Prospective boat purchase...

Ok, I am looking for a boat for my family and friends to enjoy summer with. I have a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children under 6), and often have up to 3 more adults on board... My old 17 foot Rinker just didn't cut it, so I am thinking a 19-21 foot bowrider...



I have come across a 1986 Bayliner Capri 2150 Bowrider:

5.0L Chevy (225Hp) with Volvo Penta Outdrive (hours unknown)
Currently third owner, second owner bought in 2007 and replaced the carpet due to wear (did not replace deck)
The original interior is in good shape, minimal cracking and still very plyable.
Comes with Pioneer CD player, 2 covers, bumpers, etc


Needs a Battery
The Escort trailer HAD surge brakes, but the second owner had a malfunction in the controller, so removed the controller. It still has the drums, shoes, etc in place.

From the pictures and conversations with the current owner, the boat seems to be clean and well maintained, his asking price is $3300. I am going to look at it this weekend, and barring any signs of rot I believe I will be getting it. Unless, of course, someone can come up with a good reason NOT to... Yes I am aware of the huge Bayliner "debate". but the way I see it is if the boat has been poorly maintained it does not matter who built it... This one seems to have been fairly well maintained. and at a price well within my budget...

Any advise?

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES


Thanks guys!!

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

I agree, anything this age is more about condition than anything else. That outdrive unit looks beat up, I'd want to do a water test for sure to determine everything works right. For that price you don't want to have to start doing repairs to the drive unit. Bayliners of that era are notorously underpowered, well the ones with the force outboards anyway, but this one may be a bit better with the v8.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

If the transom, deck, and engine/outdrive are 100% that would be a very good price in my area for a 21' Boat.

With that said, in my area, that boat would more than likely have some deck rot for that price. INSPECT EVERYTHING.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Your friends are smart.... They got a friend with a boat

Do a water test(So bring a battery and safety gear).. The outdrive looks rough and bellows don't last too long storing in the up position... It's a boat.. It will need some work...

They removed the controller? You mean the master cylinder?? I would fix those brakes if you get it.. Shes a big fat girl and you will need all the help you can get to stop her...

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Nice looking boat.
The drive and prop does look a little beat up.
If the seatrial goes good and don't forget to look at the wireing, I think that's a good price.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Unfortunatly a water test is not yet possible in my area... We are still seeing freezing temps at night, and (understandably) the owner does not want it started until it is warm enough not to freeze at night. I am an automotive tech and plan to check compression and the ignition system before making an offer... I also plan to exercise the bellows and trim/tilt and then check carefully for any cracks etc... Aside from pulling the drain plug and looking for signs of water intrusion, is there any way to check the condition of the outdrive?


The current owner claims the total weight is under 3k pounds, he has been towing it with a Honda Odesey. I have a SRW 1 ton I will be towing with, but at any rate a new master is $140, complete electric brakes is $250 and they will need fixed.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

That boat looks to be in exceptional condition for the age. As mentioned, check very carefully for soft spots and have the engine and drive gone over. I suspect you may have to drop some coin on it to catch up on maintenance on that I/O. That being said, I think that one looks like a real nice find.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

The 80's era of Bayliners were crap and the volvo setup will give you many problems. I'd stay away from that boat and look elsewhere for a different manufacturer.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

freak007 said:

The current owner claims the total weight is under 3k pounds, he has been towing it with a Honda Odesey. I have a SRW 1 ton I will be towing with, but at any rate a new master is $140, complete electric brakes is $250 and they will need fixed.

Click to expand...

He pulls that with a MiniVan? He might be nuts

Well since you can't do much testing... Maybe you need to just give him a deposit if all other goodies check out... Shoot ya at least need to hear it run... When ya get warm weather go for a ride.... We have 70 degree water down here

Fix the brakes... It will be worth it..

