Hi All - My son and I are looking at a 2000 Bayliner 1952 Capri tomorrow that is for sale. We are looking for our first boat to use on the Great South Bay off Long Island NY's south shore. It has the 3.0 Mercruiser 4 cyclinder and appears to be in nice shape. We would talk to the marine mechanic where it was maintained and get an independant marine mechanic to inspect before buying if we decide to purchase, but are these boats known for any problems or are there any tell-tale things we should look for? Is the 3.0 Mercruiser normally a good, dependable and economical engine , even if it is not that fast? Any last advice? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
TY Bill
Welcome to iBoats. I also boat on the south shore (Babylon area). The Bayliner, if in good shape, will do okay on the calm days. I wouldn't have any qualms. I suggest you have the boat professionally surveyed if you really like it.
However, if you want to be able to use the boat when the wind kicks up above 15 mph (which it often does), I'd look for a dual console boat instead. Don't know exactly where you're located, but the stretch from roughly Copiague to Patchogue gets pretty snotty most afternoons The prevailing summer west-southwest wind sweeps the whole length of the bay. Shallow water and wind makes for choppy conditions and a bit of roller coaster ride in the afternoon, before the wind moderates and the bay lays down around 6-7:00
If it's this one please exercise caution. Looks to me like it's spent a lot of time uncovered. That doesn't bode well for the decking and plywood bases under the upholstery. If the boat is already winterized make sure your purchase is contingent upon a successful survey and sea trial in the spring.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/boa/5873672139.html