1st time buyer, Bayliner

[happyskahater]

I'm thinking about purchasing a 1997 3.0 L 17' Bayliner (1750 LS). I'm not as worried about the right fit for a boat, but more about what to look for and how much to offer.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/boa/868576488.html

This is the boat in question, and has had the floor recently replaced. Their asking price is $5k but that seems incredibly steep. I'm going to offer $4,000 and wanted to know if that sounds reasonable to all of you.

That said, what are areas of concern? The floor was replaced and no hole was left to be able to see the inside of the hull. I have read the hull on this boat is a wood/fiberglass mix, should I be concerned about the hull integrity. Have tapped around it and seems solid, will be taking a test drive tomorrow. Thanks for the help!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

if it was properly repaired, no problem. it is considered 12 years old now, when were the bellows, exhaust manifolds, last check or changed.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

For an 11 year old boat to need new floors shows someone wasn't taking care of it. Soooooo.....what else might be wrong? Hatches, hardware, motor, outdrive??
I don't know, don't want to start the boat wars all over again, but if you haven't fallen in love with this thing yet, you may want to keep looking. IMHO.

 

[MISSBAJA]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Yeah I agree if ur not in love keep moving.. I like Bayliners, my parents had one when I was younger. Ran great!

 

[happyskahater]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Thanks for the advice so far, any more is always appreciated! As far as the professional install of the floor that is very questionable. The guy had his son do it and just placed plywood over the old rotted floor... apparently the rot was removed by seemed pretty sketchy. Is this boat worth my time for a lake trial tomorrow?

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Only IF their gonna give it to you. What TD said about the bellows and shifter cable. If they haven't been replaced since it was new, he'll be running his bilge pump out on the water. To replace those is about $600 at the dealer.

 

[oops!]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

no way......btdt.....

as td said "IF it was properly repaired"

chances art the po just thru the new floor over the old one.....that is not a proper repair....it will actually make the boat rot out totally in a few years

ask the owner if he replaced the old floor...or just placed the new one over the old one?

if he said her replaced it ....ask how the foam was.....ask how the transom was.......ask him if he would mind you taking a core sample of the transom?

if you are not sure about any of these things ....hire a marine sureveyor.....it will be three hundred well spent

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

As far as the professional install of the floor that is very questionable. The guy had his son do it and just placed plywood over the old rotted floor... apparently the rot was removed by seemed pretty sketchy. Is this boat worth my time for a lake trial tomorrow?

My thoughts are the same as TD, Oops, etc. How well was it maintained? And if he simply threw plywood over a rotted floor, its simply trapped the problem and moisture and rot under it.

And, if they aren't forthcoming with info on the questions oops mentioned, its worth the effort to turn around and walk away.

This isn't a Bayliner specific problem so much as a care and maintenance issue with a boat that age.

 

[happyskahater]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Alright, well sounds like this boats a pass. Back to hunting...

So now a new question. I want to have a boat I can take out on the lake and have fun with 6 friends. 16'-18' open bow fish/ski, more emphasis on ski/wakeboard. What are my minimum power requirements with a price range $5,000 or under. Used and years are a non-issue.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

4.3 L

 

[happyskahater]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

I/O or Outboard, doesn't an Outboard require less hp than an I/O?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Ok, first you need to find the right type of boat. Deck boat, bow rider, pontoon, etc.

Once you know that, you'll be able to get the right powering advice.

What I can tell you is a 16' will be tight with you and 6 friends so you may want to look at 18+ boats.

Secondly, check the max HP rating for the boat. You'll want an engine that produces a minimum of 70% of that rating, and if fully loaded with folks and skiing, head to the higher end. Different boat types and hull design will play a part in this and that's why I'd go by that. What I can tell you is that if its a loaded bowrider 17' or greater, Pierutrus is right in 4.3L for I/O as a minimum as a 3.0 on a loaded bigger boat with a skier is too much (in my opinion)

I love my deck boat (17' foot, seats 7) and skis/tubes with a 115 HP OB. I can fish off it nicely as well. Check around.

For $5K and under, you'll be looking at a boat 10+ years old by my guess, but there are some great deals to be had in this economy and time of year.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

I/O or Outboard, doesn't an Outboard require less hp than an I/O?

4.3 for an I/O.
Before this current boat, see in my sig, I had a 17 1/2' sleekcraft with a 115 Black Max Merc on it. It had plenty of power for all water sports because it was a lighter boat. Did I mention it was a death trap when the wind was blowing and you had a little chop? That's why I got rid of it. It was a blast when it was calm out with glassy conditions and flying around at 60 but any wind/chop and you were airborn.

It all comes down to the weight of the boat.
On a heavier O/B that wouldn't knock you around, I would look for a 125 minimum. A 150 on a 19 footer would be ideal. IMHO

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

So now a new question. I want to have a boat I can take out on the lake and have fun with 6 friends. 16'-18' open bow fish/ski, more emphasis on ski/wakeboard. What are my minimum power requirements with a price range $5,000 or under. Used and years are a non-issue.

How about this one, if you wouldn't mind the drive to get it.

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/boa/872445509.html

 

[happyskahater]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Dang, I like it but unrealistic.... I like the thought though! haha maybe a vegas trip is in the making.

Thanks for all the help guys.

So my ideal boat is a 17' Bowrider I/O... thinking bayliner is my best bet for under 5K. Guessing 4.3 L engine would be fitting for that...

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

How about this one, if you wouldn't mind the drive to get it.

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/boa/872445509.html

Makes me want to go to Vegas myself....

 

[govols019]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Does Bayliner make a 17' boat with a 4.3?

 

[happyskahater]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Does Bayliner make a 17' boat with a 4.3?

maybe not...

Alright guys so I think I'm going to try the wacky world of boat dealerships tomorrow rather than test driving the boat I was planning. I realize I'm going to pay more at a dealership but they might be willing to deal since the season's over. Took a glance online and saw this:

http://www.dfwboats.com/site_page_309/item_374342.html?listing_page=listing_sum_index_1.html

I realize it's a far cry from what I originally posted, and out of the range I agreed upon... Just a bit of background, I'm 23 y/o and looking for something to have fun with. I'm thinking this might be a pretty good boat to wakeboard with... I'm really not a fisherman, at all. Has anyone here dealt with an older used Natique and what's their experience with it?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Same worries with a dealer as far as used boats go.They are not going to tell you if the transom is rotted...plus they want top dollar.
I would keep looking to buy from a private seller.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1st time buyer, Bayliner

Something like this looks well cared for and a fair deal,4.3 motor and a Volvo drive too..
http://www.boattrader.com/find/listing/1999-LARSON-186LXI-93709974