Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

[zook]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

Well, "asking price" and what they'll really get for it are two different things. It is most certainly not a seller's market in luxury items these days. The dealers may hold out for more than private sellers to get thei take.

The reason that first Bayliner seems cheaper than similar ones is simple - no one who knows boats wants it ..... for all the reasons stated here. Show up for the test drive with 6 or 7 people and a full cooler or whatever and I'll bet the dealer tells you they have rules against extra passangers. Really he knows it's underpowered and if you take a crew and gear it will not perform.

Anyways, Zook, the reason many here think you need to back off and learn something first is simple....re-read your first post, you seem close to ready to buy but had no idea what to look for (yes, smart that you asked here). You quote a trailer price that's double what makes sense for that boat. So we know no real homework has been done.

Many seemingly "underpriced" used boats are : underpowered, expensive to fix.

Good luck

I hear you loud and clear,except the trailer part... find me an brand new ez load with hydroilic brakes that can carry 7300lbs, which by looking at the catalog bumps you up to a 8k+ trailer, self lubing, yada yada for $2350 (half as you said).
Hell find me one for $4K and you'll be my hero.
Honestly, they are spendy. He showed me the list and sale prices, youd be horrified.

Research? T TEZR 25-27 8300 64 ST 235/80R 16D $7815.00.

 

[tmh]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

Oh, I wasn't talking new. Aren't you looking at close to 20 yr. old boats? You'd pay 1/2 the cost of the boat for the trailer? I sure wouldn't.

Good used trailers don't set you back nearly that much.

 

[salty87]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

i hate looking at boats on craigslist, seems to bring out all the nutjobs who found a boat sitting in the weeds for years.

 

[zook]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

Well, I offered 8K Monday afternoon, and they said no way. I walked.
Today they called (go figure). They will do the deal.
I just cant seem to find a decent used trailer.
I was willing to buy a new trailer from them because of the good quality.
I figured I might use it for years to come, even if its with different boat.
It is VERY hard to pay that much. But I want something that works perfect for that size boat , and lasts, and is safe.
They $4700 was for an '04 (new) trailer that has been in their yard apparently. Unfortunately they cant seem to find it anyway. Im just frustrated.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

Well, I offered 8K Monday afternoon, and they said no way. I walked.
Today they called (go figure). They will do the deal.
I just cant seem to find a decent used trailer.
I was willing to buy a new trailer from them because of the good quality.
I figured I might use it for years to come, even if its with different boat.
It is VERY hard to pay that much. But I want something that works perfect for that size boat , and lasts, and is safe.
They $4700 was for an '04 (new) trailer that has been in their yard apparently. Unfortunately they cant seem to find it anyway. Im just frustrated.

Sounds like your buying it, good luck.

 

[j442w30]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

Well, I offered 8K Monday afternoon, and they said no way. I walked.
Today they called (go figure). They will do the deal.
I just cant seem to find a decent used trailer.
I was willing to buy a new trailer from them because of the good quality.
I figured I might use it for years to come, even if its with different boat.
It is VERY hard to pay that much. But I want something that works perfect for that size boat , and lasts, and is safe.
They $4700 was for an '04 (new) trailer that has been in their yard apparently. Unfortunately they cant seem to find it anyway. Im just frustrated.

Listen to the advice the people here are giving you!! There are critical parts for the 460 (coupler and manifolds) that are no longer available. Take your time and look around for another boat, this is the time of year people are willing to do deals to get rid of boats. I think you should also look around for a different trailer, that seems very high, you should be able to pick up a decent used trailer for a fraction of the price although it may require a trip to pick it up. Bayliners are decent boats and it sounds like the one you're interested in has been taken care of but I would not buy a boat like that unless it had a Mercruiser or Volvo powertrain. Good luck with your search for a boat!

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

In this instance you are going to really pay to play! I would back out while you still can. Late 80's to Mid 90's Bayliners are known for problems. Ask anyone here who owns one. Not to mention the fact that you will be reinstalling a new power plant in a couple of years from now with the 460 presently on her.

Don't be fooled by all of the lipstick and rouge. The boat might look like a cherry on the outside, but have some serious issues deep down. Do your research and never, ever, ever trust the dealer unless he gives you a warranty out the door. If something happens on your first trip out, and you never did your research then you are stuck holding the bag. He will use the 'as is' clause, and never pay out a cent.

As for your towing vehicle .... how many miles does your H1 have on her? Mine gave up the ghost at 120k, and I sold her for parts.

 

[zook]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

Last night, one of the guys on this site was nice enough to talk to me on the phone about this boat. He lives in closeby and talked in detail about this particular set-up. I was still on the fence, but after that conversation I called the sales guy and bailed out for good.
Im glad I stumbled on to this site and will gradually be more informed as time goes on. I have all winter to shop right?
Muchos Gracias.

Figures, I found a couple used trailers shortly after...

 

[QC]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

Awesome. Now let's find you a boat!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

good move, as i said there are better boats for the money.

 

[mikey.himself]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

Take a look at the HULLLLL. I looked at some bayliners and the transoms seemed really rotten, and rot in the bilge. I wouldnt touch a rotten hull with a 20 mile long pole. The engine is another big deal, the king cobra. You need to make sure in your area, parts & service are accessible. Trust me. Cobra has "changed hands", and parts for these monsters aren't easy to get, and, they are more expensive since there are less around. There are also aftermarket parts, but if youre not confident about doing belows and outdrive work make sure you get a straight answer about service work. I'm new to boats and i've learnt alot in just looking around. Shop, don't rush. It's the end of the season, there will be alot of deals. Take a long and close look at everything on the hull, check for rot! Listen to the engine. Put it in gear, listen for whines, or other things... So your paying $8000 + tax, and $5000 + tax... sounds like it could be kind of expensive. Bayliner Ciera's are dime a dozen, there are tons around. From what i've been told, bayliners are prone to cracks in the hull and weakness because the manufacturer makes the hull much thinner than the others (how true this is, i don't know.) So take your time!! Good luck!

 

[pgdignan]

Re: Buying an 88 2655 tomorrow

Another boating life saved