Bayliner questions.

[magster65]

I know the old ones are poorly made but I bought one anyways. It was cheap, that's why <br />I needed a small fishing boat a couple weekends a month and I don't want to fish in the 'nice' boat. Anyways, I'm looking at some newer Bayliners and they look pretty good. ( Example ) My questions are;<br />Does anyone know who owns Bayliner now? I've heard it's the same company as Sea Ray... is this true? <br />Also, when did Bayliner improve thier construction quality to that of most other boats... was it around 94-95 when they did the major styling changes?<br />Thanks.

 

[bayman]

Re: Bayliner questions.

It's true, Bayliner is owned by the same parent company as Sea Ray. Brunswick also owns these boat companies:<br />Albemarle<br />Baja<br />Boston Whaler<br />Hatteras<br />Lowe<br />Lund<br />Maxum<br />Meridian<br />Palmetto<br />Princecraft<br />Sea Boss<br />Sea Pro<br />Sealine<br />Trophy<br /><br />I'll defer to others construction changes. A lot of things changed when they bought Bayliner. Incidentally, they bought Sea Ray at exactly the same time.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Bayliner questions.

With regard to construction quality, the larger Bayliners have always been solidly built boats. Look at a '70s Bodega or an '80s pilothouse...you'd be hard pressed to find "cheap" construction. My last boat was a 1988 26 foot Bayliner, and I crawled through every accessible corner of that boat for the 7 years I owned it. Solid as a rock. My current 30 foot Bayliner was bought new last year and if you look behind the panels and in the cracks and crevices, is built no different than a Sea Ray or any other express cruiser. Of course it doesn't have Corian countertops, cherry cabinetry or UltraLeather upholstery, but does everyone want that (or want to pay $$$$$ for it?) <br /><br />The small runabouts, I have never owned one so can't really comment.<br /><br />You may want to lurk around the Bayliner Owners' Club (www.baylinerownersclub.org) to get a feel for what the 6000+ owners are discussing with regard to all models of Bayliner.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Bayliner questions.

Only had my 2004 205 one season and I have no complaints at this time.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Bayliner questions.

This is a surefire way to get an arguement going...<br /><br /> My experience with Bayliners is limited to one boat- a 20' cuddy. It had the 5.0L GM with an Alpha I outdrive- it was a solid 50mph boat that I bought for a song from the owner and resold for twice what I paid for it. It was 14 years old and still had an excellent gloss to the gelcoat, no leaks other than a worn shift boot and not an electrical problem one. Everything worked on the boat and I enjoyed it, even though it wasn't really my style. (I now run a 19' center console.) The only issue I had was the bolsters on the sides that were screwed on with little screws. They "sank" into the fiberglass and had to be removed when the bolsters got loose. I just added a larger washer under the heads when I re-installed the bolsters and that snugged them up. <br /><br /> All in all, I had no problems. In fact, it was easier to service my boat than it was to do my buddy's 20' Sea Ray because I had more space in the engine compartment. (I was about 5 mph faster than him too. LOL)<br /><br />UFM82

 

[magster65]

Re: Bayliner questions.

Yeah, I'm not looking for the Bayliner-bashing club to start posting here. Thanks. I agree that the old smaller Bayliners were of lesser quality than some other brands but they were inexpensive. You got what you paid for. I've never been on an older 'big' Bayliner but I did spend the day on a newer 4788. It was an awesome boat... much much nicer than my in-laws 60' Hatteras Sportfish. Seriously! I'm enquiring about the mid 90s to present construction quality mainly... so far I haven't heard anything that would turn me away from buying one but it never hurts to post the question.<br />Thanks.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Bayliner questions.

magster65,<br /><br />Look at THIS LINK for additional info.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Bayliner questions.

