Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

[bunk02]

Okay, I am well aware that many boat snobs will laugh at this choice but I'm seeking some advice. I can possibly trade my 20' Flotebote with 40HP Mercury even up for EITHER a 85 Bayliner Capri openbow with a 2.1 Volvo inboard or a 92 Sea Ray 160 openbow with a 60HP Mariner outboard. I want a RELIABLE boat with some pick up, like enough to pull a tuber. Any suggestions??

 

[puckhead]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

Can't say much about the Bayliner, but, the 'Ray came from the factory with a Merc 100. The max on that I believe was 125. Don't know if that's going to be what your looking for........

-T

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

An old I/O is going to suck more money out of your pocket than an outboard. While I'd prefer a 90HP on that SeaRay, the 60 should do what want it to do. It should even pull a skier if there's a light load in the boat.

 

[avenger79]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

what size is the capri? will 16 foot be big enough with the Sea Ray? you're going from a 20 footer may be a bit cramped. if it were me and I'm not that experienced with boats, all things being equal I would take the Bayliner with the i/o. I prefer 4 stroke to 2 stroke motors.

 

[Philster]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

1985 seems realllllly old for an I/O. You can tube off the smaller boat, but of course it will be limited in how fast/strong she'll pull.

 

[bunk02]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

Never had an inboard before, but I always assumed they would be a hell of a lot easier to work on than an outboard. The Merc 402 I have on the tooner is a nightmare to work on, I can't imagine the Mariner is much different. We usually only spend 3 hours or so on the lake at a time, so I assumed that gasoline wouldn't be that big of a factor. More so is the fact that the lake we are on is unlimted horsepower and I am sick of getting swamped liek I do puttin around with a 40 on a tooner.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

The engine itself it easy to work on. It's all that other stuff between the engine and propeller that's not.

 

[bunk02]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

The only thing I know that is wrong with the Bayliner is that the power trim doesn't work and the mariuna he took it to told him it needed a whole new unit. The points have been replaced this spring. As far as I know there are no problems with the lower unit. It's a volvo 2.1 4cyl engine which I am not too familiar with but am currently looking up info. on. Going to look at it tomorrow.....in person, I've got pics already.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

Volvo drives are excellent, dependable and usually trouble free. I have a '79 260A with a 280 outdrive. Bigger than what you're looking at, but I never touched the drive except for changing the gear oil. They're very smooth when you put it in gear. Unlike other makes that bang into gear. But still, as a whole, an outboard is less likely to have issues. Easier to winterize too..... A Mariner is a good outboard.....

 

[bunk02]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

Well the guy with the Sea Ray blew me off, so I obviously went with the Bayliner. Pretty happy so far, the seats are the only cosmetic issue with the normal vinyl wear. Hell it even came with a marine CD player built in and a kick *** depth finder. Not to mention bimini top, and cover for the open bow and actual boat. Just wish it was spring now !!!

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

If you live in cold county please learn how to winterize it

 

[bunk02]

Re: Decisions decisions Sea Ray vs. Bayliner

Already there on teh winterization, in the past I have always had the storage lot where I kept the pontoon at winterize it. They said it'd be $140 for an I/O not sure if that is bad or not. Anyone have any input on having it shrink wrapped? I always wanted to have the tooner done because it didn't have a cover at all. However, the Bayliner has a bow cover as well as deck so nothing would be exposed to the elements aside from the cover itself. I live in Ohio so winter could produce 6 inches of snow or 6 feet....ya never know.