Bayliner question

cordell

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 28, 2008
Messages
308
Re: Bayliner question

Looks as tho our brother cordell needs a "well done" for continuing to contribute to my social security today. :p
TY Hey somebody has to do it, lol On a serious note a lot of people don't want to work these days. This new generation think all shall or all should be handed to them!

It also helped to get time and a half pay:):) PLUS the 10 hours of holiday pay:D:D

cordell
 

Bigprairie1

Commander
Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
2,568
Re: Bayliner question

I don't think this thread was a call for brand comparisons. I don't know why it descends into that. :confused:
Bayliner is an entry level boat...thats not a felony. Nor is buying and driving an Chevy S10 or Ford Ranger....again, entry level trucks. Not a felony, basic transpo that get the job required done within a budget.
Anyhow, I (like Cordell) have a 90' Bayliner Capri and it too was kept dry and well maintained and still has its original 90hp Force on it. I have no complaints, it's still a solid boat. Nor am I going to start comparing to Searays or Cobalts...why? Who cares? I'm on the water, the boats reliable and solid and we are having fun.:)
When its time to move up or go out to big, deep blue water I'll change boats I guess and move up to something heavier duty. No biggy here.
I would highly recommend to the buyer of any boat, and particularly Bayliners...check 'em out. Particularly if they were built in the 80's. Make sure they are solid and don't foolishly buy by brand alone.
Anyhow, interesting thread so far regardless.
BP:cool:
 

dan t.

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
1,137
Re: Bayliner question

I own a 92 bayliner 2452 ,2280 hours ,305 chevy ,alpha 1 gen II,motor was replaced before I bought it in 03. so far trouble free mechanicaly,had to reseal some windows,cant complain about that for its age.fittings are kind of cheap,finishing work could be better,but hey,it gets fished hard all summer and is comfortable. handles big water just fine,crossed Chatham Sound in a 20 knot southeaster today,no problem.you get what you pay for, I would buy another
 

cmcpherson

Banned
Joined
Jun 11, 2006
Messages
310
Re: Bayliner question

Look, I really have no problem with Bayliners whatsoever. What I have a problem with, and it has happened in other threads not this one, is that people keep saying that they are the same as Sea Rays because they are both owned by Brunswick. Then when you state the real facts you are being a jerk and people start taking shots at you apparently because they are in fear of something, like the people at Bayliner getting upset because the forum that they are paying advertising to is taking shots at them. But, whatever, if you all want to walk around thinking that the only people on this forum that have any knowledge are the "senior members," go ahead. The ability to flap you gums however has very little bearing on you level of knowledge. Now, I agree, where are the moderators? They need to save you all from yourselves!
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Bayliner question

cmcperson, have you ever considered that maybe it's not the message but the way it's delivered? A large percentage of the threads you're involved with turn inflammatory. Coincidence?
 

cmcpherson

Banned
Joined
Jun 11, 2006
Messages
310
Re: Bayliner question

Perhaps, people are just not interested in the truth. But remember, the truth will set you free!!!!!
 

rebars1

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 23, 2004
Messages
744
Re: Bayliner question

Again, thanks for the input guys. I had my basic question answered way back around post #13.

As to my "500 posts", you all have been coaching me to the ins and outs of repairing/restoring the old boats I have bought (none of them Bayliners) over the past few years. Those boats keep my teenage son on the water, fishing, and out of trouble, and they also give us something to do together.

If I wanted to start a hot topic, I would have asked somthing about oil!
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: Bayliner question

Again, thanks for the input guys. I had my basic question answered way back around post #13.

As to my "500 posts", you all have been coaching me to the ins and outs of repairing/restoring the old boats I have bought (none of them Bayliners) over the past few years. Those boats keep my teenage son on the water, fishing, and out of trouble, and they also give us something to do together.

If I wanted to start a hot topic, I would have asked somthing about oil!

Oh No!! Not an oil thread...LOL!!!