Have you looked at my signature? I bought a cheap Bayliner! <br />I love it and if it had been in great shape would have been 2500-3000.<br />I wanted a project so me and my boy can do something together.<br /><br />It really depends on the boat there are good boats that have been taken care of and others that sat neglected and rotted. Some thing Baylinder did in the past were to say the least fishy. Mostly how things were put into the boat not the actual hull.<br /><br />I saw one of these just before I got married and knew I would own one someday. Just thought it would be newer!

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Bayliner questions.

I recently bought a 1998 21' Bayliner Rendezvous Deck Boat and quite honestly it is a great boat. Lots of space, much of it roomy enough for me to get into and look around. The hull is solid and it rides real good. I went through some teeth gnashing myself prior to buying and have been all but disowned by some family members, but considering the price and after giving it a good going over, I am happy about it.

 

[ziemann]

Re: Bayliner questions.

Use the big red "SEARCH" button at the top of the page. Tons of threads regarding Bayliner's quality and vintages have been posted.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Bayliner questions.

How ya doing there Magster! I won't argue the quality of Bayliner. Mine has let me enjoy the water for the past 5 years going on 6.<br /><br />Knowing that you are mechanicaly inclinded (I remember the cart you built for your boy). I know you are able to take care of problems. I think if you stay with the 90's and newer you won't have any major problems that you will regret later.<br /><br />Its good to see you posting again. Best of Luck!

 

[magster65]

Re: Bayliner questions.

Hey SS!<br />How are ya'? <br />Sorry, it's been a while... you had a 27' Sedan bridge was it? <br />I think; the bigger the better but with daycare and a mortgage, I can't afford the moorage and added fuel for a bigger boat for now. On the Saanich Peninsula (where I live) gas is $4.66 / gal. for premium and moorage went from $170 / month last year to $210 this year. I just sold my Tolly this week and now I'm going to get a 23 - 24 weekender of some sort (Sea Ray, Bayliner, Four Winns, Maxum, Monterey...etc.). So long as it's on a trailer. There's 3 ramps within 10 minutes of my place so it's only a little extra hassle. Those 23' Sunbridges still sleep 4 so I won't have to sleep on the dock if we go somewhere! That 'boat link' I put in my first post would be perfect but there's an offer in on it... I'll call again today to see if it's still available.<br />ttys!

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Bayliner questions.

Magster, you live in a beautiful area. We try to make it over to Tod Inlet at least once every season. We're moored full time in downtown Vancouver and we're usually in the Gulf Islands every nice weekend from April to October.

 

[magster65]

Re: Bayliner questions.

Hey Stratocaster, You must head to Tod Inlet to watch the fireworks.(?) We get down there at least 5 Saturdays a year and stay overnight... what a great show for the price We also really like Maple Bay and Browning... I know, Browning's dumpy but we just can't stay away from the little bar bands and for some reason the beer tastes better there.<br />So you're in downtown Vancouver... is that anywhere near Thunderbird Yacht sales? I think they're in West Van... anyways they have a 24' Ciera too. The salesman said they know it's overpriced and so does the owner and to make an offer because he's bought his new boat already. If nothing else interesting comes up I'll be over in the next week or two to check it out. <br />Take care

 

[magster65]

Re: Bayliner questions.

Who else goes to these spots?<br />Maple Bay (Duncan),<br />Browning (N.Pender Isl.),<br />Poets Cove (S. Pender Isl.),<br />Sidney Spit (Sidney Isl.),<br />Ganges (Saltspring Isl.),<br />Fulford (Saltspring Isl.),<br />Brentwood Bay (Saanich Peninsula).<br />Anyone in Washington or over in Van. should check these out if you can. They're definately worth the trip. The fireworks we were talkin' about are at Butchart Gardens every Saturday night from July 2 through Sept. 3 and it is fabulous and hugely popular! There's usually hundreds of boats anchored in Tod Inlet to watch the show. The echo from the blasts through the mountains is unreal! Ya' got to experience it once... you'll be hooked... like me. I've been going for 20 years!!!

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Bayliner questions.

Been to all of them, Magster. A beautiful area, to be sure.