Bayliners?????????

[notinbig]

Are these things that bad? I do have some experience but no one I know has one. why are they so cheap? Are they just starters for big boats(2455 or 2855)? why are they so bad? what to look for??<br />

 

[trumpetbucks]

Re: Bayliners?????????

Do a search for Bayliners on here and read through a lot of posts.<br /><br />There are widely different opinions on Bayliners - a lot of boaters really hate them and there are some who own one and love it.<br /><br />Here's my own 2 cents: A Bayliner is typically referred to as the "Yugo" of boats (maybe we should say "Daewoo" to update that reference!). Now for some people, there's nothing wrong with a Yugo/Daewoo. They can drive one their whole life and get by just fine. For other people, they are low-quality vehicles that they would never, ever buy because they just wouldn't be sure about when the thing would break down. They would much rather pay more for a decent Ford, Chev, Buick, etc. or pay the same amount and get an older Ford, Chev, Buick, etc.<br /><br />If you are looking at a used one, get someone who really knows boats to go over it top to bottom - even if you have to pay someone from a shop to check it out.<br /><br />Make sure you look around at a lot of boats, then decide for yourself - do I want to spend X dollars on this Bayliner or the same amount on a boat with a better reputation but that is three or four years older?<br /><br />In the end, it's your money and will be your boat.

 

[magster65]

Re: Bayliners?????????

My thoughts are similar. Bayliners look pretty good and don't cost as much as some others however, in this case you get what you pay for aspecially in the smaller boats. The two you mention are a little bigger than the problematic boats that many people refer to. With my experience the bigger Bayliners are much more refined than the little runabouts. I guess the bottom line is that you'll never be disappointed buying a better product but if you cheap out you may regret it.

 

[JB]

Re: Bayliners?????????

Imagine a Chevette with a Corvette body. Real pretty, cheaply made for entry-level buyers.<br /><br />Chevettes, and B'Liners, are decent for their price, but don't expect them to last without lots of TLC and regular teardowns to replace/fix rot.

 

[boating brad]

Re: Bayliners?????????

a big part of the bad rap thing is the motors they put on them are usually cheap and under-powered as was already mentioned. but if you got an older bayliner and took the chrysler force motor off and put on, for example. a yamaha you would have a nice rig. as far as the boat construction, any boat will rot if you leave it out and uncovered. your going to have to take care of any boat you get whether it be a bayliner or a whaler if you dont, it wont last!

 

[oogaboga]

Re: Bayliners?????????

I've owned a lot boats and there like cars, there all good it depends on how YOU take care of them-I've got a 1990 bayliner with a 150 force and all I've ever done is put a stator on it this year.you just have to take good care

 

[MarkJSullivan]

Re: Bayliners?????????

August my lad...have you had a few pints prior to checking the grammar on your last post...we're snobs about that you know..

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Bayliners?????????

It is probably not a good idea to compare a brand new 2003 Bayliner to the Bayliners of past. They are still inexpensive and do not come with a lot of frills on the entry level models, but the construction is better now than it used to be and they all have good powerplants now. When you buy an older Bayliner, you are buying a hull that did not have as many layers of glass in the hull construction. Quality control from boat to boat was poor, with ill fitting joints, and wood that had little to no protection. You combine that with a motor that is substandard, and mix in general lack of proper care by the original owner, and you have a mess. There are older Bayliners out there that were taken care of, and run good, but you have to keep taking care of it. In the end you still have a basic entry level boat. You have to be very carefull when you buy a Bayliner, but it is not impossible to get a decent boat.

 

[JB]

Re: Bayliners?????????

HUH???<br />Whachootalkinbout, Mark??

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Bayliners?????????