Congrats on getting the teenager into something good and out of trouble...;)
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Bayliner question

I did not come into this thread just to insult someone. I only said, as I have seen on a lot of other threads, that the subject is a much rehashed topic. My comments after that were concerned ONLY with the topic at hand. For whatever reason Bayliner has this place in it's pockets and I think it is sad that so much biased opinionated so-called advice is being given here that makes Bayliners sound as if they are the best thing since sliced bread. I don't see one review about ANY other boat on this forum, period. Why, well that is left for speculation but I certainly have my opinion. And, I don't see my biased opinion as being any different than any other person's on this board. Someone said in a later post that the thread even though tired an old did not stop me from posting in it. As I said, both sides need to be told and if no one else is going to do it, than I will. And if the moderators wish to shut me up because I have a strong voice, I guess there is not much I can do about it other than to sit back, laugh and let unsuspecting people get hoodwinked into believing something is what it is not. I really don't know why I keep coming to this forum other than the laughs I get from this type of attitude, there is real comedic therapy for me in reading here. Go ahead now, tell me to go away, obviously though I really have very little concern over what people here think about me!

That's enough of that garbage, Mac. The reviews by Gary H are the truth as he saw it. Your accusations of dishonorable motives are from thin air.

Maybe when your vacation is up you will post like a gentleman and with courtesy. Otherwise I suggest you find another forum to disrupt.:mad:
 

marine4003

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 3, 2008
Messages
1,119
Re: Bayliner question

Oh No!! Not an oil thread...LOL!!!

Congrats on getting the teenager into something good and out of trouble...;)
My wife thinks i've completely lost my mind....But, i just bought a 1971 Boston whaler 13 SS in dire need of refit,ordered all new mahogany seats,consul,Suzuki 40 hp w/ controls and enough Interlux products to repaint the 3rd Fleet.....so i can restore it for my daughter....who's 3. LOL.
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: Bayliner question

My wife thinks i've completely lost my mind....But, i just bought a 1971 Boston whaler 13 SS in dire need of refit,ordered all new mahogany seats,consul,Suzuki 40 hp w/ controls and enough Interlux products to repaint the 3rd Fleet.....so i can restore it for my daughter....who's 3. LOL.
Good for you! Sounds like that will be a super nice rig all restored with the Suzuki on her...Congrats on the Whaler!! I always wanted one.;)
 

tx1961whaler

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2008
Messages
5,197
Re: Bayliner question

Can you come over and restore my Whaler after you're done? It has 45 years of Marine-Tex holding it together...
 

pipes

Cadet
Joined
Aug 28, 2008
Messages
17
Re: Bayliner question

That of course may be an older reputation too.

Yes I know S***t happens and the Bayliners are sort of "entry level" boats.

I have a 94 20' Bayliner in my shop right now that I'm swapping the engine.......The fiberglass work in it is really no better than my 87 Four Winns 211 Liberator! (My brother paid $28,000 for it new) and they used screws instead of bolts in a lot of places. Very few companies hand hand lay-up fiberglass anymore....they blow it on with a chopper gun.....so in a manufacturing environment there would be some areas that might not get good coverage if someone got in a hurry etc....look up into your gunwales sometimes and you'll see what I mean.


I am sorry, I had an 87 Bayliner Capri 19' cuddy with a 125 force outboard . GARBAGE. Split in half in the mouth of the CT river. If you are not familiar with that part of the country, very busy on holidays and weekends, with bigger boats. Does not compare to my 1987 211 Liberator. The hull of the Liberater does not compare to a bayliner.
 

Wingnutt

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 16, 2003
Messages
255
Re: Bayliner question

I got here a little late, but I'll throw my $.02 in anyway. I have owned boats for over twenty years now (12 at last count), so I think that *might* qualify my opinion. First off I will agree with this post:

Bayliners are what they are, entry level boats priced as entry level boats and constructed as entry level price point boats.

This is true like it or not...especially for their smaller lines. My current boat is a 1988 BL 2455 Cirra (my 3rd BL BTW) and it reflects it's entry level pricing and construction. It was built as an entry level cruiser and priced accordingly. Yes it does indeed have fiberglass that IMHO is a bit on the thin side in certain areas, but in areas where strength is needed, the fiberglass is very thick. It was built using screws in places where most of my previous boats were thru-bolted. The chrome on the handrails is thin and a little bit rusty, as are two of the cleats. The interior treatment is what is referred to as monkey fur instead of carpet and wall board. And there is very little sound deadening.

