[budwardo]

Hi new to the boating world. I have had some experience on a boat just never owning one. I got the bug and decided to get a first boat. SO many people told me not to buy a boat that I would regret it. I did not want to get something to expensive but also did not want a money pit. I live about 45 minutes from Raystown Lake in central PA. I found a 1997 Bayliner 2050 SS with the 350 Mercruiser. I wanted something with good power and seeing how I am the GM of a dealership I have lots of access to mechanics and engine parts. The boat I found is in really good shape no fading, rips, tears, or any other damage showing on the hull. The dealer said they had done a tune up on the boat and everything ran well. They did not compression test the motor but the mechanics notes state it pulled 4900 rpm and a verified 54MPH on gps. The drivetrain looks OK however I am aware that you can see everything inside the motor or outdrive. I bought the boat for 5800 bucks. I know bayliner seems to get a bad rap but the boat looks nice and I could not find anyother boats with that powertrain for that kind of money. Any advise would be appreciated.

[tashasdaddy]

you probably did OK. they are around $30.000 new.

[budwardo]

Thanks all the other boats I looked at had smaller powertrains and the interiors were torn or badly faded. This boat is very sharp looking compared to other boats I looked at. I felt that with a 350 the lifespan of the boat would be somewhat longer seeing how the motors doesnt have to work as hard to move the boat around. I do no it comes down to how someone takes car of their machine. For bayliners supposidly not being a good boat it seems like they sell a **** load of them.

[TilliamWe]

They sell a lot of them, cause they are cheap to buy when they are brand new. And most people that buy them brand new, don't know anything about boats, or how to take care of them.
If the boat truly is as solid and nice inside as you say, you did okay. Yiou didn't make the greatest deal ever, but if it's a nice useable boat that you and your family enjoy, then it's worth it!
Go boating and have fun!

[lucky7]

congrats! now lets see a picture!

[windsors03cobra]

Sounds nice, post some pictures.

[phwrd]

Sounds great. If you can, get a survey or find someone that has ever rebuilt one, just to make sure you got what you bought.

And don't rely on the car guys to know every seal on a boat. Start reading. . .

[JB25VIP]

you made a good deal

[ezmobee]

Sounds like a decent deal to me. I'm hoping to make it Raystown at some point this year.