Good Deal?

[nmh0690]

Hello everyone, total newbie here looking to buy his first boat. I plan to look at a 1984 Bayliner Open Bow 19' with Volvo Penta AQ125 - 270 outdrive for $1900. It was bought from the original owner 10 years ago or so and has a shade over 400 hrs on it. Comes with the original galvanized trailer and still has all the original snap on covers.

So I have a few questions. First off, is this a decent price if the boat is in good condition?

Next, what are some things I should look for? I plan on getting in the boat and checking for soft floors, checking the outdrive boots for any cracking, having the boat ran for me, and if possible a lake run to make sure it doesn't leak. What are some other things I should look for?

Also, the AQ125 is that a 125hp engine? Is it enough to pull a "overbuilt" guy on a wakeboard?

Any of you put a foot trolling motor on the front of a bayliner capri for bass fishing?

Sorry for all the questions..... guess I'm just excited about boating, and want to make sure I do my due diligence and get a boat that will be nice for me and my wife to start with.

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Good Deal?

Well, as far as the price is concerned it should be relevant to a complete check of the vessel. I wouldn't drop a penny into a 24 year old boat without some serious looking - .
Your one statement concerning the possibility of a test drive - nothing possible about it - it is a MUST DO !!!! And I mean drive her hard ! Not talking about jumping over wakes or radical 360's just what you would do on a family day out.
As far as the 125 is concerned, yes it is a GM based 4 banger with 125 hp.
Depending on how it's propped there should be no problem pulling an
"overbuilt" ( LOL ) guy on a wake board.
Your areas of main concern on that boat will be mainly rot. Soft decks lead to rotten stringers which lead to a rotten transom, on down the line. Just make sure the deck doesn't have a cheap 'fix' to it. Things like a patch job or the like. And for God's sake don't believe someone who says " it's no problem to fix". Wrong answer buckwheat !! It can get expensive and very labor intensive. Not to mention very disheartening.
The 270 out drives are really good units but look for the obvious cracks, dents, etc.
The motor should have clean oil, no big mess under it ( in the bilge ) and look generally well kept.
Check under the bow ( exterior ) for gouged or missing fiberglass. Especially 'rock rash' which is where the boat is beached.
I guess everything else would be just cosmetics as to your liking. Could go on a bunch but hopefully this will get you started in the right direction. Post some pics if you get the opportunity.

Welcome to the forum !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Good Deal?

gc got it covered. My only concern I'd add is on the pulling power. It'll pull you on a wakeboard, but a 19 footer loaded with a few folks and wakeboarding, in my opinion this motor is undersized for that size boat.

I'd serious look at something like a 4.3L in that size boat. Just my opinion.

 

[nmh0690]

Re: Good Deal?

Thank you both for your help. Yes, I agree that if I cannot get a test drive on the water then I will not buy the boat.

I worry alot about water damage in the floors, stringers, ect. especially with a boat that old. Plus I'm not sure I want to repair structural parts of my first boat, I'd like to enjoy it more than work on it!

I guess maybe I should wait and try to find something a bit newer, and with a bit more motor....... big guy you know.... lol!


I may still go look at it and see how it is. Is there any tips for checking the transom and stringers. I figure I could find soggy floors by stepping my big butt all over the boat, but the transom and stringers will be a bit more tricky.

Also, do you guys figure its a bit over priced? At what point would a boat that old be a good deal (barring all rot and it runs and rides good)

Thanks again for the help everyone and thanks for the welcome!

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Good Deal?

Thank you both for your help. Yes, I agree that if I cannot get a test drive on the water then I will not buy the boat.

I worry alot about water damage in the floors, stringers, ect. especially with a boat that old. Plus I'm not sure I want to repair structural parts of my first boat, I'd like to enjoy it more than work on it!

I guess maybe I should wait and try to find something a bit newer, and with a bit more motor....... big guy you know.... lol!


I may still go look at it and see how it is. Is there any tips for checking the transom and stringers. I figure I could find soggy floors by stepping my big butt all over the boat, but the transom and stringers will be a bit more tricky.

Also, do you guys figure its a bit over priced? At what point would a boat that old be a good deal (barring all rot and it runs and rides good)

Thanks again for the help everyone and thanks for the welcome!

On the motor size, most manufacturers but smaller engines in their entry level boats such as the 3.0L in the new 17.5' Bayliner.

After that, in the 18-20 range, they either provide the larger option of a 4.3L or some variable, and others won't even consider the smaller 4 banger size.

For checking, one way to check is to use an ice pick or awl. stab the floor around areas you want to check. You'll notice the difference between solid and mush (check with the owner first if he's ok)

On the stringers, I suspect they're fiberglassed so I don't know exactly how to verify those.

On the transom, a core sample in a few spots (remove top cap and drill a few small holes, if it comes out dry, great. Wet, prepare to replace the transom.) These small holes can be filled with marine sealant like 3M 5200)

 

[gcboat]

Re: Good Deal?

In reference to checking the stringers the same principle would apply as the transom - do a small core sample. Maybe a 1/8" drill bit ( or there abouts ) and drill a hole into them. Do not go thru the hull !!! Best to check as close to the transom as possible. Just look at the shavings on the bit. If they are dark colored or smell other than wood - or are wet then simply walk away.
3M's 5200 would be a decent choice to fill the holes but to be really super nice use some Marine Tex http://www.marinetex.com/PRODUCT PAGE_files/All MarineTex Putty/marinetex prod info.htm
I hope you find your "perfect" boat soon !!
Keep us posted and sent pics - we love pics !!
P.S. I would definately take Nelson's idea of a bigger motor into serious consideration.

 

[nmh0690]

Re: Good Deal?

Thanks alot everyone for the great ideas. I will definately be using all this information if I decide to go look at it. I am starting to think hard about motor size though, I believe you all have a point. I'd hate to get a boat that just didn't have enough motor to pull me around with a few people in the boat.

Plus the perfect boat might be just around the corner lol! I'd hate to miss that!!!!! ha ha

 

[nmh0690]

Re: Good Deal?

BTW, I sure appreciate all this help everyone. I already feel alot better about being able to identify costly problems BEFORE I buy A boat!

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: Good Deal?

You don't indicate where you are from,location is missing in your id, to indicate if its a fresh water boat, or a southern boat that would have a longer season than a northern one, but then would not need winterizing. 1900 might be top dollar in this economy. this time of year. and Sea worthy warns of boats transported from the coastal states to the mid west that are salvage from the hurricanes being fixed up and sold untitled.

 

[nmh0690]

Re: Good Deal?

I am in northern California, and the boat is fresh water only. Thanks for your thoughts on price, I figured that was about top dollar.

 

[nmh0690]

Re: Good Deal?

Northern California being the Sacramento area. Pretty mild winters..... nothing below freezing generally.