Were corners cut in construction, not that I can see except for the thin fiberglass. Again it's construction is indicative of what it is. Is it a shoddily built boat? Well it's still in good shape, and any vessel that still floats, doesn't leak and runs well after 20 years must have a little something going for it.

A lot of the bad reputation has come from BL's target market. Entry level boaters who, more ofter than not, have no clue of the maintenance issues involved with a boat (much less an entry level boat). They keep the boat a few years while doing little or no maintenance then sale it when they step up to their next boat. Meanwhile the entry level boat which has had very little maintenance preformed on it starts having issues (often expensive issues) for their next owners.

I have heard the same nightmare stories that most everybody who has been boating for more than a few years has heard. BUT here's a little something to keep in mind. Bayliner did NOT manufacture the engines or drives. Merc, and Volvo did. Nor did they manufacture a lot of the other components of the boat such as the fridge, stove, head, lighting, pumps, ect. They used the same components as the other builders did. How they were installed however, is BL's fault!

Sorry, but I ain't gonna touch the Force outboard subject with a ten foot pole. :p
 

marine4003

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 3, 2008
Messages
1,119
Re: Bayliner question

Can you come over and restore my Whaler after you're done? It has 45 years of Marine-Tex holding it together...

Sure !!!! Its a blast,being 13' not too much sanding involved,color scheme = Fighting Lady Yellow hull - Interlux Light blue interior - Red Boot Stripe - repainting the Suzuki cowling/shaft pure white / no stickers except " Binford 200" on hood LOL, Kaitlin MIGHT get to use it...in 10 years.
 

Kessi

Cadet
Joined
Jun 25, 2008
Messages
20
Re: Bayliner question

I picked up a 94 1952 this winter as a project boat and learning tool.
Being new/returning to boating person I wanted to learn from the bottom up.
I have not been disappointed in my purchase and have come to respect the art of boating.
Rebuilding the engine has given a personal respect for the Merc 3L as well as the Alpha 1.
In short I can see it's limitations but feel safe in the boat.
I'm sure when I'm ready to trade up I will again buy a project boat and would consider Bayliner at the same time heading the advice of keeping away from the problem years, but then I would do that of any brand.
 

jkust

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
Re: Bayliner question

I just saw this thread and wanted to chime in. Among my two boats, I have owned a 1984 Bayliner Capri since new in 1984. This of course was the time of the bad years when the reputation was built. I am not sure what folks really mean when they say their is/was a quality problem. I have taken relatively good care of the boat cosmetically with simple armor all, wax and teak oil, and have now spent three dollars on engine maintenance being on a set of new plugs in all 24 years and many hundreds of hours of use. Everything from the chrome cleats to the ss bow grab rails are pristine and have never had any quality concerns...really. Even the stearing wheel is a Dino and is irily similar to my "premium" brand 03 Chaparral. The relatively thin vinyl is as nice as the day I bought it with hardly a hint of wear. I am not sure what I have done any different than any other boat owner but simply put it has lasted as I expected when I bought it with an easy 20 more years of life left. I see more junky/beat up Bayliners from the 80's and 90's for sale and I think that just proliferates the negative comments. Each one of these boats could have just been maintained better since it just isn't that difficult. I only recently, not having shopped for a long time, discovered that the negative reputation exists. I was apparently in a time warp and having no problems never thought anything but 'wow Bayliner sure makes a great, long lasting boat'. By the way I just learned that Armorall is not for use on boat vinyl.
 

chrisg

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
476
Re: Bayliner question

I have a '03 open bow (1950 classic) it works, whats the beef!?

Ya the tach stopped working, and so did the voltmeter,and the switches stick and the Merc runs on when you turn it off and it got caught in the flood of '04, and had all its windshelds replace. (the door does not close, but I blame the repair place for that). But it does what we want.
 
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