Looking for opinions/boat comparisions

[Cptkid570]

I’ve been looking into the possibility of buying a larger boat as a weekender. I don’t have much money for one, so my search has been for 24 – 26 foot fixer uppers that were built in the 1980’s (mid 80’s)<br />I’m hoping to get some opinions and comparisons of 2 different boats that seem to be popular. For my example, lets use 1985 models. I’m wanting to compare the 24’ Bayliner Ciera (2450) vs the 25’ Searay Sundancer. And the 25’ Ciera (2550) vs 26’ Searay.<br /><br />1st question: Size of the boat: In comparing the space/accomodations difference between the 24’ ciera/25’ searay versus the 25’ ciera/26’ searay. The smaller ones don’t have a separate table from the vberth. The larger (25 ciera/26 searay) have a separate table from the vberth, and the cabin seems to be a lot more spacious. Does this make a big difference when staying on one for the weekend? The smaller boat seems easier to trailer and better on gas and even less expensive to buy.. But, in the long term, would the larger be that much more accommodating that it would be worth the differences?<br /><br />2nd Question: Differences in boats:<br />Bayliner = omc or Volvo penta. Searay = Mercruiser. I know both Mercruiser and Volvo pretty well. I don’t know OMC, but am under the impression that OMC could be changed over to mercruiser fairly easily. <br />Interiors of the boats are very similar, so I could go either way on that.<br />Exterior of the bayliner seems like it has more seating, while the searay seems more open.<br /><br />Sorry this post is so long, but I’d really appreciate any opinions between these two sizes and models..

 

[tommays]

Re: Looking for opinions/boat comparisions

i would steer clear of OMC because of problems with getting service and parts will become harder to get as time passes<br /><br /><br />at that age both hulls are just as likely to have the same problems in the same areas<br /><br />rotten wood in the transome floors ect<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Looking for opinions/boat comparisions

The separate dinette feature is a huge plus in whichever brand you decide to buy. That way, you can sleep someone on the v berth without having to knock down the dinette. The 1988-90 Bayliner 2655 is a 9'6" beam cruiser with such a separate dinette/separate v-berth layout. A queen size aft berth is also a feature of this model. Sorry, I don't know the corresponding Sea Ray model. After 1990, the Bayliner 2655 was a narrow beam model with the combo dinette/v-berth. 1990-on also saw Mercruiser power.<br /><br />OMC is indeed something to stay away from. While many (most?) don't have any problems, if you DO have a problem, many parts simply don't exist anymore. Changing to Mercruiser is not as easy as you may think. Volvo is a more logical swap, since Volvo penta bought out OMC in the early 90s and share some components. On my old 2655 I stripped out the OMC King Cobra and installed a Volvo Duoprop...mounts and transom cutout were the same.<br /><br />The difference in spaciousness between the wide beam boats and the narrow (8'6") is staggering.<br /><br />Here is the cabin of a wide beam 2655:<br />

<br /><br />...and here is the helm/cockpit area:<br />

<br /><br />...and here is what that model looks like from the outside (not bad for a 17 year old boat):<br />

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Looking for opinions/boat comparisions

Stratocaster -- you have a great looking boat! You do a good job of keeping it up..<br /><br />Is there much difference between your 2655 and the 2550? The overall setup looks alike.<br /><br />The 26’ Searay Sundancer has an aft cabin and a separate dinette as well. I like that the searay comes with a mercruiser. But, I like the seating in the Ciera (the L-shaped seat with the table). I could see myself putting a couple of chairs in the very back of the Ciera (over the engine lid) too.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Looking for opinions/boat comparisions

The 2655 and 2550 are almost identical...the 26 is just a tad bigger. Both are 9'6" beam. And don't be scared off by what some on this board would say about Bayliners. These boats are built just as tough as the Sea Rays of the same vintage. Just not as much of the fancy stuff on them.<br /><br />Your idea for the deck chairs on the aft deck is exactly what we did. Plenty of room.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Thanks for the nice words...don't have that boat anymore, but she is in my marina, and still gets a ton of use every season. See my tagline for my current ride.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Looking for opinions/boat comparisions

but am under the impression that OMC could be changed over to mercruiser fairly easily.

That is Not True............<br /><br />Buy Whatever hull Pleases You,.........<br /><br />As long as the Power Isn't OMC...........

 

[kusboat]

Re: Looking for opinions/boat comparisions

cptkid 570<br />Drop me an email at kusboat@bellsouth.net may no of a boat in fl you may be interested in.