Well here comes my first post on iboats. Long time lurker but finally decided to post.
That said, lets go back three weeks ago. My wife and I pull out our 1991 Bayliner 2050 with a Merc 3.0/alpha setup. Her name is Spare Parts and for the past two years...we have loved her. I knew Spare Parts had a tough life before me but I kept her mechanical sound and enjoyed some AWESOME times on the water with her. The hull's gelcoat had been destroyed by barnacles and spider cracks were everywhere. The deck was spongy in one area and her appearance was fading..fast.
When I pulled it out from under the carport and started the spring cleaning, I realized the starboard side floorboard wasn't going to make it another year or two. So...I decided to sell it and start with a clean boat as I really didn't want to start a project. I informed the new owner of her flaws and away she went.
I must say...I IMMEDIATELY missed the lines of the early 90s 2050 but I had to move on. I started looking for a deckboat. The search ended with me driving to Jacksonville to look at a Regal with a 5.0L. The boat...was TRASHED. Bought and abused from day one. It was at a consignment shop so I passed. Two spots down however...was a treat for my eyes...
a 1990 Bayliner 2050 with a Merc 4.3! I always wanted more power from my old Bayliner and here was my chance.
Now the boat wasn't for sale but I had cash in my pocked and since I was on the rebound, PLUS the 4.3, PLUS the perfect body and interior...I made an offer. Well they called the owner and he took it so the boat became mine. What I was told was that it was in to get running and JUST needed belts
That folks is the understatement of the year!
Regardless, I was happy to have another Bayliner 2050 and towed her home. 20 mins into the drive a tire shredded....that should have been a sign but luckily I brought extra trailer tires with me. Well that evening I got it running and it ran GREAT. Good sign. The 4.3 starts hot or cold instantly, rock solid idle and revs like a dirtbike. MUCH nicer than the old 3.0. I was happy BUT...the gimbal bearing was a little noisey...let's have a look:
Imagine the look on my face when I pulled the outdrive off and saw this:
is kinda what I looked like!
So...no metal left around the gimbal housing for the bellows to attach. SWEET. That and my steering is froze PLUS the trim rams are locked up. At this point I started to regret selling my old 2050 but in the end...this boat is still cleaner.
Well at that point we know what comes next...
That said, lets go back three weeks ago. My wife and I pull out our 1991 Bayliner 2050 with a Merc 3.0/alpha setup. Her name is Spare Parts and for the past two years...we have loved her. I knew Spare Parts had a tough life before me but I kept her mechanical sound and enjoyed some AWESOME times on the water with her. The hull's gelcoat had been destroyed by barnacles and spider cracks were everywhere. The deck was spongy in one area and her appearance was fading..fast.
When I pulled it out from under the carport and started the spring cleaning, I realized the starboard side floorboard wasn't going to make it another year or two. So...I decided to sell it and start with a clean boat as I really didn't want to start a project. I informed the new owner of her flaws and away she went.
I must say...I IMMEDIATELY missed the lines of the early 90s 2050 but I had to move on. I started looking for a deckboat. The search ended with me driving to Jacksonville to look at a Regal with a 5.0L. The boat...was TRASHED. Bought and abused from day one. It was at a consignment shop so I passed. Two spots down however...was a treat for my eyes...
a 1990 Bayliner 2050 with a Merc 4.3! I always wanted more power from my old Bayliner and here was my chance.
Now the boat wasn't for sale but I had cash in my pocked and since I was on the rebound, PLUS the 4.3, PLUS the perfect body and interior...I made an offer. Well they called the owner and he took it so the boat became mine. What I was told was that it was in to get running and JUST needed belts
That folks is the understatement of the year!Regardless, I was happy to have another Bayliner 2050 and towed her home. 20 mins into the drive a tire shredded....that should have been a sign but luckily I brought extra trailer tires with me. Well that evening I got it running and it ran GREAT. Good sign. The 4.3 starts hot or cold instantly, rock solid idle and revs like a dirtbike. MUCH nicer than the old 3.0. I was happy BUT...the gimbal bearing was a little noisey...let's have a look:
Imagine the look on my face when I pulled the outdrive off and saw this:
is kinda what I looked like!So...no metal left around the gimbal housing for the bellows to attach. SWEET. That and my steering is froze PLUS the trim rams are locked up. At this point I started to regret selling my old 2050 but in the end...this boat is still cleaner.
Well at that point we know what comes next...
