid 3k for mine last year. I personally would be leaning much harder to the Ciera, but that's my personal opinion. Looks nicer.

Brenton

 

[badkins50]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

Pending inspection of the boat, the motor (and the 4.3l merc if taken care of is a good motor), the outdrive and sea trial I (personally) would lean towards the 88 Ciera Sunray 20. In the end its going to be your boat and only you know what you want and like. You can always try to talk them down some and put the extra money towards a decent trailer.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

I have been doing some homework online and at the local marinas . . . and it is becoming clear that (a) appropriate used trailers are not available; they are all under someone's boat, and (b) the total cost, even if a trailer would be available, of upholstery updating and tow vehicle for a boat of this size, puts the investment higher than I like for a boat of this vintage.

However, after allowing my local marina operator to talk some sense to me (about such concepts as "money pits") I have accidentally come across another opportunity: a 1996 Sea Ray 175 Bow Rider, white, 4.3 l. Mercruiser I/O, and from a physical condition perspective, almost-showroom pristine. Asking is high - $6,900 - but includes the trailer it sits on. The canvas is in great shape as well. The weight of this boat is such that I suspect we could tow it with our Subaru (it (the car) is rated for 2500 lbs) at least far enough for local servicing. I am going to arrange for our local small-engine guy to come on a sea trial with me and see if the dealer will take a lower offer.

 

[NYBo]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

Either the year or the motor size is wrong in your description of the Sea Ray 175.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

I think at this point the original poster would be better off with a thread started in the general boating section.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: About to buy an '89 cuddy

I think at this point the original poster would be better off with a thread started in the general boating section.

LOL! Certainly seems so! Off we go!