Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

[kev_79]

Just wanted to open a can of worms and this post may get moved, but I have a mercrusier now, so I spend more time on this particular forum. I have been a bayliner owner for 6-7 years. I really liked my first, a 1990 18' capri with a force 90, then a rebuilt force 90 and then a mercury 115. The boat was in great shape when I sold it to my best friend, but it was never kept indoors, always outdoors and covered. No soft spots in the floor but the seats were showing thier age and I had them recovered.<br /><br />Now, I have just purchased a 95 2050SS in really great shape and always kept indoors. Only 132 hours on the engine and I bought from the original owner. I think I got a great deal, I paid $7250. <br /><br />I had the poor engine, the Force 90, but I got rid of it after I burned it up...twice. and an older bayliner that treated me well. Now I have a newer one with a tried and true mercruiser 5.0 and I am a happy camper.<br /><br />Now for the question. Bayliners have a rather lesser name in the boating world, from my experience. Do they still carry this lesser name? If not, when did they up their standards. Are the other boats really that much better?<br /><br />I'm open to all opinions, b/c I've already bought the boat I happen to like their styling and I like them much better since their are no more force engines.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

Some of the early Bayliners had major quility problems, but seem to improve some what after the purchase by Brunswick this is just a opinion as we don't have many in this area

 

[MGallik]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

I've heard the same thing. They were kind of rough in the early to mid 80's and the Force outboards did more than their fair share in building that image. During the 90's they came back to become a pretty decent entry level boat. I know a lot of folks don't like the entry level designation, but they are rather lightly built and just about the lowest priced size for size.

 

[Sea Six]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

Don't see any of them around here.

 

[baylinerbuddy]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

Had my '95 bayliner 1950 for about three years now (3.0 liter merc) and it's been great - knock on wood.<br /><br />It's my first boat (after growing up in a family on the water all the time) and aside from some preventative maintenance, I've had few problems with the boat, or the motor.<br /><br />But now that I've gone and posted this, I'm sure I'll be in for a season of constant repair.<br /><br />Buddy of mine has owned one for a lot longer and he's happy too. They're a great little boat for touring around the river, pulling skiers, and just enjoying the water. <br /><br />For real style though, you'll have to shell out more money. But for what I paid for mine, I'm more than happy with the result - all things remaining equal.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

No Comment.......................... <br /><br />Go to the top of this page,+ Click on the Big Red Search button...............<br />Type in "Bilgeliner"............<br /><br />There's Plenty that's been Said....... And,.. Backed up with Facts ............<br /><br />Have Fun................. I've said Enough...........

 

[cuzner]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

I guess things are a little slow around here.....Time for good fight around here.My oppinion, Bayliner a good value, if you mantain it will keep you happy and on the water for years.<br /><br /> Hey Bondo... I thought you would have a few more colorful remarks, I was looking foreward to at least 1 good rip LOL<br /><br /> Jim

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

Sorry to let you Down, cuzner............<br /><br />kev_79 is on his 2nd Bilgeliner....... He Likes It......<br /><br />If he was about to buy his 1st one, I'd post a little Different answer................

 

[JB]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

Boat topic.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

Closed topic.

 

[kev_79]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

I had a feeling that we might get moved. I'm interested in hearing the good and the bad. Where the problems spots are, etc.<br /><br />I would have done a search, but I didn't know the correct terminology "bilgeliner" I'll do that also.<br /><br />I know you can't expect to pay 7k or whatever less for a bayliner 18 footer than for a crownline 18 footer and expect the boat to be "the same caliber". I'm fimiliar with their bad name, especially when it relates to the Force engine. Just from what I have seen, it looks like they have gotten better over the years. At least the now have mercrusiers or mercury ob engines, that was a nice upgrade, but I wonder what they did to the hull design, fiberglass job.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Kevin

 

