1984 16t bayliner capri

[bongostraitsII]

I have recently bought a 1984 16ft closed bow bayliner capri. The problem the flloor is rotted. 1. are there there step by step to replace this floor. 2. is it worth it. 3. should i count my losses and junk it? 4. the 85 force may be okay. I helped out a friend who needed money (1000.). Now I need help. 5. the trailer is fine tho. Thanks to any and all for you advice....P.S its my 1st boat..........and am feeling like a horses ___

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1984 16t bayliner capri

This is a tough one. It will definitely be a big project and will involve a good bit of fiberglass work. If you hope to be able to fix it up and sell it for more than you have into it that probably isn't going to happen. Parts can be difficult to obtain for those old Forces however I believe yours is one of the rebadged Chrysler models before Mercury got a hold of it. They were simple motors that are easy to work on. You'll be able to get lots of help right here in the Chrysler/Force section. If you love the boat and it will suit your boating desires than it may be worth it to fix up. If it's not really the type of boat you'd want than definitely get rid of it.

 

[Mark42]

Re: 1984 16t bayliner capri

The good news is that is an easy boat to replace the floor, stringers and transom in. If you do it all in CDX ply and polyester resin (rather than epoxy) it can probably be done for the price of 3 sheets of ply (2 at 3/4" for stringers and transom, and 1 at 5/8 for the deck) and 4 or 5 gallons of polyester resin plus a dozen yards or so of glass. Figure about $500 or so.

The bad news is that you should consider the purchase from your friend as a donation to his cause because a rotted 1984 16ft boat with an old Force motor is worth the value of the trailer its sitting on.

That being said, if you have the time to spend on a project, first thing to do is assess the total situation:

1) determine if the Force is in good running condition. Hook it up to a water supply, fuel with tcw3 oil mixed at the right ratio, and do a compression test. If OK, than try to start. If it runs smooth, spits water out the back holes and lower unit by propeller then its probably fine.

2) determine if the other parts are good or will cost more money:

- Seats: Split, cracks, worn out or OK?
- Controls, steering, dash: Steering smooth or grind or harder to turn one way than the other? Dash lights work, navigation lights work, horn work?
- Accessories: Got an anchor? Rope? Fire extinguisher? Life Vests (PFD's), Flairs, etc
- Does it take a portable gas tank or is it below deck with a fill on the hull of the boat? Tank fine?

Post questions on the appropriate forums and there will be lots of people who can help you out.

Find out about problems it had from your friend, and determine how much it will cost to get it properly rigged and repaired. Then compare that cost to good running used boats. Then decide what you want to do.

If you want to cut your losses, the boat can be sold probably for up to $400 or so to someone who wants the motor and trailer or package for parts. Put it on craigs list as a project or parts boat asking $500 and see what offers you get.

If you decide to get rid of it, send me a private message. Maybe I can help you out.