Bayliner 170-185

[JoshOnt]

What can you guys say about these from 1995 to about 2008? I have a really old boat now and since I have worked the numbers I can get this if I use most of my free cash on one. More in this year range are about the same price about 2-3k difference.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Bayliner gives you the most value(the most boat) for your money.

I guess that's why Bayliner is the number ONE selling brand in the world.

Like any other brand, it all depends on who well the boat was taken care of and protected from the elements.

Look for one that has the fiberglass liner(no wood floor). My 1996 is still sold as a rock.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Your going to find alot of people with low opinons to Bayliners. Most are due to the 80s with alot being sold to people who didnt take car of them. I have had mid 80s bayliners, and also cut one apart, to find, they are a solid boat if taken care of. There more like the, Chevy of boats. Bayliners are just fine, if it has been taken care of.

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Any idea on how I would test the floor for wood and the transom for the same

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Any idea on how I would test the floor for wood and the transom for the same

No idea - my 2005 195 is entirely wood floor, and the boat looks nearly new. The guys who say condition over brand have it right - if the PO has taken care of the boat, then it'll be a good boat for you. I'm dreading the Bayliner stigma when I go to sell mine before next season, hopefully folks will be bright enough to actually take a look at it before deciding that all Bayliners rot when you look at them wrong.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

No idea - my 2005 195 is entirely wood floor, and the boat looks nearly new. The guys who say condition over brand have it right - if the PO has taken care of the boat, then it'll be a good boat for you. I'm dreading the Bayliner stigma when I go to sell mine before next season, hopefully folks will be bright enough to actually take a look at it before deciding that all Bayliners rot when you look at them wrong.

^^^^^ yup.

My folks have an '02 (I think) 195 Classic. It's a fine boat. Nothing overly special, but it does pretty well. It gets up on plane very nicely and will run about 40MPH even with a load. Pulls skiers and tubes just fine. The 3.0l Merc has been fine. The only thing that I haven't liked about the boat is that it seems the electrical stuff and gauges seem to be poorly done.

Go based on condition.

 

[pckeen]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

In terms of testing, you can take core samples (if the current owner would permit you....which I would expect many would not). Just do a search here for taking core samples of stringers and transom.

If you can't take core samples, walk over the entire floor, look for soft spots - if there are soft spots, you have rot. Look carefully for other signs of damage.

Put as much weight as you can on the transom and look for flex - if you have any flex, your transom is shot.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Anyone even considering a Bayliner needs to read the thread on this page at: http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...le-transducer-2012-bayliner-185-a-600966.html . 2012 models with voids, wet wood, see through hulls, poor construction. They earned a bad rep in the '80s and continue it today.

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

In terms of testing, you can take core samples (if the current owner would permit you....which I would expect many would not). Just do a search here for taking core samples of stringers and transom.

If you can't take core samples, walk over the entire floor, look for soft spots - if there are soft spots, you have rot. Look carefully for other signs of damage.

Put as much weight as you can on the transom and look for flex - if you have any flex, your transom is shot.

Thanks, it I am looking at I/O so how can you test then, I know for outboard style boats.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Thanks, it I am looking at I/O so how can you test then, I know for outboard style boats.

Where there is rot, there is rust. Look for stains coming from anything attached to the transom.

A boat that has been cared for is a boat that is covered. No cover, No deal.

Look in the ski locker and under the engine.
If it is for sale, and the owner took care of the boat, these areas will be cleaner than they ever have been. They should be spotless.
If they have dirt, leaves or standing water, you can assume that they have been wet continuously. Walk away.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

A boat that has been cared for is a boat that is covered. No cover, No deal.

Well, not neccessarily for lake/garage boats. A boat that is always stored in the garage may not have a cover. While I do have a cover, it gets used only on rare occassion when the boat is left in the water overnight.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Well, not necessarily for lake/garage boats. A boat that is always stored in the garage may not have a cover. While I do have a cover, it gets used only on rare occasion when the boat is left in the water overnight.

Your garaged boat likely has a nice clean, dry, bilge.
Garage, BoatHouse, Covered Slip, Etc. Would all be considered a covered boat in my opinion.

If it does not fill with rain, it is covered, if rain is free to enter, it is not covered.
It doesn't have to be a fabric cover attached directly to the boat to be protected and well cared for.

A peek at the inside of the keel will tell the story in any event.
You will either find a clean bilge or a cesspool.
If you would think twice about putting your hand in the water, leaves, dirt, and oil, it says a lot, keep looking.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Have those considering a Bayliner, especially this model, even looked at the other thread on this page? If so, unless it is free why are you still considering paying for it? A flip? I flip boats at times but always with a clear conscious.

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

crabby I am looking at it because I am limited on price. I want to be able to tube with friends and have it safe enough to trust them to drive. I am 16 so that plays a part in it.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Josh -- Just so you are aware of the problems and expense others are finding with this model. Also, when you are ready to upgrade many others expect it to be sold cheap due to the reputation of the Bayliner name. If you decide to go forward you may have no problems at all. Some Bayliners do not have problems. Every boat purchase has an element of a gamble in it but I don't like betting against a stacked deck. Good luck with any boat you purchase.

crabby I am looking at it because I am limited on price. I want to be able to tube with friends and have it safe enough to trust them to drive. I am 16 so that plays a part in it.

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

Josh -- Just so you are aware of the problems and expense others are finding with this model. Also, when you are ready to upgrade many others expect it to be sold cheap due to the reputation of the Bayliner name. If you decide to go forward you may have no problems at all. Some Bayliners do not have problems. Every boat purchase has an element of a gamble in it but I don't like betting against a stacked deck. Good luck with any boat you purchase.

Thanks and I came on here to sorta see what others think. I have a budget of 6-11k, it limits me sadly but if I but anything bigger and better I could not afford the gas and up keep.

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

What might people suggest for this price range?

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

What year? Motor?

What might people suggest for this price range?

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: Bayliner 170-185

I would like new as possible in good condition. Engine must be a 115 HP min would prefer a 135 HP though. Boat will be used to carry my family 4 people total and maybe a friend or two every once and a while. Max weight I will be tubing or skiing is 150 pounds. Boat size I would like 16-18 ft.