Our first boat.

[BLD]

We bought our first boat today. After looking at a bunch of boats in our price range (that all looked like money pits) we stumbled across a 1992 Bayliner Classic 19.5' with a 3.0 Alpha engine. It was in the best condition in our price range and the previous owners had taken excellent care of it. Here's a pic.

We are going to take it out for the first time next weekend and I was wondering about how well it'll perform with the small 3.0 liter motor. I know it's no speed boat, but it'd be nice if it can easily get a skier/wake boarder out of the water. I was originally pushing for a Reinell with a 4.3 liter, but every one we saw needed some work.

Is it possible/feasible to put a tower on this boat? Also, could we, would it be worth putting a 4.3L into this boat. I can't find any specs on the max hp for this model.

If all else fails we'll just enjoy it as is and when the time comes trade it in for something better suited for skiing/wake boarding.

Thanks,

Brian.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Our first boat.

Welcome to iboats!

You shouldn't have any trouble with skiers or wakeboards as long as they don't weigh 300# and you have the proper prop. The Classic line was considerably lighter than Bayliner's similarly-sized boats of the same year. I think yours was only available with the 3.0L. Therefore, the engine bay might not accommodate the 4.3L V6 too well. Regardless, the cost would be pretty high to do it right.

See how you like what you have!

 

[Gettin' It Wet]

Re: Our first boat.

I just baught a glastron gt185 this season which has a merc 3.0 alpha one in it. We have been using it mainly for wakeboarding and bringing it to the beach. We have had no problems wakeboarding with this boat unless there is too much weight in the back of the boat then it wont plane at all (just put 1 or 2 people in the front and you will be fine, or a fat sac)

My glastron is 18' 5" and I ordered a tower from aerial which should be arriving soon (hopefully). I have seen even smaller boats than mine with a tower, so you should have no problems with a tower for your boat.

Enjoy the boat! This is my first boat also and I couldnt be happier!

 

[BLD]

Re: Our first boat.

Thanks for the replies. I doubt I'd want to mess with changing the motor, but I may be interested in getting a new prop. What type of 4 fin prop would you recommend for the
Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha? I'm going to spend a few weekends on it before we decide to make changes, if any, but I'd like to start doing research on things that will make the boat we have more enjoyable.

Thanks.

 

[Turx]

Re: Our first boat.

I have the 3.0 in my 94 Capri 1952, just over 2100# dry weight. While it's no speed boat,tops out around 35, it has a pretty good hole shot, planes out quickly and tows a tube or skier just fine.

 

[BLD]

Re: Our first boat.

We took it out last weekend and both a buddy of mine and myself were able to get up on a wakeboard. We're both new to wakeboarding, but I think the boat will do just fine for that. In fact the small wake was more than enough to put a hurtin' on my friend when he decided to try and jump it. Now we just need to get a tube and a couple other little things and we'll be ready for next summer.

If someone can help me figure out what prop I have, and what size and type of prop would be a good replacement I'd appreciate it. If possible I'd like to get a prop that will help it get out of the hole, and on plane quicker. If I lose a couple of mph at the top end it's ok because I have no real need to go over 30mph anyways. That, and I don't want to put on a prop that will work the motor too hard at cruising speeds either.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Our first boat.

Most props will have the specs embossed on the hub somewhere. Look for something like "14 x 19", which would be 14" diameter, 19" pitch. With this and the rest of your boat's information in hand, mosey over to the "Prop Questions and Topics" area for some expert advice.