need crash course in boats!

[wanttogetonthewater]

I have just aquired two project boats for free and i need some advice on where to start with them. I have never owned a boat before so i am just getting my feet wet (no pun intended!). At this point I don't know much about either (still waiting on titles). First project is a '88 bayliner. I'm not positive that the year is correct. I am basing that on the HIN# (BY1A12FBE788). I assume the 88 is the year? It has a Force 85 o/b motor. The guy I got it from says it runs fine in neutral, but lugs down when you put it in gear. This is all I know for now. Any help on where to go from this point would sooo appreciated! I know I've taken on a big task, but I've wante a boat ever since i can remember! Love the water!!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: need crash course in boats!

You do understand that the BOAT is a hole in the water into which you pour money. It also stands for Break Out Another Thousand so the first lesson is rather short. There is no such thing as a free boat. Soft decks and soft transoms mean the likelyhood of soft stringers. Replacement of any of these is not a place for a rookie to begin. Do not spend any money on the engine until you determine the boat has been thoroughly inspected by someone that knows boats, and it is determined to be worth making water ready. Regarding the engine, you should know that it has been out of production for years and parts may be getting hard to find. Chances are it needs a rebuilding of the carburetors and fuel system to make it compatible with ethanol blended fuel. If you intend to work on this engine yourself, do yourself a favor and buy a service manual specific to that engine. It will help avoid costly mistakes, save time, and money.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: need crash course in boats!

First get the titles so you know the boats are yours. Then be certain the transom does not flex when you stand and bounce on the engine cavitation plate. Check compression to be certain that the engine has no internal damage. Look for about 120 or more with all cylinders being within 10-12 pounds. If all is well there, change the water pump impeller, fuel pump impeller, and lower unit oil. If she show signs of running lean, then clean the carbs--in fact, remove the fuel bowls and if they are not shiny-clean, remove the carbs and clean them. That's enough for a start. Fuel mix is 1 pint TCW-3 oil to 6 gallons gasoline.

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: need crash course in boats!

i wanna be the first and say welcome to iboats. since this if your first boat project you might wanna go down to the restoration thread and see what it take you might just not wanna do this project. up to you. But just know what your getting into before you start. pics would help too .

 

[Av8nBill]

Re: need crash course in boats!

Just FYI, boats and airplanes are two things you never ask for a crash course in! Welcome to iboats.

 

[zagger]

Re: need crash course in boats!

Welcome, first thing is to find out what are they worth. It is easy to spend 10K fixing a boat that will never be worth more than five. Engine and drive reliability is the most important value factor in an older used boat, sound hull and decks are almost equally important. Have someone with experience survey them for you so that you will have complete understanding of what you are up against before spending a dime on repairs. Good luck.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: need crash course in boats!

"...'88 bayliner. I'm not positive that the year is correct. I am basing that on the HIN# (BY1A12FBE788). I assume the 88 is the year? It has a Force 85 o/b motor..."


That's about the toughest project combination to tackle. Most people RUN AWAY from those.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: need crash course in boats!

Most people RUN AWAY from those.

Free boats are like a box of chocolate ...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: need crash course in boats!

View attachment 90913Free boats are like a box of chocolate ...

Hilarious, I LOVE it!!!!!!

(PS) I have friends out vacationing in SD right now. Waive to them for me, okay?!)

 

[wanttogetonthewater]

Re: need crash course in boats!

point well taken!

 

[wanttogetonthewater]

Re: need crash course in boats!

Thank you for the advice. I will have someone look at it before I get out there too far. Still excited about the thing though! Afterall, it is the mistakes in life that we learn from.

 

[wanttogetonthewater]

Re: need crash course in boats!

Great info.! I was hoping to get more than discouragement from this fourm! I know other's advice is well intended and it is apprecieated, but It is something I have to pursue.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: need crash course in boats!

On this site you can learn from others mistakes so it doesn't cost as much!

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: need crash course in boats!

I just bought them a couple of drinks.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: need crash course in boats!

Great info.! I was hoping to get more than discouragement from this fourm! I know other's advice is well intended and it is apprecieated, but It is something I have to pursue.

Was the boat stored inside or outside? If it was stored inside, or outside carefully covered all of the time, you may be OK. If it was stored outside uncovered and neglected, then those hull are pretty bad about having rotten wooden stringers and transoms as a result.
The Force is actually a pretty easy motor to work on. As Frank said, check compression on all cylinders first, then check for spark on all cylinders, then buy a manual. Parts will be harder to get, since Force is no longer made, but you can find them.
There is plenty of help here once you get started and figure out what condition things are in.
Good Luck!

 

[my1stboat1]

Re: need crash course in boats!

I happen to own a 16 foot 1988 bayliner center console.... I bought this boat 2 seasons ago from a family whos owner passed away, I bought the boat for 600 the boat was lefted outside for at least 10 years uncovered,neglected, uncared for. I bought this boat as my 1st boat.... 1st thing i did was clean the thing, cause it was disgusting, Its beauty came back. I then checked the floor and transom.... The transom was good but the floor did however and still does have 1 soft spot under the captain seat. I have no intension in repairing the floor, I removed the captains chairs and put a leaning post in... as for the engine... I also have an 85 force... I did the comp check, cleaned carbs, new fuel pump, new w/p impeller and all service on fluids, Since then i have redone all the electrical and added new instrumentation, Im very happy i made my decision to take a chance and buy this boat, Now getting it ready for its 3rd season and hopefully My last with this great starter boat as ill be looking for something much larger next season i dont regret it....

Just my Opinion. If you like it, go for it....

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: need crash course in boats!

don't be discouraged... we are here to point out problems..... if all else fails you can sell off parts and goo shopping for another boat..... If you were closer I'd volunteer to come check it out for ya but.....................

Get in it and jump around all over the floor..... look for ANY soft spots..... Is it full of leaves? Was it covered? Under a roof?

 

[V153]

Re: need crash course in boats!

Not to poop on yer parade but some might say ya have at least two things working against you. Bayliner & Force. Not necessarily in that order.

What's the other project ...?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: need crash course in boats!

Yeah, a lot of people don't like Bayliners and Forces. In the early years they (Bayliner) did have quality issues but in later years they did improve and do make a nice package. Force engines can be just as reliable as any other brand BUT most marinas will not work on them so you will need to learn how to. On the other hand, it is a dirt simple engine and easy to work on--no special tools required. Some parts are difficult to get new, but there are enough old engines out there that if you look hard enough, you can get serviceable used parts.

For a first boat it should do well until you decide on something else--if you decide. Also, remember that Trophy hulls are made by the same company and you rarely hear anyone "dissing" them.

So go do some repairs, learn a little, and have fun with your new (to you) boat.