1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

[shaggyy]

So my brother and I just bought our first boat for 800 bucks, its a 1989 15 foot bayliner capri. the boat looks and runs pretty good, however, one we got it home and got in it to clean her up, we noticed a weak spot in the floor around the bow of the boat. So we tore the carpet up, and sure enough, the floor was rotted, but it wasnt terrible so we took her out on the river for a couple hours but by the time we got back home the floorboard cracked to the point we couldnt step in that spot. Which leads us to the question, how do we fix it and what else should we be checking for? i can attach pics later as im sure it will be helpful. were not trying to make money off it, just want something to cruise around in and do some fishing. any tips?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,...

Yer not alone in yer troubles,...

A short time of readin' in this forum will answer yer questions, 'n give ya some direction...

 

[oops!]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

hi.....

welcome to iboats.

do you really like the boat?....are you into a project, or do you just want to get on the water?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

i can attach pics later as im sure it will be helpful. were not trying to make money off it, just want something to cruise around in and do some fishing. any tips?

Well, you should have no worries about making money off of it. Pictures would be good, and in the meantime look elsewhere underneath for additional signs of rot, etc.

 

[shaggyy]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

Sorry its taken soo long to get back guys, heres a few pics of what im dealin with here...As for a project, we both do construction so its really no big deal to us, and like i said before, it was only $800 so we dont mind puttin some money into it.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

Do a thorough inspection in every nook and cranny of the floor. Use a hammer and don't be too gentle but don't beat it to death either. IF, Big IF, this is the only spot that's weak and you only want to fish then Yeah, just fix the spot and get on with the fishin. If there are other soft spots then you'll prolly have a Major Project on your hands. What motor R U using???

 

[shaggyy]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

i went over the rest of the floor twice, once just knocking on it with my knuckles, and a second time with a light hammer and it all sounded solid. i checked about every 2-4 inches and didn't hear or feel anything to indicate any other soft or weak spots.

As for the motor, i believe its a 1974 Johnson 40EL74S

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

Got any pics of the entire boat. Would especially like to see the Transom where the motor is. Inside and out. If all you're doin is fishin then you can prolly fix the hole and move forward.

 

[shaggyy]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?



I dont have pics of the transom from the outside yet, i can probably get them up sometime tomorrow. But heres what i have from the inside and of the boat itself. We don't plan on pulling any toys with it, just using her for fishin or cruisin around on the small lakes or up and down the river. Its our first boat so we just wanna get a feel for being out on the water and have some fun

We cut some plywood to place over the hole temporarily, but we definitely want and need to fix it right.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

IMHO, if the damage doesn't extend under the dashboard sidewalls, cut out the rot w/a sawzall leaving an inch or two for the new plywood to set on. Glass it in and go fishin. The little lip doesn't bother me on mine. Be sure the anchor locker has a clear drain to the bilge. Mine was clogged a caused the rot.

 

[dfuehrer]

Re: 1989 bayliner capri 15'..what are we getting into?

Thanks for the great pics! I have also just purchased the same make, model and year you have. I also have a soft spot in the deck, only mine is just behind the seats in th ecenter of the rear deck. I haven't begun my repairs yet, but please please keep us (me) posted on your project.