look at a bayliner

[cowboy1853]

new to this. but iam looking at a 1985 bayliner with a 2.1- 4 cy volvo with trailer . not sure aboutting getting it work on . I live in ky.

 

[jestor68]

Re: look at a bayliner

Make sure you locate a good mechanic qualified to work on old Volvo Pentas, as you are going to need him.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: look at a bayliner

Welcome to iboats.

If there are ANY soft spots in the deck or it has been recovered with wood and re-carpeted...... thank the owner and RUN AWAY!

That was not a good year for Bayliner construction at all.

If the boat is free I would dump it and sell the trailer. The older Bayliners have little to negative value at all.

 

[Solittle]

Re: look at a bayliner

If you want any kind of meaningful input from here you need to specify what your concerns are or what you would like information on.

Having said that Bayliners of that era do not have a good reputation. They were cheap entry level boats, usually under-powered and susceptible to rot in the floor, stringers and transom.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: look at a bayliner

Don't buy it, and don't take it for free, because chances are in either deal you're getting screwed.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: look at a bayliner

ditto

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: look at a bayliner

Run Forest run!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: look at a bayliner

So as you can gather .......people are more interested in protecting you and your wallet

The comments are really based on the "track record" for that model year. We see too many posts about people getting allot less then they expected and too many restoration posts too.

Ball is in your court.

 

[rbyham]

Re: look at a bayliner

If you are looking back into the 80s better to tick with Wellcraft, Chris Craft, Sea Ray in term sof makes but those too need to be looked at carefully for stringer/transom issues...

 

[Downforce6]

Re: look at a bayliner

I've got a 92 Bayliner Capri.. It wont win any boat shows but I havent had a single problem yet, albeit I've only had it a couple months.

I dont know how much difference there is between a 92 and an 85 but this has so far been a great starter boat for me. I do have a different engine. 3.0 Merc and alpha one drive.

There guys arent going to tell u to buy a 80's Bayliner. and I have zero experience with any boat but the 92 Bayliner I own, so maybe they are right to do so..

But I would think the way the boat has been maintained and cared for would be a large determining factor. Like they all said, check for rot. Floor, Transom, any maintenance records to be seen?

You didnt list a price. This boat isn't worth much, if you can grab it for nothing and it last a couple years and you learn a little. I personally cannot see the harm.

Look at a bunch of boats, don't know what your price range is but i'd do my homework and make sure this was the best I could due for my money.

 

[NYBo]

Re: look at a bayliner

Welcome to iboats!

Bayliner quality didn't really take it on the chin until 1987 or so, so a 1985 was built better. But you still need to be careful about the condition of the wood, as would be the case with ANY boat of that vintage.

 

[raven1978]

Re: look at a bayliner

Welcome to iboats!

Bayliner quality didn't really take it on the chin until 1987 or so, so a 1985 was built better. But you still need to be careful about the condition of the wood, as would be the case with ANY boat of that vintage.

+1 for this, mine is of the same year and it is in good shape. Its all in how the owners took care of it that really matters