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Freezing temps at night should not prevent the boat from going in the water. Is the ice off the lake? Then the boat would run fine, and can be drained after the trial. Not saying he is trying to scam you, but it seems like he would take a few minutes to get it wet if it wasn't going to show trouble spots.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

Make a successful test run a condition of sale. That's not the same as him taking some tire kickers for a ride.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

'78 Crusader said:

The 80's era of Bayliners were crap and the volvo setup will give you many problems. I'd stay away from that boat and look elsewhere for a different manufacturer.

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Would a poorly maintained Sea Ray be a better option? Have you ever owned a 80s Bayliner? Did you buy it new or used? What problems did you have? Are you speaking from experiance, or simply regurgitating something you heard from your brother's friend's cousin?

You are also the only person I have ever heard say anything bad about the Penta outdrive... please explain?

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

wifisher said:

Freezing temps at night should not prevent the boat from going in the water. Is the ice off the lake? Then the boat would run fine, and can be drained after the trial. Not saying he is trying to scam you, but it seems like he would take a few minutes to get it wet if it wasn't going to show trouble spots.

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This, draining takes 30 seconds.

freak007 said:

Would a poorly maintained Sea Ray be a better option? Have you ever owned a 80s Bayliner? Did you buy it new or used? What problems did you have? Are you speaking from experiance, or simply regurgitating something you heard from your brother's friend's cousin?

You are also the only person I have ever heard say anything bad about the Penta outdrive... please explain?

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Easy there buddy.... you didn't buy it yet, did you? But why would you buy a poorly maintained boat of any brand?

My buddy had two mid 80's bayliners and both had rotten floor/stringers. The wood appeared low quality and the sealing for the seat bases was naught. Both seemed very poorly built, and many others report the same. If the floor/transom/stringer are solid, and you buy it AFTER A TEST DRIVE.... make sure you keep it out of the weather. $3300 for a good running, solid 21 foot boat isn't too bad.

I would still strongly suggest looking around, and comparing. Never buy the first one you look at unless its a deal you can't pass up.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

I think we can all agree that 80's Bayliners, especially Capris, weren't the best built. I think we can also all agree that pretty much ANY 80's glass boat that spent any part of its life exposed to the elements there's going to be a real good chance it's rotted. I would hope that we could also all agree that if it's solid, a 21' with a Volvo V8 for $3k is a pretty nice deal

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

ezmobee said:

I think we can all agree that 80's Bayliners, especially Capris, weren't the best built. I think we can also all agree that pretty much ANY 80's glass boat that spent any part of its life exposed to the elements there's going to be a real good chance it's rotted. I would hope that we could also all agree that if it's solid, a 21' with a Volvo V8 for $3k is a pretty nice deal

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Heck yeah. Good deal... Saw one way more ratty looking for the same price...

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

freak007 said:

Would a poorly maintained Sea Ray be a better option? Have you ever owned a 80s Bayliner? Did you buy it new or used? What problems did you have? Are you speaking from experiance, or simply regurgitating something you heard from your brother's friend's cousin?

You are also the only person I have ever heard say anything bad about the Penta outdrive... please explain?

Click to expand...

Had an '84 Bayliner (my father did) in Tampa and I worked on it continuously until I finally convinced him to sell the piece of crap. It had the Volvo penta outdrive and 4 banger engine.....pure junk. Even in '90 when he sold it, the stringers were rotted and the transom was soft so yes, I'm speaking from first hand experience. Every, and I say EVERY person I know that has had a Bayliner was glad to get rid of it.

Additionally, I've worked in the marine industry for many years and I've discovered that MOST (not all, but most) Bayliner owners are first time boat owners and were fascinated by all the bells and whistles on the boat instead of what really counts in the boat....hull, motor and drive assembly.

The Bayliners are pieces of crap.......I can say that from first hand experience and also from some regurgitation from my "brothers friends cousin" too

Listen, you asked for advise...I gave it to you. Run from that POS and look for another boat (that is of course if you haven't already bought it).

