Worthy of restoration or SKIP IT!? 1982 Bayliner 2850

[surfkart]

http://boats.iboats.com/1982-bayliner-2850-contessa-sedan-bridge-cuddy-cruiser/378036.html

Haven't looked at this boat in person yet so this is a hypothetical question about what to expect with boats priced in this range.

Would you spend money to restore this boat, make it reliable, and what are your preferences for rebuilding/replacing and how much would you budget for the job? The work would have to be done by someone qualified ie not me.


Let's assume everything "runs good" would you rebuild or replace the motor. Would a thorough inspection be enough? What are the "must replace" systems, the fuel pump, carbs?

I'm guessing the trim tabs will need new hydraulics.

What else would you want torn out and replaced? Gauges, wiring, new A/C.

I'd like to make it a reliable cruiser for the Florida Keys if it's viable. I'd like to stay around 11grand as the repair budget to get it there. But even if this boat is in perfect condition for it's age isn't it near the end of it's service life anyway? What is the life expectancy?

Thanks so much if you're willing to advise.

 

[lingcod]

Re: Worthy of restoration or SKIP IT!? 1982 Bayliner 2850

although there are probably many things on the boat that need to be looked at, there may not be many that are "must" replace. If the owner actually used the vessel he should have been fixing things as they broke. Get a survey done. let someone who knows boats and is not bias to go over the boat. if the owner left the boat covered with the camper package on all the time, the floor may not even have issues. Get a survey. oh, I almost forgot, Get a survey done.

lingcod

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Worthy of restoration or SKIP IT!? 1982 Bayliner 2850

Funny.... I just bought the same boat only from 1985 for parts. I've started a thread to discuss the resto potential.

Mine has a big hole in the bow and a crack on the flybridge. Other than that it's in similar condition, but my interior is newer. Mine will need major engine repairs and I'm going to take the drive for my main boat, but I might restore the bliner and sell it. I paid $400, looks like in working condition (with no hidden problems etc) I might be able to get at least several thousand for it...

The boat I have seems to contradict all I've heard about Bayliners. It's well made, has nice lines, the Volvo drive is bulletproof, and the interior is functional and cheerful. The smaller Bayliners are built cheap. Not this one.

If you want this kind of boat for what you do on the water, it's not a bad choice.

Get a professional survey done, and expect them to not find everything wrong.


Erik

 

[Stampeder]

Re: Worthy of restoration or SKIP IT!? 1982 Bayliner 2850

If you are going to cruise the Florida keys you may want to have someone familiar with salt water boating check it out. Lewisville, TX is very land locked and certainly no salt water around. I'm not sure if this Bayliner has the closed water system that most of the salt water ready boats have.

The price seems pretty steep to me for a boat of that age without knowing a lot about the engine and drive system status.

Good luck with your venture. Keep us posted with pics.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: Worthy of restoration or SKIP IT!? 1982 Bayliner 2850

I was just thinking that based on the ad, the price seemed very reasonable, maybe too reasonable. Hmmm?

I can say this, boats almost always look better in photographs. I don't know why? You can take a picture of a basket case, and she still looks great. Pictures of boats are almost false advertising! Ha!

The only way to know is to meet her. Surveys are necessary for loans and insurance, but in the words of Erik, almost never complete.

Plan to spend time with a flashlight, a screwdriver and a pocketknife poking and prodding into every system. Then do a sea trial. Find out what your downside is... The trailer is worth more than half the asking price, so what's up?

Big Bayliners are better boats than their disposable smaller sisters, without a doubt. You could have a real gem there. Or something else.

Good luck!