Re: Has the Bayliner Capri 19 foot 1989 a reliable boat?
Can we talk here? Bayliner and Force are the two most ripped-upon names in boating.<br />It helps not, that most B'liners have Force motors hanging-on the transom.<br /><br />Bayliner got it's rotten reputaion for it's rotten layup, which leads to rotten wood. The problem isn't soley the
amount of material, in most cases, but the care used at applying said materials.<br />This issue,as the issue with Force has been beaten to death, and opinions are like--- well, you know.<br /><br />I own two Bayliners at present..Like
Squirt, I got my first from my father, who got it from my brother. It is a 1990 Crapi 1650, with a Force 50HP. It is all original, except for a chunk of the decking that I had to replace.<br />The other Bayliner/Force is a recent aquisition (1989 Cobra Bass/w 50HP),that can be summed-up in two words-- "Basket-case".Pic of the aft decking.;<br />
<br /><br />It needs total redecking. I do not care, as I look-forward to the end-product, and the pride that goes with taking such a neglected craft, and making it worthy enough for an Admiral to carry his flag upon the Caloosahatchee River in.<br />Hey, we all can't afford 31' Contrenders with twin 225 Yammies...Nor could we all afford the fuel such a magnificant craft would eat.<br />But if you plan on purchasing a Bayliner/Force combo of any vintage, be aware of the obvious QC issues, such as poor fiberglass layup, and corners cut in other areas, such as decking not encapulated underneath, nor are the stringers fully coated.<br />I can fully understand the comment on the freeboard, as my "Crapi" doesn't like 2 foot seas <br />.<br />I've had in out in such seas once, and it did well. I wore my lanyard and PFD too!!<br />At anchor, with nobody in the boat, an onshore wave set of 2 feet breached the bow many times (a gathering of "Floridasportsmanonline" forum members). Thanks to a great little bildge pump, she rode it out just fine...But there aint no sides on this boat.she is a definate "River Rat", end of story. She does fine in the river.<br />
<br /><br />The layup problems are obvious once the decking is pulled-up. They used a chopper gun, which in itself,is not a problem, provided you have someone else there to roll the layup in (which they did not have). and they cut costs in materials in that they left the bottom side of the decking uncoated. Nor are the stringers fully encapsulated. In mine, the top wasn't coated iether, (but have learned that is not the norm), and the entire interior has been covered in monkey fir (that cheap, thin,moisture holding carpet that the boating industry is so fond of using).<br />One day soon,I'll have to repair some rot now forming in the anchor box decking cross-brace, and when I dig-in, I'm ripping every stitch of that monkey fir out! Didja ever get a hook caught in that stuff? The Cobra Bass rig has the same stuff in it--Only it's purple!!!!! what
were they
thinking?<br />Oh well, in closing, you get what you pay for ,usually. So expect such issues. Before buying, walk heavily on every square inch of the decking, loking for 'give' underfoot. Inspect the transom for any cracks in the glass--at all--any cracks there, run.<br />next, pull up the removable cushions in the bow, and check the woodwork underneath. Check under the seats also.<br />Next, even if a sea trial is not possable,
have the compression tasted. All else is easy to fix. Compression is the biggie.
