First boat buyer tips

Chester44 · #1 November 2nd, 2009, 12:45 PM

Hi I'm a first boat buyer, and here is what I'm looking at:
This is a 1989 Bayliner Capri Cuddy Cabin 19.5'. It has a fuel efficient 2.3 liter inboard with only 176 hrs. I've had to rebuild the carburator every year which I've been told is normal since I dont use it much, despite doing that there are no other mechanical problems!!! The boats hull is in good condition but it does have the fading or oxidation that the Arizona sun offers! Interior of cuddy cabin is in good condition (carpet and pads). Interior of boat itself is in fair condition, the main folddown seats could be recovered but that is how I bought it and I usually just end-up putting towels over them at the lake anyway. The boat includes a single axel trailer which is in excellent condition with new tires and spare. I also have a shade top and travel cover. $2200
I have't bought it yet, but he ran it for me for 20 minutes,the motor is clean and sounds good, it shifted into forward and reverse ok? I have mechanical abilities, but don't know what to look or listen for on the outdrive. After reading some of your forum I found that this motor/outdrive is hard to find parts for, any suggestions. I like the boat!

ezmobee · #2 November 2nd, 2009, 12:50 PM

The motor is an OMC who went out of business years ago. Parts and service are getting harder to find. It is also pretty underpowered in a 19.5' boat. 80's Bayliners were also know for rot issues in their wood components. I would say run away from that one.

bifflefan · #3 November 2nd, 2009, 12:56 PM

Since you live where there is no winter, take it on a test ride before you buy it. If the seller wont do it then pass on the boat as it has a problem he is trying to sell. Or at least offer him less.
2200 is on the high side for a 20 year old Bayliner.
As for had to motor parts, i think the 2.5 chevy parts are still availabe. The 470 fords are the had ones. But i may be wrong on this.
Is it a Merc or an OMC motor. If it OMC then really take it for a ride, as these ARE hard to find parts and mechanics for.
Anyway if you like it and are willing to do work needed, then all thats left is the ride in it to see if its a sound boat.

Good Luck

ezmobee · #4 November 2nd, 2009, 01:02 PM

Biffle, he said it's a 2.3. That's an OMC Ford.........

Chester44 · #5 November 2nd, 2009, 01:07 PM

Thanks I forgot to mention it is a 2.3 L ford motor, I don't plan on going fast, just take to the lake with my grandkids, maybe pull a tube when they get older.

ezmobee · #6 November 2nd, 2009, 01:21 PM

I think for $2200 you could probably find a boat with the 3.0 Mercruiser I/O which is a bulletproof powertrain with ample parts and service support.

Chester44 · #7 November 2nd, 2009, 01:43 PM

I've been looking, and can't find anything like it close by, this is only 10 minutes from where I live.

ezmobee · #8 November 2nd, 2009, 01:52 PM

Then do your best to not pay more than $1500 for it. In this economy, $2200 is a heck of a lot for a 20 year old Bayliner with an obsolete power package.