[seifm]

I am looking to buy an inexpensive boat. I can get a 1984 Bayliner Capri with the 2.1 Volvo Penta $1600 with the trailer. I do not know anything about Bayliners. The boat looks good but I have not done a sea trial or looked for soft spots. What are some things to look for and what about the engine?

[johnnyrod]

I have an 88 citation with a volvo penta 4 cyl engine. Love the boat but parts are more costly and always have to be ordered. Check for hull cracks, check the outrig ( where propeller hangs ) there is a rubber boot behind it check for cracks. Have the owner take it out or at least start it up. to much cranking could leave you floating later on. Check battery well for the price you cant expect every thing. Boat repairs are not cheap if you can handle car repairs yourself then you should be alright. An owners manual will be great to have. good luck.

[ThePostMan]

Sounds like a fair price for that boat, if it's in good condition (and the trailer, too).

Just prepare yourself and your budget. It's a 1984, so you will have some things to fix. Plan to set aside another $1000 over the next year to fix things, change things, clean things, paint things, etc.

[Bigprairie1]

That price is reasonable, if:
-A compression test shows all holes over 120psi
-The floor is reasonably solid (good for another 2-3 years?)
Any history or maintenance records on the boat? Winterization?...who did it?
If you are really interested, then pay $100 (down payment) and get a 'water test' out in the boat to make sure it doesn't leak and that it runs well. Yard tests are often too quick and light duty to prove anything.
The water test is a very fair request and base it upon a minor down payment so the seller doesn't think you are another 'tire kicker'.
Keep us posted.
BP

[seifm]

Thanks for all the help, but someone beat me to the boat. I think it would have been to much work for me. I will have to save up for a while and buy something newer.