Which route to take?

[boating_4_fun]

Good morning all, I have always wanted to have a boat, and I finally got a green light to get one. (all it took was getting a new wife... LOL j/k) Sorry ahead of time for the longer post... :redface:

Since this will be my first boat and I can't fathom spending the big bucks for a new one (yet), I have been looking for good starter boats. I have been doing a lot of reading and reviewing, and have narrowed it down to 2 boats. I have read a lot of posts here and have found a lot of knowledgeable people and good threads.

I have spoken to both owners and got as much as I can without looking at the boats. I have seen the pics and am going to look at today. Please give me your thoughts and feelings on both boats.

Here is what i have:
1989 caravelle 18 ft bowrider, 3.0 4cyl mercruiser (runs great), new interior, seats, depth finder, tilt and trim work, all fluids changed, shift cables and outboard seals are BRAND NEW!! Trailer is in good shape with new tires and all working lights
See pics attached:

1988 Bayliner 18 ft, outboard motor 125 Force (carbs need cleaning), a few of the seat seams are coming lose, tilt and trim work, no leaks, solid hull, comes with boat cover, trailer is also in good shape.
See pics attached:

I think the boat fever has blinded me, and I definitely want some outside views on these. Especially because, you all probably know a lot more about these models than I do.

Thanks in advance for all of the help.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Which route to take?

Welcome to iboats

Parts for the 3.0 liter will be available for a long time, better economy with the I/O and overall that would be my choice.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Which route to take?

I would be scared when it says "Carb Need Cleaning". It may be to a Point in needs over haul.

Can you take these out for a Sea Trial test drive.

David
Not a boat owner Yet. Shopping around.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Which route to take?

The Caravelle is a much better choice than the Bayliner. Force outboards are no longer made and are not fully supported by parts or service anymore. The 3.0 Mercruiser engine is about as common as you can get and as was mentioned will be supported for many many years. Your main concern will be rot. Make sure it has a solid floor and transom. I would be a little concerned about why it has a new interior and if it was replaced properly (like did they just put new wood over an old rotted floor). If it checks out, that Caravelle would make a great first boat.

 

[boating_4_fun]

Re: Which route to take?

I would be scared when it says "Carb Need Cleaning". It may be to a Point in needs over haul.

Can you take these out for a Sea Trial test drive.

David
Not a boat owner Yet. Shopping around.

We don't live near a lake and the closest one is about 30-45 min away (where you can use anything other than an electric motor)

On a side note, the 89 caravelle is at the shop right now. They are finishing up the work on the seals. They gave me the name and number of the machaninc and I am going to go talk to him/see the boat today. Also, the caravelle is going for $1700 and the Bayliner for $2000.

They said the boat will run fine some days and then others run for about 3 hours or so and then act like it has bad gas. Their repair guy told them it sounded like the carbs need to be cleaned.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Which route to take?

Buy the Caravelle. A better price for a better boat with a better motor. I would talk to the mechanic since you have the opportunity

 

[boating_4_fun]

Re: Which route to take?

The Caravelle is a much better choice than the Bayliner. Force outboards are no longer made and are not fully supported by parts or service anymore. The 3.0 Mercruiser engine is about as common as you can get and as was mentioned will be supported for many many years. Your main concern will be rot. Make sure it has a solid floor and transom. I would be a little concerned about why it has a new interior and if it was replaced properly (like did they just put new wood over an old rotted floor). If it checks out, that Caravelle would make a great first boat.

I did ask him about that, and I was told that the previous owner removed and replaced the flooring and the current owner replaced the seating surfaces.

On another side note, does anyone know where to get the bimini top that snaps to the glass windshield? I have been looking and looking but can only find the regular ones that don't snap to the windshied.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Which route to take?

On another side note, does anyone know where to get the bimini top that snaps to the glass windshield? I have been looking and looking but can only find the regular ones that don't snap to the windshied.

I think those aren't technically bimini tops and are typically a factory option or custom job.