Cruiser questions - new boater

travism · Apr 17, 2004

Hey, I'm new to the board, but I've been reading on it constantly for days straight now that I've found this great source of information. I'm looking to buy my first boat. The boat at the top of my list after looking around for a while is a used Bayliner 245 or Ciera 2455, model year 1999 or after. I'll be using it on inland lakes, just a weekend pleasure boat. I want a boat that the family can overnight on comfortably, but I still want to be able to ski/wakeboard/tube behind it for fun. Will this be possible with this boat or others very similar to it? One other question: I'm a little worried that focusing on getting this specific boat will limit my number of choices when it comes to buy. Doing internet searches shows me that I can probably find one, but a lot of them have been used in saltwater. Should I be worried about the saltwater use? Or should I just plan to get a survey done and let them tell me if I should expect any problems? I've already got lots of things to think about from reviewing the previous posts. Thanks in advance for the help on these specific questions.

POINTER94 · Apr 17, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

travism, Hello and welcome to the board..

After reading your questions I have a couple of suggestions: 1) When about to buy a boat and you are unfamiliar with the tricks and what exactly to look for, a marine surveyor is key. Money well spent. 2) When new to boating you have to keep your options open. You may think you want a (brand x) but come across a boat you never heard of and it is a good deal. Choose a type of boat in this case a trailerable cabin cruiser. There has to be over 30 different brands you will come across in this category and most will utilize a similar power plant, hull design and cabin layout.. A narrow search for a boat is a bit niave in my opinion. 3) Involve someone who knows boats. A friend or family member someone from work almost anyone who is familiar with boats. Most of us view this a more than a hobby and have unique insight and experiences to share. Keep reading the board, lots of good stuff here. 4) Take a USCG course or a Power Squadron course, may good contacts can be made while you are learning to be safe with your new investment. 5) If you intend to use this craft on fresh water then I would look for one used exclusively in fresh water. JMHO.. Enjoy the ride and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Bondo · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

Welcome to the board..... In My Honest Opinion , Stay Away from Bayliners......... And, Any boat used in SaltWater......... Also, in boats of this Size, Pay close attention to the Beam................ You Can't trailer boats Over 8'6"s, Legally...... Without a Permit, then Only during Daylight Hours........ POINTER94 has some Good Solid Advice...........

Solittle · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

travism - 30 years ago the wife & I went to a boat show & saw the Bayliner 27' Victoria Command bridge trailerable cruiser. I told her then that someday I would like to own that boat. I never lost sight with my imagination of owning one. 15 years ago I finally bought one. It was a dog to own, a bit*h to pull and I cheered when the new owner picked it up a few years later. Yet I have never regretted chasing my dream even though it was more of a nightmare for me. Go for it! If you don't you will walk through life saying " - - - Well I coulda" or " - - - I shoulda." On the practical side - What are you planning on pulling it with? Mine was on a triple axle trailer and every time I left the driveway it turned into a white knuckle trip. An S10 won't cut it.

Jemc02 · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

Go over and chat about the choices you have listed on the Bayliner site. They are honest about what they like and dislike about their boats. http://b11.ezboard.com/bbocweb My experience says each choice you make about a boat new to you has pros and cons. There are good and bad things about any boat, about boats used in salt and in fresh, etc. Make sure you get a survey and sea trial on a used boat so you know what you are getting yourself into. Also, go to a marina and talk with boat owners about what they like about their cruisers and what they wish they could change. Almost EVERY boat has something that the owners wish was different. And by all means take a boating class, even on online is better than none at all... Oh yea, the max limit for trailering in some states is 8'0", not 8'6". http://www.aemfg.com/Instructions/Towing-Laws.pdf

travism · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

Thanks for the replies... I've heard all the Bayliner stories. I had figured looking for a newer, somewhat larger one would eliminate some of those worries and would still fit my needs. But I'll widen my search to the other brands as well. We just liked the layout of the Bayliner the best, but that may be the novice in me.

As for towing, I'm going to have to buy a new truck soon anyway, so I had planned on upgrading to a full size pickup with a V8 engine. I haven't picked a specific tow vehicle yet, but the towing capacity of the truck was going to be a major factor in my choice. Thanks for the info on the beam limit as well, I didn't know about that. I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way, but keep the replies coming. Thanks.

Spidybot · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

Many who have trailered lager boats have earned the experience: It's really no fun. As you've searched the forum, you may or may not have seen http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=006001 which I think you'd find interesting. Previous posts in this thread has lots of good info.

