Is this a good buy?

[sexyfatkid]

i've never owned a boat before, so this is all new to me. i've had cars, truck, bikes. but never a boat. a friend of mine is selling this boat and willing to work a trade with me for one of my quads.
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/489684255.html
it has a 3.0 gm motor in it i beleive. i'm just looking for some feedback. if they are good/reliable boats. any info would be greatly appreciated.
thanks

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Is this a good buy?

A "good buy" in boats is one that you can live with. Since you are new to boating do some research before committing to buy (any boat). Considering the make and model of that boat, read threads on checking boats overall condition. If you have to rebuild the deck, stringers and transom, + $3200. I'd say run like hell. Lotsa good boats for sale everywhere at every price.
NADA does not list a 18'er for 1989 but 19' Capis are listed at $2330+/- with trailer...

 

[sexyfatkid]

Re: Is this a good buy?

yea, it's a 19 foot. it seems to be in good condition. it does come with the trailer too. i've been searching on the forums a little bit too. is there any info about the gm 3.0 or the outdrives on these boats i shouls be concerned with?
if i were to pay in the 2000-2500 range would that be a good price?

 

[gcboat]

Re: Is this a good buy?

I would definately heed Nova II's advise. Just don't jump into something because the price seems O.K.
The outdrive is discontinued and parts are getting a little scarce to come by. They can be found but you will pay a premium price for them. Do a quick search on e-Bay and see what you find. Better yet call a local Bayliner dealer and ask for a rebuild price for one. Hope you're sitting down.
The OMC's are really as good as any though, cable adjustment is critical. Ask the present owner of any problems with it and for God's sake take it for a test run. I run an OMC and it's been good to me for the past eight years, but I'm pretty anal on maintenance.
Any 18 year old boat will have problems. Just think about buying a 1989 vehicle - . Makes the brain gears go a tad bit faster doesn't it?
Since you have access to this boat would your friend mind if some second party mechanic went through it, i.e. compression check, etc?
And yes, there are a bizillion other boats out there that may be better, may cost more, may cost less. But your bottom line is if something happened to this after you bought it how would you approach your buddy?
I feel that purchasing anything from a friend will cause a hardship should something fail. I don't know you or your buddy but there is just this very fine line that I don't like walking on. Look elsewhere.

 

[azlakes]

Re: Is this a good buy?

if i were to pay in the 2000-2500 range would that be a good price?

... yup, if all is in great shape and checks out thats a good price.

 

[gregmsr]

Re: Is this a good buy?

I got lucky when I bought my 89 Capri w/125 Force. My first boat, bought from a police officer and family, nice young, clean cut guy. $3,500 (maybe too much?), family owned since new, low hours and garage kept. I was lucky he was honest. I didn't do any research and didn't know squat on what to look for. It was, and is, in excellent condition and we have a ball with it. But, I was LUCKY! Now I know what to do and what to look for on my next purchase. This forum has taught me very well. Listen to these people's advice.
Thanks to all for your help and education. Happy Holidays!

 

[sexyfatkid]

Re: Is this a good buy?

i cant find a whole bunch of info on the gm 3.0l and the outdrive on this boat. seems like not a lot of ppl of fans of that set up. but, the only thing i read about problems with it were the cables, if they werent properely maintained being a problem. everything thing else just seemed to be opinions, mostly bashing because its a 4 cyl.

 

[CapriRestorer]

Re: Is this a good buy?

It seems like a nice setup. Have you checked out how much repair parts will cost for the engine (such as a new throttle cable)?? I know certian types of engines are more expensive to fix than others. I know that Mercruiser setups are usually cheaper to fix than Volvo setups. I would figure on how much the engine/ outdrive will cost to fix (from extensive repair to yearly tune ups). I think it is a good price if you can find that the engine's repair costs are affordable. My Volvo Penta starter (for example) costs $300 (just for the starter!!) I have seen Mercruiser engine starters start at around $150. Some questions I would ask is: How much will yearly maintenence on the engine cost?? Also, is the engine complex, and how much will it cost just to perform a diagnostic check on the engine just in case something does go bad??

Hope this helps!!

 

[sexyfatkid]

Re: Is this a good buy?

thanks for the response.
but whats the huge worry about the throttle cables on these boats.
is it a difficult job, or are the cables crazy expensive? or both?
thats seems to be the only thing people seem to have problems with. everyone seems leary of the omc cobra outdrive, but all the say is that they are expesive to fix, or replace. but it one is in good condition, people dont seem to have any complaints. i know the motor had some work done to it, i believe the valves where replace.
i guess my main question right now is more about how much does a cable cost? and how difficult would it be to replace if it ever needed it.