When I bought my last used boat, I was open to a bayliner (without Force) as I thought I could get a good deal on a newer model.<br /><br />I looked at the newer models as I expected and just did not like the way they were outfitted. I'm not a snob, but it was cheesey. (disclaimer: not all bayliners are cheesey, just the ones I was looking at) I then looked at an older Sea Ray and everything was so much nicer. Things like the engine hatch. The bayliner was a plastic cover, and kinda flimsy. The Sea Ray was a sturdy wood framed insulated cover with nice vinyl. The power plants were the same, so that was not an issue.<br /><br />For the money I spent, I bought a 4 year older Sea Ray and am very pleased with its looks and comfort. The Sea Ray even came with a standard full camper canvas and a place to store it.<br /><br />Again, I am not a snob. but when I am at the lake, I want to be comfortable and feel good. If I am at the lake in a cheesily appointed boat, that will bug me every time I get in it.<br /><br />I am not against Bayliner and would still give them a look when buying, but I am happy I found the Sea Ray..

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Bayliners?????????

then again, if you really like the lines of the bayliner, you can always update her with new stuff, especially if you snag a good deal on one, and being Bayliners, you can haggle a good deal ...<br /><br />and just work on it<br /><br />I installed padded coming with a nice heavywieght vinyl, under gunnel lighting, both red and white on separate circuits, twin bilge pumps, fancy anchor light, depth finder, digital compass, all sorts of stuff on the Crestliner ... She was vandalized a few years back, stole the coming, the splashwell, stole the analog compass ...<br /><br />at least the fishfinder is safe!

 

[jamiewashere256]

Re: Bayliners?????????

I like mine. It is more of an entry level boat though, they are cheaper because the are produced in greater numbers. Mine does well though. If you don't have alot to spend or are new to boating, Bayliner will be a good boat for you. Just like any boat you buy, get it inspected and thouroghly test drive it.

 

[susan61]

Re: Bayliners?????????

My two cents worth. I ran a 19' Bayliner in the Chesapeake Bay for ten years with a 3.0 inboard/outdrive. She served me well thru some very rough fishing trips. Only problem I ever had was that the carb tended to flood sometimes. A carb rebuild fixed that.<br /> As has been said, any boat and engine are as good as the maintenance they receive. Sure there are more expensive boats and some are fitted out better. But you do get what you pay for.<br /> Service your bayliner and she will give you many years of boating pleasure.

 

[notinbig]

Re: Bayliners?????????

Thanks everyone!!!<br />I will take everyones suggestions. I know boats like cars, need to have a profesional check it out.

 

[Goeb1133]

Re: Bayliners?????????

Stick to the newer Bays as they are definitly better made. The older ones had there troubles and many were neglected. If you can find one a couple of years old, you can usually get a great deal. A two year old boat with toys and accessories and without freight and prep can save you a bundle. Goeb

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Bayliners?????????

Chevettes, and B'Liners, are decent for their price, but don't expect them to last without lots of TLC and regular teardowns to replace/fix rot.<br />

Another example of opinion-based BS. My 28 foot Bayliner is 15 years old, not one iota of "rot", the only cored glass on the boat is above the rubrail, the thing is built like a tank. I use it every weekend, year round in the Pacific Northwest, often in some pretty snotty seas. Just repowered last year with an injected Volvo DuoProp package...it'll go for another 15 years easy.<br /><br />Ask my friend Gene, who just went down the Washington, Oregon and California coasts in his 47 Bayliner if he'd do it in a rotten boat. Or ask my buddy Kevin, who delivered a Bayliner 34 Avanti from Seattle to Whittier, Alaska in 8 days (1400 miles) if he'd try that in a Yugo.<br /><br />These are what are known as "facts", for the uninitiated!<br /><br />Bayliner made some slow, underpowered, cheap boats in the late 70s, early 80s. But they've been making some pretty good, solid boats for almost 20 years. And it's insane to disparage an entire brand for a few bad models. The 47 Bay, 1984-1887 model, made "Sea" Magazine's top ten boats of all time, as chosen by a group of brokers and surveyors.<br /><br />By the way, my Corvair is broken down again. Last time I ever buy any GM product, obviously they're all crap.<br /><br />Mike P