POINTER94 · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

travism, Just a couple of more thoughts. Boating encompasses a huge variety of people. Guys who forgot more about fishing than you and I combined know, engine guys, aluminum and fiberglass guys, cruising guys, sailors, racers, high tech vs. traditional guys, (gals implied

) even those with boats that never leave the dock. Work within those specialties. If you have an engine issue ask an engine guy, taking a trip ask a cruising guy, need electronics ask someone who is up on those. For that reason I find this board amazing. A huge cross-section of experience's spend time here. You can't have enough friends in this sport!!!! Second, not knowing your background, I would get real friendly with a mechanic. Ask for references from other boaters in your area to find the best. Find one that is certified from the factory of your power plant. (Mercruiser most likely) Pay on time. I spoke to my mechanic who has people who owe him money from 8 months past. I bet he is slow to hand out advise over the phone to those yahoo's. Third, buy your tow vehicle first! Knowing the capabilities of this will further define your boat selection. Towing capasities of one v8 vs. a different V8 can be huge. Check gear ratio's. If you have never trailered a high freeboard cabin cruise I suggest you take one for a "test tow!" When one of these gets caught in a strong crosswind you better have fresh underwear available. Even the most experience driver can and will be surprised at least a couple of times a season. Get to understand that trailers need maintainance and what it is. Bearing buddies, brakes, brake fluid, tires, lights. See the trailerable section of this forum..

Understand that if a boat weighs 6000lbs and the truck is rated to pull 6000lbs then the truck is probably too small. By the time you load up with equipment, gas, water, toys, etc. you are looking at substantially more than the 6000lbs base weight.. BUC or NADA on-line can assist you with ball park weight figures. Then there is launching......... Fourth, Salesmen will tell you almost anything. One of my favorite moto's applies here: Trust, but verify. In addition, never buy more than you need. There are all kinds of frills associated with today's boats, make sure the one you buy has what you need but little more. Gen sets, refrigeration, AC, air compressors, radar, are nice but it is weight and maintainance for you down the road. I will say that I trailer extensively and my boat (25ft) is over 31ft on the trailer when the tongue and swim platform are included. But it is only 8 ft high! This make trailering distances much easier in my opinion... A high end canvas designed specifically for trailering will assist in your confidence and your boats saftey. Good luck to you and your family.. You are embarking on one of the most rewarding adventures you can share as a family. I hope that you can enter this sport on the right foot, with a good used boat (the only way I would buy a boat considering depreciation) that you can depend on, and meets your needs. My experience is looking for the right boat is really fun and a great learning experience. When the right boat comes around you will probably know it right off!!

sandijk · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

I've owned 3 Bayliners cruisers since 1992,all of them trailerable. My current one is a 1997 2655 and stays in a wet slip @ as marina all the time.You will not be disappointed if you choose a Bayliner.They are reasonably priced,very reliable,have excellent cabin floor plans as you mentioned, and have excellent mfg.support(when rarely needed). Sandi.

sandijk · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

I've owned 3 Bayliners cruisers since 1992,all of them trailerable. My current one is a 1997 2655 and stays in a wet slip @ as marina all the time.You will not be disappointed if you choose a Bayliner.They are reasonably priced,very reliable,have excellent cabin floor plans as you mentioned, and have excellent mfg.support(when rarely needed). Sandi.

sandijk · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

I've owned 3 Bayliners cruisers since 1992,all of them trailerable. My current one is a 1997 2655 and stays in a wet slip @ as marina all the time.You will not be disappointed if you choose a Bayliner.They are reasonably priced,very reliable,have excellent cabin floor plans as you mentioned, and have excellent mfg.support(when rarely needed). Sandi.

Solittle · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

For what it is worth my 27' Bayliner measured 35' when sitting on the trailer from the hitch to the back of the outdrive. It weighed over 10,000 lbs and was probably 10-12' high (huge flybridge).

travism · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

OK, so now I've gone from wondering about what specifics I should look for in a cruiser to wondering if I want to deal with trying to trailer a cruiser at all. I'm about an hour from the lake. I was going to store it on the trailer close to home so I could check up on it often. I suppose my other choices would be to keep it at the lake (dry or wet, both are expensive) or store it on the trailer close to the lake and then just pull it a mile or so to the ramp. I have friends with boats at other nearby lakes 2 hours or so away that I will want to boat with at some point, so that is another consideration. Any help from others that have had to make similar choices on trailering a larger boat would be appreciated. Thanks again.

Link · Apr 18, 2004

Re: Cruiser questions - new boater

Hi travism And as others Welcome to IBOATS. You will find alot of this in the trailer section and from a coast gaurd course, and other boaters. This is my opinion only but at as a bare minimum on all trailering boats. At least one spare tire At lest one set of extra wheel bearings (pre-greased) A jack that will hold the weight And the tools to do the job. And a flash light to do it in the dark as it always happens in the dark

There is nothing worse than leaving your boat unattended on the side of a road or interstate. Another consideration (see trailer section) and do a search on side bunks which are carpeted 2 X 4's or 2 X 6's installed once your boat is on the trailer. A great help in guiding in on the trailer. Keep us poated Link

Cruiser questions - new boater

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