Question about old Bayliners

[canadman]

I'm looking at a 1971 23' (he says 23' but I don't think they made a 23') Bayliner Saratoga... I know, I know, that's an old fish, but she's in very good shape and the price is good.

I have never owned a Bayliner, much less an old girl like this. She's got a rebuilt (in 2000), Straight 6, new outdrive (last year),new canvas, etc...

Can anyone tell me anything about these older Bayliners? Pros, cons? Also, assuming it's in excellent condition inside and out what would be a decent (as in it's worth considering buying it for that) price?

Cheers,

 

[Bondo]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

Ayuh,...

What Drive does it have,..??..??

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

Before buying a boat of that vintage, ensure that the floor, stringers and transom are SOLID. Also ensure that the foam is not water logged.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

survey, most likely will be a slug, with the 6 cylinder. again what drive system????

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

my wife and i bought a 1974 1950 jamaca bayliner last year. i thought the 1950 ment it should be a 19'6" long boat but turns out it regerstered an a 18' boat
it has the 165 merc io and we were very lucky. the 250 cid in line 6 runs like a well oiled sewing machine.
it is a tri hull bow rider and if it had come with a hard top and some means for a little more protection from the elements when camping we never would have got anothe boat.
that said, with a boat that old the condition of the boat and brand of the drive will make a bigger differnce and be more of a consideration than the brand of boat. a boat that has been properley stored and winterised even if a less expensive brand will be worth buying where as the best brand in world if not kept out of the weather and maintained could be a tremendous drain on resources even if they paid you to take it


to answer your question on price all i can tell you is what shari and did. figure out how much your going to have to spend to get the boat on the water running the way you want it. insurance,morring fees,regerstration fees, any equipment not on the boat you will have to buy if not inculed in the deal.
take that price and get on the net; e-bay, do a serach for used boats sale sights. this will tell you real quick if its a good deal or if you need to keep looking
rember what the boat is worth to you and the current owner might not be what any one else is willing to spend on it DO YOUR HOMEWORK before you buy. after is to late.
and of coarse use info in above posts.

 

[canadman]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

Thanks for the input...I do realize much of what's been said.

What I'm really looking for is input on older Bayliners...how are they generally? And price...I can get this for about 2k... It is in good shape. Hull is excellent, interior is excellent and as for the outdrive, I don't know whichoutdrive it is (I'll find out) but both the motor and outdrive run and are clean and free of rust.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

Is this the one that is in Dawson Ga? If so according to the ad, it has twin 140 mercruisers. That one is modeled as a 2550 or 25'. My Bayliner is 1977 27'/2750 Victoria. It had lots of problems. However, it was due to bad ownership. This boat sat in a bow down attitude for many years on the trailer. I got it for 4K with the tri-axle Floaton trailer. I replaced the stringers, transom, new rebuilt engine, and many other parts. I will say I have more in materials in getting it back into shape than what I paid for it. However for the last 7 years of ownership of it, 6 of them has been in the water docked for our 6 month season. We spent every weekend on it and just love the space it has.

Thoughly check it out. Hopefully during that period of time, they were not skimping on material like they did when they made mine.

 

[canadman]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

Nope, being sold privately where I live.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

I have an excellent shape 77 350GM VP280 OD 24' Saratoga. Off a neighbor, but it was always barned if not out on the ocean fishing, and taken care of. I dunno about a inline 6 pushing it very well though. Again..what OD, and get the total lenght

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

if it is in as good condition as you say, the determining factor is the power plant and drive system.. find out what they are and post back.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Question about old Bayliners

I think all they made in that year was a 25 footer ( 2550 ? ) Has the 250 c.i. Chevy with VP drive - unknown model to me.
As far as pricing is concerned be aware that ANY 37 year old vessel will have issues. For that matter the wife is the same age - and she has issues!!!!!!!!!!
Just because it's a boat and it runs does not make it the boat for you - then again it may just have your name all over it.
jaxnjil pretty much hit the nail on the head concerning doing your homework.
I would recommend a good marine survey - as mentioned - and just go from there. At the least you'll know what you're getting yourself into.
Price wise - depends entirely on the survey. Just too many pitfalls on the purchase of a boat that old. My $.02
O.K. There were two models made that year - the offshore and the express.
As mentioned before the twins or the 215 h.p. single six banger.