Low Cash Boat Options - Best value in the market, and what boat is best suited?

[Pony]

As others have said, patience is key here. I looked for 4 or 5 months when I bought the boat in my signature.....and had been sort of looking around for at least 6 months prior to that. I live in a used boat mecca here in Wisconsin, but a lot of what I was seeing (at least in the type of boat I was looking for) were more $ than I was willing to pay, or just had condition or motor "issues" that I didn't want to deal with. 5 to 7 year old boats were tough to find, and every time I saw one on craigslist or at a dealership it was already sold or had a contract on it.....and I looked every single day.

I finally randomly found one at Cabelas in a small used boat area outside that was sort of out of the way. I went there to buy some practice arrows and a target.....left with a boat. The boat came with about $5k worth of add ons that were relatively new, and they were asking $9k. I have seen that same exact boat (year, model, engine combo) without any of the add ons sell for $14-15k after I bought mine. After losing out on so many other deals and boats, it was almost like it was meant to be when I walked into this one.

 

[ScooterMcTavish]

Great stories guys - although I referenced the Glastron above, found what looks to be a pretty nice 91 Bayliner Capri 1850 BR with the Mercruiser 3.0 in it. I do like this engine.

Going to look at it tomorrow AM - price is very reasonable at $3K. In fact, if the boat isn't a big POS, I'll likely end up picking it up.

 

[redneck joe]

I'm a Bayliner fan so saying this with respect; you know about Bayliners?

 

[bruceb58]

I'm a Bayliner fan so saying this with respect; you know about Bayliners?

As long as you don't buy one from the mid 80's to the mid 90's

 

[kjsAZ]

the cut-over is actually just around the model year he's looking at. If it was stored right and didn't get water filled all the time from rain it has a chance to be still good.

Make sure that you check for any soft areas in the floor, inside the ski locker and along the end of the floor in the engine compartment.

The problem is that at their price point a lot of Bayliners were purchased by people who shouldn't own any boat. No maintenance and after a while they just let them sit as they lost interest and why on earth should you do maintenance? Oh and that costs a lot of money too.......

 

[redneck joe]

As long as you don't buy one from the mid 80's to the mid 90's

I've had an 87, 89, and 90. All well cared for. Admittedly the 89 was a 34' Avanti but the other two were Capri's

 

[redneck joe]

The problem is that at their price point a lot of Bayliners were purchased by people who shouldn't own any boat. No maintenance and after a while they just let them sit as they lost interest and why on earth should you do maintenance? Oh and that costs a lot of money too.......

very accurate.

 

[ScooterMcTavish]

Thanks guys,

Yes, read the non-love for the Bayliners, their floors, and their typical owners in other threads, and will be checking the floor, engine compartment, and ski locker out thoroughly. Father in law has a smaller Capri, and his cared-for boat is as nice as many other more expensive boats I've seen. Any yes, I've seen some real dogs already - including the world's grossest '84 Crestliner last night.

This one has a few pluses including a cover, it was used, and it looks well cared for. Regardless, I'm not so in love with saving the cash that I'll have to buy it. If there are any doubts, we'll walk and go look at the Glastron next week.

One nice thing too here is that a boat can only get wet in Canada approximately 7-8 months, and many people store them inside. So they don't suffer as bad from the "leave it outside because the weather is fine" syndrome, or the "leave it in the water 24/365, because a boat belongs in water" issue either. Anything left in the water would end up having its hull crushed with ice. And a boat left uncovered here looks like crap after only a few years.

 

[redneck joe]

good deal keep us updated

 

[Maclin]

Good attitude Scooter. My best advice for looking is be prepared to NOT buy it. I looked for 3 years before my latest purchase earlier this year, and would have kept on looking had it not been in the condition I wanted.

 

[ScooterMcTavish]

Well the Bayliner was not a complete POS - although the side cushions had weathered, the seats had all been recovered. The hull had its shares of nicks and scrapes, but this was a well-used 1990. The guy lives on a lake and uses and takes care of his boats.

However, I would have eaten off the engine, it was so clean. All potential trouble spots were no trouble. Port side window was done in lexan which was yellowed - will track down new glass, or even put plexi in for this year. Put the boat in the water the same day; it took some adjustmets to the carb and we were off. Handled a big chop great. Came with both a complete snap-on cover and a winter cover.

Thanks everyone for the advice - the deal was just a little too good to pass up on the Bayliner. Best part is I got offered a killer deal on two sleds and a trailer after buying the boat - if we had gone with the Glastron, I wouldn't have had the scratch to say yes.

 

[redneck joe]

good deal, and get some pics posted.

 

[southkogs]

Congrats!! Glad ya' got something worked out.

 

[ScooterMcTavish]

I'd post pics, but I want to dress it up first - you know, the old spit and shine, replace ugly pinstripes with cool ones, fabric paint the cover, etc.

Maybe I'll have some pics up by the fall - main thing now is to GO BOATING!