[Realgun]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

They improved right after I replaced everything but the hull and engine Seriously I love my Bayliner and the hull is well made. Some people are gonna ***** they are not well built, not true just the stuff that was put into the hull, not the hull, very thick in my case gel was a little thin but I can fix that, not stringers, alaskan yellow spruce, not transom, solid as a rock and 17 years old. <br /><br />People like to think they know about Bayliner and either never owned 1 or had 1 and didn't know how to take care of it. <br /><br />Here's a quote, "Ya my force sucked" why? Cause he did not know you had to mix the oil and gas and killed his motor. Dealer of course did not replace it under warrantee so boat sucks engine sucks and he sells it for a big loss. Then he tells everyone Bayliner sucks.<br /><br />I buy the boat and fix everything wrong. Now I have a good cheap boat that I know what and how to fix everything!

 

[hise]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

Originally posted by kev_79:<br /> <br /><br />Now for the question. Bayliners have a rather lesser name in the boating world, from my experience. Do they still carry this lesser name? If not, when did they up their standards. Are the other boats really that much better?<br /><br />

It looks like you already know the product is better than it's negative hype; but, I would say that, in general, you will still need to wear your flame retardant underwear for owning a bayliner. But, it's the residual flame that you're already aware of from owning a '90 model.<br /><br />As far as "when did they up their standards", I would say it was when they dropped the Force engines.<br /><br />The Bayliner runabouts have the same powerplant as the other runabouts out there. I don't know about your '95 model; but, the newer hulls have a lifetime warranty. And, knowing your satisfaction with the '90 hull, you should be please with the '95 hull you're getting - especially since it's been stored indoors.<br /><br />Congratulations... have fun!<br /><br />--Hise

 

[Tolly family]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

My 1979 18 Bayliner Quartermaster was the best quality boat I ever owned, all the wood in the boat was glassed, my friends same year Sea Ray was completely rotten inside. My next boat was a 21' Mirage and it had soft wood in the floor because it wasn't glassed.<br /><br />Dan

 

[John_S]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

kev_79,<br /><br />I started looking at Bayliner's back in late 70's/early 80's (bowriders/cuttycabins). Like many, I was attracted by the lower cost. Every couple of years, I'd stop into a dealer, look them over, and get the latest brochures. They have always appeared to be targeted at the new or entry level boat buyer. ie allot of items for a good price. Also, they always seemed to focus on style or graphics. Outside of the Force/Chrysler outboards, already mentioned, the L-drive and the sweeping side glass on some models, never made any sense to me. <br /><br />Last May, I bought my first fiberglass boat. It was a very well carred for '97 Capri 2050CL w/mercruiser 5.7L. With one season under my belt, I am still very happy. I have been over just about every inch of the boat, probably twice. IMHO, the materials such as vynil, carpet, fasteners, and such, tend toward the lower end. Doesn't make them bad, just need to understand the level that you are buying. Mine has plywood in the floors and in other areas. It is in good shape, and given the degree I care for it, should not be a problem. I did find one stringer not encapsolated in epoxy. It appears to be a manufacturing or quality oversight. <br /><br />Many new boat owners do not realize the care needed for these boats. I have seen many parked in backyards with slim or no covers. Some even bow down. Add I/O maintenance and winterization requirements to the mix, as well. The combination of a value engineered boat and new in-experienced owner, can lead to predictable results. <br /><br />So IMHO, Bayliner has been responsible for some of the bad press, and the product of some, by targeting the entry level buyer, and care provided some. Once you earn a reputation, its hard to change it. The rep doesn't seem to hurt their overall sales, though. It all depends on your wants and needs, and how well you care for what you own. You won't see me waving the Bayliner flag or the Bilgeliner one. In the end, it is your boat, and it is what you make it. Doesn't matter what other people think of it.

 

[r j f]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

I don't know much about there bayliner line but there fishing boat the Trophy are great.

 

[jjpp]

Re: Bayliner, good?, bad? when did they improve

hey kev 79 i'm running a 95 bay for 10 yrs no prob,also have a force 120 on it ,only had to replace stator and switch box in 10 yrs not bad ,do the maint and she will take care of you