Wanting to pick up an older Capri, but am cautious...

Leviathan

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Messages
38
I have a friend with an 17' 1989 Bayliner Capri. It has a 3 cylinder inboard two stroke engine. First off I can't find any information about it. Secondly, I'd like to swap at 2.3L Ford in it - which was an optional engine for the boat. Is anyone familiar with this engine?
 

gcboat

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 29, 2007
Messages
1,822
Re: Wanting to pick up an older Capri, but am cautious...

First off you don't want anything to do with that boat and its setup. It's called an L drive and there are no parts and no service available for it.
The 2.3 Ford is a decent motor for that boat but again - stay away from that drive - .
Now, there's the reason you can't get any info on it.
Sorry to be the bearer of "not so good news".
 

redone4x4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Feb 28, 2009
Messages
1,548
Re: Wanting to pick up an older Capri, but am cautious...

yep, negative on the L drive. no good, no support, no parts. just not worth it. Good thing is, there are sooo many bayliners out there that you should be able to find one in your price range that is reliable, nicer, etc.
 

Leviathan

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Messages
38
Re: Wanting to pick up an older Capri, but am cautious...

First off you don't want anything to do with that boat and its setup. It's called an L drive and there are no parts and no service available for it.
The 2.3 Ford is a decent motor for that boat but again - stay away from that drive - .
Now, there's the reason you can't get any info on it.
Sorry to be the bearer of "not so good news".

Thanks for the reply.

I was under the impression that the L-Drive was an outboard set up. Not the case? I'm pretty knowledgeable when it comes to cars so getting the power out of a 2.3 wouldn't be hard. BUT I don't want to mess around if the hull is different and it won't easily accept mounts or something like that.
 

redone4x4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Feb 28, 2009
Messages
1,548
Re: Wanting to pick up an older Capri, but am cautious...

the L drive is its own form of animal. Its pretty much an I/O, but the drive comes from just underneath the boat, instead of off the transom like a normal sterndrive. from what i remember the engine basically sits on top of the outdrive.

I picked mine up pretty cheap with a 305 in it, pretty easy to get parts and everyone knows how to work on them lol.
 

WAVENBYE2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2007
Messages
1,636
Re: Wanting to pick up an older Capri, but am cautious...

the L drive is its own form of animal. Its pretty much an I/O, but the drive comes from just underneath the boat, instead of off the transom like a normal sterndrive. from what i remember the engine basically sits on top of the outdrive.

I picked mine up pretty cheap with a 305 in it, pretty easy to get parts and everyone knows how to work on them lol.

I AGREE!!
 
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