Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

[avalondon]

New to the boating world, I have been doing a lot of searching & reading before I make my purchase. I would like to hear your opinion...

I will mainly use the boat for relaxing, crusing, some tubing & skiing. Im reading around that the boat/motor size will be iffy, but not too worried about speed.

Here is the ad...Good buy if everything checks out??

1991 BAYLINER 2050 CX, Powered by a Mercruiser 4.3L Engine(V6) and Aplha Drive. The boat sits on top of an Escort single axle bunk trailer. In 2009, sterndrive was rebuilt; replaced gimble bearing, shaft cable, water pump impeller, tilt/trim pump motor, and engine tune up. In 2008, installed new back to back seats, and re-carpeted entire boat. In 2007, made a new full mooring cover(Aqualon material), and installed a Sony AM/FM/CD player with detachable face plate. This is a good running boat which has nearly everything updated or replaced. $3500

Thanks...

 

[Philster]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Not a lot of Bayliner fans here, but ones that are cared for can be nice to own.

Engine compression and a boat survey? If all checks out....

$1500.

The guy is trying to recoup a fair am't of money he dropped to freshen the boat up, and it just doesn't work that way.

I say $1500 if it runs ok.


EDIT: Is this the boat? If so, maybe $2,500-2,800. I was surprised to see it looking this good. Shows signs of good ownership on the surface.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1991-BAYLINER-2050-CX-95716795

.

 

[Bronc Rider]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Sounds like they gave it good maintenance recently. If all the things they say are true and there is no rot its not a bad buy. It wont be a rocket with that six cylinder but it should be adequate.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

As Bronc Rider mentioned above, your biggest concern is going to be rot. You want a solid transom and solid decks. ANY soft spots can be indicative of structural problems. As for the price, I don't know the market in your area. In this economy at this time of year.....bet you could get it for under $3k. Sounds like a nice boat though and that's a good engine and drive.

 

[Bronc Rider]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Most of the time I would agree with a number like philster posted. The reason I say its not a bad buy is because of all the money they dropped in it. On an old boat you end up having to do many of the things they already did. In my mind, if all those things have been updated it might just be a good dependable boat. Nothing worse than getting one for cheap that you had to either be towed in or dump a good amount of money to get reliable. If he is asking $3500 I bet you can tow it home for less than that with some negotiating.

 

[Thad]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Provided there is no rot or water logged interior, that boat should not be too bad with that engine. It is not a heavy boat. Now, on the reverse side of things, the more people and gear you put in it will be noticed as soon as you take off.

I am not a Bayliner hater, my first boat was a Bayliner. I believe that they have their place. Not an expensive boat, I like the looks of the older ones, and for the most part, as stated, taken care of will last a long time.


Under $3,000 will be good, he can try and play the "well it has new this and that", but bottom line, it is what it is, an old Bayliner.

The market for older boats in my neck of the woods is pretty basic after a certain age. If it is clean, runs well, and needs minimal interior work, it is worth a couple grand. So, if everything checks out, and you are satisfied, try to get it as cheaply as possible. If something tells you it's not on the up and up, walk away.

 

[avalondon]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Thanks guys...

Yea PHILSTER..that is the one.

I was thinkin the same thing...definitely wasnt going to pay $3500, I was gonna offer $2500 and see what happens.

I figure with all the maintenance done, it should be well worth it.

Forgot to ask...What is 'Alpha Drive' on the motor? Some have it some dont.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Sounds like most of the iffy items have been repaired/replaced.

Check hull, transom and floorboards to make sure they are solid. Make sure all electrical items work (bilge pump, blower, navigation and anchor lights, gauges and any courtesy lights). You both need to agree to have engine checked out for compression, etc.

Ride on the water is a must -- muffs will not tell you anything about how the boat is running.

Must have title or valid registration and agree to a written bill of sale with their drivers license number verified and written on it.

As for the Bayliner name: not everything will be top of the line or harnessed cleanly, but the engine and outdrive are good equipment.

IF $3,500 is your cap and everything checks out and feels good on the water, then you'll enjoy and take good care of it.

Happy boating and enjoy! ... oh yes, take a boating safety course and have an experienced boater show you the ropes.

 

[Bronc Rider]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Thanks guys...

Yea PHILSTER..that is the one.

I was thinkin the same thing...definitely wasnt going to pay $3500, I was gonna offer $2500 and see what happens.

I figure with all the maintenance done, it should be well worth it.

Forgot to ask...What is 'Alpha Drive' on the motor? Some have it some dont.

Its not part of the engine. Its the sterndrive outside the boat (thing propeller mounts to). Parts are still easy to find for that unit and thats a plus.

 

[QC]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

What is 'Alpha Drive' on the motor?

