1983 Bayliner Trophy 2260 question

First of all, hello to everyone! I'm new to the site and have spent most of the past couple days searching through the forums for some info that although I have gotten some, I am still looking for a couple of answers to. I am looking at the boat listed in the title and I have read lots of posts about the "bad years" for Bayliners, especially 80's thru the 90's. But more specifically, it seems like 1986 was when things went downhill. The 1983 Hardtop Fisherman I am looking at as a semi-project boat seems not to be very common on this forum.

3 things that I am more interested in finding out about this boat are....

1- This boat has a 6-cyl I/O with Volvo Penta outdrives. The current owner claims that he installed an extra fuel tank that is under the deck and between the 2 pedestal seats. He says that explains the "soft spot" there. He said the original tank is around 100 gallons, and the spare one he put in was around 40 gallons. Is he blowing smoke or is this possible? This is a hardtop boat so I would tend to think the soft spots would more likely be around the engine cowling which is more exposed to weather. I could not find another soft spot anywhere on the boat.

2- I have had a bad experience with a previous I/O boat. How hard, and expensive, is it to convert an I/O to just an Outboard only? Is it even worth considering?

3- In general, how do these boats perform in ocean use? It seems to be well built on the outside and very suited for ocean travel, but not sure how the ride is in choppy water or 2-3' seas. I would use it for cruising and fishing, not more than 5-10 miles off shore.

I am prepared to offer $2500 for the boat (about 1/2 of the asking price). It does run, but needs work on the cosmetics and I plan on re-wiring the entire boat. The dual axle trailor is in excellent condition and nearly worth that price alone. Any advice?

Thanks!

Re: 1983 Bayliner Trophy 2260 question

I have the same boat. I don't know about the extra gas tank in the floor, that sounds a bit fishy. I know mine has a 70 gal tank and there's not much room for much more. If there is a soft spot it could be caused from leaky windows and water laying around the helm. Also I have had my boat out in 6' seas up here on Lake Erie and it handles really well. As far as quality issues with bayliner, they were bought by Brunswick in 1986, (the same company that owns Sea Ray) and that's when the quality went down hill. The 1983 fisherman is built like a tank.

Re: 1983 Bayliner Trophy 2260 question

Thanks Zephyr... I think the same thing about the soft floor. I made a second visit to the boat and looked all over the place for evidence that it had been cut into, or a way underneath from the cabin, but couldn't find anything that looked like it had been modified. I suspect it is a soft spot due to rotting. Those boats do seem to be built very strong though, and with that being the only spot I could find any problem with I may make an offer on it. I have looked at other boats much newer - 1990's ~ 2006 range - that don't look to be holding up nearly as well as this Bayliner. I think I have even accepted the I/O setup for what it is. Something about a big hole in the bottom of the boat though that puts a knot in my gut... but I guess millions of other people using them, so why can't I? Are there still ample parts for the Volvo outdrives? Thanks again!

Re: 1983 Bayliner Trophy 2260 question

You can still find parts for the outdrive at dougrussell.com. Just like anything on a boat, the outdrive parts aren't cheep. If it is a 270 or a 280 outdrive they are pretty easy to work on and I could give you some pointers if you need. I just had mine apart yesterday replacing the bellows.