 

[Lakester]

Re: Is this a good buy?

hello,

before i made final decison on the Lakester Special, i was interested in an 19' I/O in nice shape for $2,000. 140 HP and it did have 'the look!' with top n all. i low balled and suggested $1500. they said OK. but i passed on the I/O and what appeared to be too many special tools req'd to get into drivetrain if need be. so i opted for outboard.

it is challenging enuff for me... and i know what i am doing... mechanically speaking. lol

good luck

regards
lakester

 

[CapriRestorer]

Re: Is this a good buy?

I wouldn't think that the throttle cables are to expensive, but I would question the valve work on the engine. The valves are a major part of any engine, and you usually do not have to replace them unless the engine was in bad shape or if it was abused. Do the previous owners have any repair history on the engine (old receiptes or papers)?? The engine seems expensive to fix. If the previous owners took care of the engine, then I think the boat is a good deal. The engine will last much longer if it was properly cared for (on time tune ups, winterization, oil changes, etc.) If the previous owners didn't take care of it, then I would be cautious about buying it. I would take it to a professional boat mechanic who specializes in that type of engine. The diagnostics are usually a little under $100. That $100 can save you a lot of money in the end. I hope this helps!!

Thanks

 

[sexyfatkid]

Re: Is this a good buy?

the boat belongs to a friend of mine. he did the work to the head, and he also own auto repair business and is a mechanic himself. and i'm not worried about him trying to screw me, he's pretty straight foward with everything he's done to and knows about the boat. i'm pretty sure i'm gonna go ahead with the deal. the olny other thing i want to do first is find a local mechanic that could work on the boat should anything ever go wrong. i really appreciate everyones feedback on this forum. thanks

 

[jdshort98]

Re: Is this a good buy?

At the risk of offending anyone one on this board who owns an OMC stern drive, I would caution you to be very carefull when considering an OMC purchase. With the bankruptcy in 2000, the new owner of the parts tooling, Bombardier, has decided to slowly write off product support. Therefore what parts are still available for this stern drive system, they continue to cost more and more. And several items are no longer available. There is also no dealer support for these products from Bombardier. For these reasons, many dealers will no longer work on these drive systems. The biggest problem with this system is not the throttle cables, but the shift cables. OMC used a complicated system consisting of switches and levers to assist the shifting, to shut down random cylinders while returning to neutral. Mercruiser used something similar, however, it was and is much simpler, and more realible. Before buying any used, or in some cases even new boat, spend the money to have it inspected. If you can find a dealer who is knowledgable in OMC stern drive systems, pay them for an inspection, and lake test before making an offer.

Good luck!

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Is this a good buy?

At the risk of offending anyone one on this board who owns an OMC stern drive, I would caution you to be very carefull when considering an OMC purchase. With the bankruptcy in 2000, the new owner of the parts tooling, Bombardier, has decided to slowly write off product support. Therefore what parts are still available for this stern drive system, they continue to cost more and more. And several items are no longer available. There is also no dealer support for these products from Bombardier. For these reasons, many dealers will no longer work on these drive systems. The biggest problem with this system is not the throttle cables, but the shift cables. OMC used a complicated system consisting of switches and levers to assist the shifting, to shut down random cylinders while returning to neutral. Mercruiser used something similar, however, it was and is much simpler, and more realible. Before buying any used, or in some cases even new boat, spend the money to have it inspected. If you can find a dealer who is knowledgable in OMC stern drive systems, pay them for an inspection, and lake test before making an offer.

Good luck!

I wouldn't worry about offending anyone. I've learned that if you own a bayliner, you'll probably be looked down upon. Therefore, I don't care if someone slams my boat.... I have the same option to theirs.

That being said, I do reserve the right to slap one's mama.

I'm thinking that a boat that old, you'll probably end up doing the service on it yourself, as it's kinda difficult to have a marina look at your stuff. I learned this the hard way. After I bought, I went to the three marinas that we have here, and no one was in any way interested in my boat.... unless I told them what parts I wanted to order.

The recommendation I have for you, (and remember, my opinion doesn't shouldn't count for anything) is if you do purchase, buy a clymer's manual, and enjoy your project. Because that's what it will be no matter what. A project. That's what mine is. But, remember to enjoy working on it, as much as you do using it.

 

[CapriRestorer]

Re: Is this a good buy?

I agree with both newbie4life and jdshort98. I would definately get the boat inspected by a professional before purchasing it. Newbie4life is exactly right about buying a Clymers shop manual. I bought one for my 4 cylinder Volvo, and I know much more about the engine then I previously did. Many "professional" mechanics have tried to rip me off with other parts that I "need" on the engine. If you have the Clymers manual, then you will know exactly what the mechanics are talking about. You also might be able to do repairs yourself. I would also get a professional's opinion on the boat. They will know much more about the type of boat. They will also tell you if it is a good buy. Like I said, I would get it checked out before you buy it. Hope this helps!