Not a motor designation. Alpha is Merc's model name for their lighter duty outdrive. Probably the most common I/O in the world and very easy to get parts and service. Well known here, and you will get no "stay away" posts whatsoever. You ALWAYS need to know which drive model. Alpha is safe, some others are not . . .

 

[boat1010]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

I guess it is all in what you are looking for. Mine is a 1989 bayliner. It was well taken care of and even better since I've owned it. I have done lots of work to the boat but it is mine and I like it. Runs great looks great and haven't had many problems with it. It is all in the eye of the beholder. Like you mentioned I would certainly start at a lower number than what he is asking for it. Happy bartering.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

sometimes when you are looking at a boat that's "already" had a lot done to it, you want to price out (a) the work that you likely would have done and (b) the work you are likely to do. For example, with a used OB, you will change the water pump and probably do the carbs; if he's just done it (and you can trust the work) it's fair to add it ot the price. But if it's something not routine (replaced the steering cable) then don't. Of course, with boats, the list of possibilities is almost endless.

 

[jkust]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

That is a great looking boat. I love the look of that vintage BL. $3,500 is pocket change to get out on the water. Assuming all the stuff above checks out, I would make them an offer and bring it home. I see that the boat only weighs 2,100 lbs and that engine should have no problem pushing it. I see 4 cylinders pushing heavier loads than that. Also we have a 25 year old Bayliner bowrider and it has held up just fine considering the materials that were used compared to today's boats.

 

[avalondon]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Ok guys, checked out the boat didnt like it too much. I now see the difference with Bayliner & other brands, I did not enjoy the interior in the bayliner. With more reading & searching Ive decided to leave bayliner behind, and try for a Celebrity. Here is what i found...

very nice 1996 18.5'celebrity open bow ski boat.4.3 litre high output Mercruiser V6 .Already winterized and ready for spring. Fall priced to sell.If your looking for a fun,fast,reliable boat this is it!! The boat comes with cover,2-wake boards,tube,ropes,bumpers,color matching trailer,am fm cd.etc. etc..New starter,battery,tune up earlier this year. It has an ss prop and will average 54 mph with 4 people on it(adults)got up to 57mph alone.You wont be disappointed with this boat!!and by the way,it only has 400 hours on it. asking $5000. IN MINT CONDITION

 

[vegasphotoman]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

pass the bayliner info on to your friends, always good to go to the lake with pals who have boats, makes for good summer fun

that bayliner looked well worth the 3500....could sell it here in vegas easy for that.

good luck on you search....and post the CL ad link or a pic with your descriptions...it always helps!

 

[jkust]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Ok guys, checked out the boat didnt like it too much. I now see the difference with Bayliner & other brands, I did not enjoy the interior in the bayliner. With more reading & searching Ive decided to leave bayliner behind, and try for a Celebrity. Here is what i found...

very nice 1996 18.5'celebrity open bow ski boat.4.3 litre high output Mercruiser V6 .Already winterized and ready for spring. Fall priced to sell.If your looking for a fun,fast,reliable boat this is it!! The boat comes with cover,2-wake boards,tube,ropes,bumpers,color matching trailer,am fm cd.etc. etc..New starter,battery,tune up earlier this year. It has an ss prop and will average 54 mph with 4 people on it(adults)got up to 57mph alone.You wont be disappointed with this boat!!and by the way,it only has 300 hours on it. asking $5000. IN MINT CONDITION

Sounds nice. Post some pictures or a link. High output must have been the LX with the 4bbl at 205 ho. 57mph sound very optimistic on a GPS but looks like the boat only weighs 2500 so not sure there.

 

[avalondon]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

here they are...

Yea he said 57mph alone...but I dont care for speed, 45mph is plenty for me. Just want a nice boat.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Post the link.

I assume you are mainly shopping craigslist. Many guys here browse boats over morning coffee and with a link you may catch some that have 'viewed' the boat or maybe able to tell you that its been listed for months. (red flag)

Good luck and take your time....

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

man, I would kill for either of those boats in that price range.... that 96 celebrity would fetch about $11,000 here where I live and about the same price between here and toronto. I canvassed that highway for months hitting many of the dozen dealers when I was shopping. I don't care for bayliner myself, but heck, I woulda bought that one just cause it was longer, and make for a comfy boat to take friends and family out... those prices are pocket change for sure, as stated already.

man, maybe I should road trip!!

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Deal or No Deal...!?!?!?

Not to get off topic here, but I hear you Oceansbreeze. I'm about to make a 1200km round trip for a boat I paid $2900 for. There is the exact same boat for sale here for $6500. After paying taxes, fuel and food for trip, inspection I figure I'm still easily (hopefully) thousands ahead.