Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1700 w/85hp Force OB??

[egleas84]

Boat and escort trailer in very good shape. Boat is at a very reputable dealer that says they will do a pre delivery inspection to make sure the motor runs as it should before I commit to buy it. Floor has one 3in weak spot in it near the rear in the corner by a seat, the rest is solid. Transom solid.

Worth it for $2000? (came down from $2500). $2000 is our limit for the season. Ive heard so many good and bad stories about every outboard that if it runs well when i buy it it doesnt matter what it is!

Anyone else have the same setup?

See link http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/2205668494.html

 

[NYBo]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

That dealer doesn't even know the correct model number for the boat. It's a 1700; the 1750 is an I/O.

Be that as it may, I can almost guarantee that 3" soft spot is just the beginning and much of the cockpit sole will need to be replaced. Ask me how I know this.:redface:

 

[egleas84]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

That dealer doesn't even know the correct model number for the boat. It's a 1700; the 1750 is an I/O.

Be that as it may, I can almost guarantee that 3" soft spot is just the beginning and much of the cockpit sole will need to be replaced. Ask me how I know this.:redface:

Ok they messed up.... And I have no prob with doing a little floor work when it needs it. If I get 5 seasons out of it I'll be happy. What do you think of the price? How do you like your rig (I saw your signature). If you still own it it can't be all bad! How long ago did you buy it and how much, if you don't mind divulging that is.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

I've had it 2 1/2 years, and have yet to put it in the water. There was a small soft at the edge of the ski locker. Or at least I thought that's all it was. I've replaced most of the sole. I've also replaced the instruments and stereo, and have a number of other upgrades that i will be doing. I paid way too much for it considering the condition it was in - $2000. But I love the looks and layout, and am really looking forward to Spring.

 

[Justinde]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Wish boats were that cheap in Sydney!! Must be because of our excellent year round weather

 

[egleas84]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

I've had it 2 1/2 years, and have yet to put it in the water. There was a small soft at the edge of the ski locker. Or at least I thought that's all it was. I've replaced most of the sole. I've also replaced the instruments and stereo, and have a number of other upgrades that i will be doing. I paid way too much for it considering the condition it was in - $2000. But I love the looks and layout, and am really looking forward to Spring.

I love the looks Too. Anything I can easily see to judge the condition of the sole before i buy it? The instruments and stereo don't concern me im not going for mint and i already have a stereo to put into it. If it floats level, is stable and I dont fall through the floor for 5 years I'm comfortable with $2000 if the engine runs well... I think.

 

[egleas84]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

I've had it 2 1/2 years, and have yet to put it in the water. There was a small soft at the edge of the ski locker. Or at least I thought that's all it was. I've replaced most of the sole. I've also replaced the instruments and stereo, and have a number of other upgrades that i will be doing. I paid way too much for it considering the condition it was in - $2000. But I love the looks and layout, and am really looking forward to Spring.

is the slight slant towards the center the seats have in the pictures a clue to the state of the sole??

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

he is sold on this boat already...If I am not mistaken in 89 chrysler was still making the force motors...they were total crap..you cannot even give one away around here..i still do not know why mercury wanted to pick up the name...I can get a pretty good boat for $2000..I can get a really good boat for $2500...neither would have a force or I/O motor, or soft floor/transom.

 

[egleas84]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

he is sold on this boat already...If I am not mistaken in 89 chrysler was still making the force motors...they were total crap..you cannot even give one away around here..i still do not know why mercury wanted to pick up the name...I can get a pretty good boat for $2000..I can get a really good boat for $2500...neither would have a force or I/O motor, or soft floor/transom.

If I was already sold on it I would not be here asking for opinions. Thanks for yours...

 

[Justinde]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

I have a 1988 Force 125- built by Chrysler. It has a couple of issues, but all in, by the looks of it, it seems fairly easy to work on, and the parts are cheap and plentyful. Its like anything, if you take care of it, it will take care of you. Ask the selling dealer for a compression test. If it is up and down on compression, it could indicate problems. My force 125 runs hard.

Check this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tfjf6DPAQAY

I have a couple of issues to sort, but at least I can give it a go. There are a few really helpful guys here. Frank & Jerry, Pwn etc full of useful info. I am doing my own waterpump, timing, and now link & sync. I am fairly confident that I can do all of this. Could I do it on a modern 4 stroke fuel injected engine? No way. Would a modern Fuel injected 4 stroke 125 run better than my force? Probably- but not for $15000 australian dollars better!!

