Bayliner vs. Larson

[sffilm1]

Hello, I was looking at getting a new Larson 180 sport, but unfortunately cannot afford it right now, but I am looking at a '97 bayliner capri 2050. What do you all think about this boat. Is it comparable in quality to the larsons? I don't know much about Bayliners at all, so any info would be helpful.

your thoughts...

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Bayliner vs. Larson

You will get a lot of different opinions on this so be prepared. The Larson is a nice boat to be sure but they arent cheap as you well know. My brother has a Larson LXI 22 and it to me is very well built/thought out etc. The Bayliner is more of an entry level boat with entry level qualities. BUT that doesn't mean it is a bad boat at all. I would take a Bayliner that has been properly maintained and stored well in the off season over a newer ________? that has been abused, left uncovered, not maintained driven into the dirt, top of the line whatever. Some say the older liners were a bit prone to rot (floors/stringers/transom) so check yourself or better yet have a boat surveyor check it out for you, it is 2-3 hundred well spent if you are serious about it and can save you thousands down the road. If it has an OMC drive on it I might shy away as they no longer make parts for them so repairs can be hit and miss on avaliability. If it is in great shape with low hours and it checks out and you can steal it go for it, remember there are a lot of boats and good deals out there.

 

[jkust]

Re: Bayliner vs. Larson

I like the look of those mid 90's Bayliners. I actually just saw one with a stepped hull and I didn't know Bayliner ever offered those. Most times when I see a 2050, it has a v8 too which is a plus. I would suggest a used boat over any new boat if money is an issue especially a Larson. They do depreciate quickly. There are lots of mid to late 2000's Larsons that have been on the market for many months in my area. Some are priced low but can't seem to sell them and some like the Senza's are depreciated below what the sellers owe on the loan and they don't move either. Everybody suggests this but, even if it is inconvienient, get a survey done. Entry level boats seem to attract folks on the bottom of the learning curve which equals potential problems to the next owner. As far as the quality of Larson versus Bayliner in the 90's, if you look at both, Larson is probably a step up all else being equal. But again it cost more when it was new so there doesn't seem to ever be a free lunch with boats.

Good luck.

 

[AngelC]

Re: Bayliner vs. Larson

I personally am very happy with my Larson Senza. Nothing against Bayliner, a friend of mine had a 18ft and it did the job. Although When I bought my Larson, the quality diffrence was very noticable, but yes..... it did cost a tad bit more.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Bayliner vs. Larson

Bayliner is an entry level boat. A good first timers boat. The Larson is more expensive but much better quality. A couple year old used Larson taken care of will be worth more than a new Bayliner. just my .02

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bayliner vs. Larson

Bayliner are fine boats, it is the first time buyer that neglects them.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.