1978 Bayliner 27' with flybridge and Volvo Penta 280 outdrive. What engine will work?

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Eddie86

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I came upon a free 1978 27' bayliner with a volvo penta 280 outdrive. It has the transmission bell and the complete outdrive. Ive been able to conclude that the outdrive is in some type of working order because when I spin the spindle inside the trans bell the prop hub spins. I'm not sure what model it is but it has a berth in the bow, a head behind the steering console, a stove and sink it has a small livingroom with a table to the stern. The engine sits in a deck flush engine compartment and the hatch opens to the stern. it has a fly bridge with all of the controls.
Its overall a nice boat, needs work and some TLC but for the price...FREE I couldnt pass up the deal(it even came with a double axle trailer with a surge brakes).
My question is...It doesnt have a motor...What motor does it take. Ive been told a few different variations ranging from OMC, Chevy and Ford. My dad says Fords and water dont mix. So I'm reaching out to my fellow boaters to try to and find an engine so I can get her seaworthy again. Any help is GREATLy appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Bondo

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Re: 1978 Bayliner 27' with flybridge and Volvo Penta 280 outdrive. What engine will w

FREE I couldnt pass up the deal
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Free boats are usually the most Expensive boats there are...

Volvo never used OMC motors...
You'll need to dig around to Id what the original motor was, as that's the Easiest motor to use as a replacement...
It coulda been a Ford, or more likely a Chevy...
 
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captmello

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Re: 1978 Bayliner 27' with flybridge and Volvo Penta 280 outdrive. What engine will w

Post a pick of what you've got. Is the Y pipe there?
 
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Eddie86

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Re: 1978 Bayliner 27' with flybridge and Volvo Penta 280 outdrive. What engine will w

@ captmello: I hope this doesnt sound dumb but what is the "Y pipe".
@ Bond-o : I'm begining to think I shouldve went with something different. Im used to working on outboards, this is my first brain fart to try an I/O.
 
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Eddie86

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Re: 1978 Bayliner 27' with flybridge and Volvo Penta 280 outdrive. What engine will w

Hopefully these pictures would help. I want to say that yes I do have the Y pipe, as dumb as this sounds I was trying to figure out what the heck it was. Theres some misc parts in the engine compartment. I'm trying to get everything cataloged and figure out what I have.
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: 1978 Bayliner 27' with flybridge and Volvo Penta 280 outdrive. What engine will w

Ayuh,... Yer pictures require a sign in to view 'em...

You need a direct link...
 
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Eddie86

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Re: 1978 Bayliner 27' with flybridge and Volvo Penta 280 outdrive. What engine will w



 
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dan t.

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Re: 1978 Bayliner 27' with flybridge and Volvo Penta 280 outdrive. What engine will w

Still no pics
 
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rob2rama

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Re: 1978 Bayliner 27' with flybridge and Volvo Penta 280 outdrive. What engine will w

Hi Eddie,
I have stumbled across this thread and registered to hopefully help you with your quest to restore what sounds like the same exact boat I own. It's a Bayliner Victoria. And there are some good things and some not so good things about this boat. My Bayliner is a 78 and currently has a chevy 454 marine engine in it,,,,,and it barely fits. A belt drive water pump had to be improvised because of the closeness to the fuel tank. The 454 just happened to be an option from my mechanic down in San Carlos Mexico as he had recently taken it out of another boat where the owner opted for a Yanmar diesel. I suggest if you have the money and the desire to make the boat yours for some time to come then consider a diesel if you can get it in there. These boats came with a Merc-cruiser set up which had a chevy 350 marine engine. The quick and dirty method would to be just toss a 350 into it, but nothing smaller in my opinion. I just got props today for my penta out drive. After years of putting up with an out drive that shifts poorly and requires too much fine tuning to begin to work properly I finally have the outdrive I have lusted for years. In two days we will test it on lake pleasant outside of phoenix. If it does well then we will spend some time back down in San Carlos diving and fishing.

Here is the bad about this boat. Be aware,,,,very aware of your center of gravity while on the water. It's a tall skinny boat and they have a history of capsizing. Mostly due to poor thinking on part of the person driving the boat. In choppy water keep your family down stairs or on the back, carefull how you take the rollers. From what I understand once Bayliner first heard of this they started pouring concrete in to the bottom of these boats to give them a little balast. Your boat may or may not have that feature. I would find out if I was you. The good, If you ever get sideways with it on water, just cut the power completely and the boat correct itself. I have been sideways about 2 and a half times. First time I tried to correct it,,,,not good. The other times I just pulled all power down and it straightened up. Another good thing is that if you have a truck that will pull it you can take it anywhere with out having to get permits to tow it,,,even in California!

Cheers, and if there is anything else I can help you out with let me know. I'll try and get a picture up on my website so you can see it.

later,,, Rob
 
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