Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

[minnfats]

I'm a first time boater that just made an offer on a 1987 bayliner contessa 2850. Anything I should know or be aware of? It looks like a nice boat, but I know very little about buying an used boat of this size. I would appreciate any tips you could give me. I am having it surveyed if my offer is accepted.

 

[chris in va]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

Hold off on buying that boat. No expert, but from the chatter about how bad the mid 80's Bayliners were I'd wait until more people reply about it.

 

[denniz]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

surveyors suck find a tech and give him $100. to check it out. Every surveyor Ive met is an Idiot.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

Bilgeliners are built with the Least amount of Inferior materials possible, to create the Illusion of a Quality Boat.....<br /><br />This is not only My opinion, It's a Fact ....

 

[JB]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

That is a problem with new boaters and B'liners.<br /><br />They look so good. <br /><br />Listen to Bondo. He speaks not with a forked tongue.

 

[Pete30]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

I'm not sure, but I thought that I had read somewhere that the quality issues were limited to the smaller (20' and under ) bayliners and that the larger boats did not suffer from the same issues. I'm not an expert, maybe someone else will know.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

Dear Pete,<br /><br />There is nothing wrong with a Bayliner.<br /><br />You must understand however, that Bayliners are not what they look to be and definately can not be compared to competitors in the same category.<br /><br />Especially new boaters like them a lot - sometimes completely without understanding what they're dealing with.<br /><br />Folks here are trying to help you stay out of a deal you'd regret, so do yourself a favour and study the subject thoroughly before deciding if you agree on the opinions given.<br /><br />I do not know what keeps folks from believing Bondo and the rest. Maybe an urge to do the wrong thing?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

Especially in the boating industry "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR" the boat is probably priced very reasonably compared to others.There is a reason for this and it is quality.If you understand this and the boat checks out mechanically,and DO have it checked out,It may be a good first boat for you.I dont think it is a bad boat as I know many people that have them think they are fine,but it is a far cry from any kind of quality.You will never find yourself bragging that you own a 28ft.Bayliner,as some SeaRay owners do.You will also never hear anyone say to you "Hey thats a Bayliner,Good boat" Things like this bother some people.If you feel that you are buying it real cheap,then go for it.If the price feels like you are paying a good deal of money ,then buy a smaller more quality boat. Charlie

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

Guy I used to boat with had one, this was in the late 80's so the boat had to be late 70's or early 80's. Everyone in the marina knew that boat's story...... Letter from the manufacturer recommending, I think it was 7, cynder blocks in the bilge for stability. And I'm not making this one up!!!!!!!!!

 

[NCOffSeason]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

Give New_Sailor a break. Everyone can't afford a Searay! I've seen many nice Bayliners that I would like to own. If you take care of anything, it will last. If you don't, it wont. Let the Searay sit outside, uncovered for a few years and it will look like crap.<br /><br />Everyone here is not rich. Some of us (including me), buy what we can afford so we can enjoy the lake along with the rich guys (and gals).<br /><br />My 2 cents.<br /><br />Chris

 

[boaterntexas]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

new_sailor thats a pretty large boat for a firt time boater. Hav eyou had experince with boat this size?

 

[Big Cod]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

This is my first posting and felt the need to put in my .02 - I have a 03' 245 Bayliner. This is my second Bayliner. Pricing was not an issue for me when we moved up from a smaller boat. I went to the boat shows, checked out every and I mean every cruiser in this size. We found the Bayliner had everything we wanted in a boat. Maybe the Larsons and the Searays have nicer interiors. But you know what, I don't want my kids to be nervous eating in the cabin fearful that they might stain or dirty the fancy white seating. I would check out a used boat as I would any boat before purchasing. By the way, sorry Charlie, but I do get compliments on my boat all the time.

 

[catfish1]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

sorry charlie, i also get compliments on my bayliner. even here on this forum! i am however in the process of replacing the floor in it <br />but hey, its an 85 mod that was left outside uncovered in the winter too! when i bought it, it had 8" of snow in it, and after all that its still in good shape under the floor. it just had a couple soft spots.<br /><br />

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

new_sailor thats a pretty large boat for a firt time boater. Hav eyou had experince with boat this size?

My exact thought too. I've been boating a little over 3 years and wouldn't feel comfortable with a 28ft boat. I just upgraded to a 21ft and it's a big difference from the 17ft I had. <br /><br />My advice is don't rush into buying a boat. Take your time and look at as many that you can in your price range. Good luck!

 

[11 footer]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

Please don't buy a bayliner, for what are are paying for that big baycrapper you can get yourself a a smaller boat that will last.<br /><br />Check out some Whalers,Gradys, wahoos.......

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

Sorry to see that I offended a few of you with my reply to New Sailor.I was just giving him some opinion and some fact.The lack of quality is the fact part.By the way Catfish,you do have a nice little boat there,thanks for the photo.And nice try Big Cod,Im sure price had EVERYTHING to do with your purchase.I wish you much good luck with your new boat.Now back to the posting so we can help New Sailor out the bast we can.I also remember that Bayliner made many of that model in single engine.I know someone that had one and I would strongly recommend against 1 engine in a boat that big.He hated everytime he had to dock it.The wind blew him all around.That was the main reason he got rid of it after only 1 year.Everyone near him in his marina was glad he got rid of it too.Some have the scars in their hull to prove it. Charlie

 

[minnfats]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

Wow!! I had no idea that Bayliners had such a bad reputation. There are so many around I felt they must be a popular and quality product. <br />I have a chance to get into a 1984 Searay 26 feet and a few thousand less . How does this boat compare? Also I did own a small 14 foot runabout, so I have some expierence . Even though it was quite a few years ago. Again I thank everyone for their input.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

the SeaRays from the 70s and 80s were great boats.Very heavy fiberglass ,plenty of teak,good stainless steel fittings windows that open and dont leak.As with any boat you will still need to have it checked out but no one can argue the fact that this is a much better boat than the other.This is a smaller boat than the bayliner in every way so you would do fine if it has 1 engine,most of them do. Charlie

 

[Solittle]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

About 10 years ago I had a 27 1/2' Bayliner Victoria Command bridge (huge trailerable flybridge cruiser). It was sittin on a triple axle trailer that scared the crap out of me every time I left the driveway. It was powered by a 350 ci Chevy with a Volvo outdrive. It was an absolute slug. I spent 3 months finding a prop that would get it up on a plane with just me and a light fuel load. Forget it with full fuel & family.<br /><br />I won't fuss about Bayliner quality and leave that to others - actually mine was not that bad. But and this is a big BUT as far as I'm concerned - - A 24' + boat is not a good first time boat no matter who makes it.<br /><br />With your experience in a 14'er something on the order of 18-20' would be a good choice. I would also stay away from I/O rigs that old - you will just pour money into it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Just made an offer on an used Bayliner

I would spend twice the money for a 1974 Bertram,<br />Than I would for a 1994 Bilgeliner.....