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

On this I cannot agree: " I think we can also all agree that pretty much ANY 80's glass boat that spent any part of its life exposed to the elements there's going to be a real good chance it's rotted. "

I have been around boats all my life--old boats at that--and never heard so much about rot until I got involved here. I also have never known so many people who like I/O bowriders (and I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that). I have to conclude there is a connection. Maybe a safe assumption for that type of boat, but not all boats. But I have learned enough that if I'm looking at a boat with any years on it, I'll look for rot. But I'd take an 1970's Whaler sight unseen. BTW I grew up around wooden boats--now talk about rot!

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

'78 Crusader said:

The 80's era of Bayliners were crap and the volvo setup will give you many problems. I'd stay away from that boat and look elsewhere for a different manufacturer.

Click to expand...

I second the older VP outdrives, they are strong bbut not good for recreational runabouts. No trim while in motion rather pin locks like old outboards. PITA

The hydrolic cylinder for trailer operation is finniky also....I would pass and keep looking.

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

'78 Crusader said:

Had an '84 Bayliner (my father did) in Tampa and I worked on it continuously until I finally convinced him to sell the piece of crap. It had the Volvo penta outdrive and 4 banger engine.....pure junk. Even in '90 when he sold it, the stringers were rotted and the transom was soft so yes, I'm speaking from first hand experience. Every, and I say EVERY person I know that has had a Bayliner was glad to get rid of it.

Additionally, I've worked in the marine industry for many years and I've discovered that MOST (not all, but most) Bayliner owners are first time boat owners and were fascinated by all the bells and whistles on the boat instead of what really counts in the boat....hull, motor and drive assembly.

The Bayliners are pieces of crap.......I can say that from first hand experience and also from some regurgitation from my "brothers friends cousin" too

Listen, you asked for advise...I gave it to you. Run from that POS and look for another boat (that is of course if you haven't already bought it).

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Indeed I did ask for advise, and I thank you for providing that.

You know as much as I do that MANY people offer advise without any first hand experiance, hence the reason I asked for more information on your experiance...

I am speculating here, but I think a lot of the issues people have with Bayliner are directly related to the fact that they are an "entry level" boat. As such they are often sold to inexperianced operators and thus not maintained properly... Is a 25 year old Sea Ray or Whaler that has been abused and neglected going to be any better than a well maintained Bayliner of the same vintage?

I have seen posts from other BL owners here that elude to the fact that the 80s BLs are not THAT poorly made, but they are built cheaper than some other manufactuerers... some have compared them to the auto industry by saying "Bayliner is to Whaler as Chevy is to Cadillac". I would much rather have a Caddy than a Chevy, but a Chevy is not a "bad" brand, and I cannot afford a Cadillac...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=224583

Again, I do appriciate you taking the time to express your opinion and the REASON for that opinion. Without knowing your specific experiance, your opinion

Can you please elaborate on the issues you had with the Penta outdrive. What model was it? What issues did you have? Was your experiance with a new boat, or one that was possibly/likely abused and neglected prior to your father's purchase?

Re: Prospective boat purchase...

not enuf toys said:

I second the older VP outdrives, they are strong bbut not good for recreational runabouts. No trim while in motion rather pin locks like old outboards. PITA

The hydrolic cylinder for trailer operation is finniky also....I would pass and keep looking.

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Hmm... I guess it did not occur to me that it might not have power trim... When I looked at the pics I thought I saw 2 switches, one labeled "up & down", and another labeled "drive lift", I did not notice that there are no hydraulic cylinders on the outdrive...




How big of a deal is the power trim? My other boat (17 foot Rinker B/R) had a 120 hp Mercruiser with power trim which was certainly useful for getting the fully loaded (5 adults) boat up on plane while trying to pull a skier, but with a much better weight to power ratio, would I even really notice it's absence? Would a set of either smart tabs, or full on trim tabs make op for the lack of power trim?