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

...If I am not mistaken in 89 chrysler was still making the force motors...they were total crap..you cannot even give one away around here.

You are mistaken; Chrysler was out of the picture in '89. But I must ask.....why are they total crap? Something other than "I've heard this or that"......

 

[jkust]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Here's my take on this coming from someone who owns a 1984 Bayliner Capri purchased brand new with a Force engine and someone who likes boating not rebuilding. I'd shy away from something needing work if for no other reason, you spend time rebuilding instead of time boating. Then it's always more work than you anticipated and these boats are notorious for quickly sucumbing to bad owners. I guess I'm saying don't take a small soft spot lightly. I like our Bayliner but we've treated it like it was made of gold since day one as we do with everything we buy. It is relatively sub standard in many ways but has lasted and is 90% as nice as it was the day it was brought home (the interior not the exterior). As for the Force engine. I've had many boat engines, cars, snowmobiles and other vehicles over the years. The Force engine has been the single most reliable, zero maintainance piece of machinery I've ever owned. The hinges of the doors in my house have required more maintainance than my Force engine. We've put spark plugs in it and thats it. That means about $6.00 of maintainance since 1984 plus annual winterizing and the insane amount of gas the old school two strokes suck down. It was made in the leaded gas era and we have continued to add lead additive every tank since leaded gas was discontinued. The quality and reliability of things sometime is a function of bad ownership not necessarily to be blamed on the brand itself. By the logic I read my Bayliner should have rotted up and the force should have exploded years ago.

 

[jason32038]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1700 w/85hp Force OB??

I wouldnt pay more than $1,500 for it.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1700 w/85hp Force OB??

Bayliners of thius era are prone to rot. But look at Searays ,Centurys, and on into infinity. Most old boats have rot. Rotten boats are used everyday. Dont let anyone tell you otherwise. How many people bought usable boats only to find the transom rotten? I have seen many 70s boats used here every summer and left outside without a cover. Think they have some rot? Floors or soles are not a weekend fix, they require major work and lots of itchy grinding. If it is what you want and can not find a better deal go for it. Just remember it is a two grand boat not a twenty grand boat.

 

[mbecks21]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1700 w/85hp Force OB??

I own this exact boat and motor. Bought it 5 years ago pretty cheap. It was a great boat for about 3 summers then it was all down hill. Pretty sure the rings are shot. A mechanic told me the carbs on the force outboards were never tuned right and thats why they can lead to problems. I guess i don't regret buying it because it was cheap but getting towed off the lake all the time got pretty old. Hopefully you have better luck than I did!

 

[perchin]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1700 w/85hp Force OB??

No...

 

[javsam]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1700 w/85hp Force OB??

The Force motors as said are very easy to work on and parts are still cheap.It was a dependable motor. I would not want to buy a boat however that has soft spots in the floor, it is a big job to replace the floor so that would have to be your decision.

 

[FichtFan]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1700 w/85hp Force OB??

My dad and I had that exact same year make and model along with motor. We bought it in 2004 and sold it in 2009 because we wanted something faster and bigger. The day we sold it was a sad day, it gave us a lot of good times and the motor ALWAYS started which was made by U.S. Marine, a division of Mercury. We did take excellent care of it though, replaced the water pump fogged it after every season, changed the lower unit oil after every season, stored it in the garage. It was a great starter boat. When we sold it in 09, we sold it for $3000. It was not without some wear, but had NO rot what so ever. If the motor runs good and it satisfies everything you are looking for in a boat I say go for it.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

is the slight slant towards the center the seats have in the pictures a clue to the state of the sole??

I think that may be an optical illusion. More telling would be the consoles: Are they solidly attached and does the walk-through windshield close properly?

Check the sole carefully at the ski locker opening. What little fiberglass mat and resin was there when it was built is likely to have been worn off, leaving raw plywood edges. Then bounce on one foot all over the cockpit, feeling for "give".

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Re: Should I buy a '89 Bayliner Capri 1750 w/85hp Force OB??

Are you sure the boat is a 1750? In 1989, from all the information I've been able to find, the 1750 is an I/O boat, standard with a 3.0L 4-cyl. engine.

The 1700, on the other hand, came with the 85 hp Force engine, just like pictured.

I'd offer $1700 and walk away if he doesn't take it. Nothing bad about the Force engine, but any soft spots in the floor are not good news.