2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

NCOffSeason · Sep 2, 2003

OK, I know I'm going to take some abuse, but I am looking for some advice on whether to purchase a 2004 Bayliner 175 Bow Rider. My family now wants to learn to ski and I need a little more boat then my Quantum. This Bayliner looks good and has everything we need, the price is right & it's new with a warranty. Give me the pro's and cons.

KCook · Sep 2, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

Most 175 class boats (all brands) are available only with a 3L motor. May want more for skiing? Kelly Cook

RatFish · Sep 2, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

I second the motion. Go up to at least a 4.3L V6. Forget about a new boat. Get a good, late model boat that is a few years old with a better power plant.

NCOffSeason · Sep 2, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

OK, that's good info and I appreciate it. How about a 1995 Sea Ray with a 4.3 V6? The Sea Ray is cheaper (but not by much), bigger and has more horse power. The owner says it's been covered and dry stored when not in use. It looks like new. How does the Sea Ray Stack up?

L Christopher · Sep 2, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

I would have the searay surveyed or checked mechanicly. But personaly I would rather have a used searay than a new Bayliner. Searay has a good reputation but in bowriders the boats they made a few years ago are better than their resent efforts.

NCOffSeason · Sep 2, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

Is a 1995 a good one?

DJ · Sep 2, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

NCO, If the Sea Ray is in really good condition, it will be worth more, in a couple of years, than the NEW B'Liner.

mtillman · Sep 2, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

I bought a 2003 175 this year and am well satisfied with it. Nice small cruising boat.

Link · Sep 2, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

NCO Hey I like the way everyone here pulls together and gives straight answers. I think you would be happy with the Bayliner 175 BR and it does come with a warranty A PLUS for it. (and who wouldn't be happy with a new boat) My pro's and con's are based your boating needs between now and 2-4 years. Not on brand except for trade in or selling value And only if the searay really checks out great! It is after all 8 years old! I'm only going to do pro's and con's on the 175BR because if the searay checks out then I would go for it for the same reasons. Bayliner Pro: 3 1: It's new 2: Comes with Warranty 3: Fits your needs right now Con: 3 1: It's already under powered. 2: Your kids (not wife) are going to grow and bring along friends

(searay is bigger)and powered better for sking 3: Trade in value (the searay is already 8 years old and worth almost as much as the 2004 175! I'm glad it's you and your wife making this choice and not me and mine!

My rule of thumb is to buy the biggest boat or RV that you can afford at the time as our needs will expand! (2 foot Ites comes to mind) Link

NCOffSeason · Sep 3, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

How about Crownline? I've never heard of them but it looks like they make nice boats.

KCook · Sep 3, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

New Crownline or used? The new ones are much more expensive than Bayliner! A used Crownline would be roughly comparable to that used Sea Ray. Kelly

93bronco · Sep 4, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

i have looked at both the new searay & bayliner, for the money the bayliner is the better deal. the craftsman ship (now) is about the same in the smaller boats. arent both of these from the same parent company brunswick? if you are buying new- check with the dealers on old models they still have left over due to the 2004's hitting the showrooms.

rogerwa · Sep 5, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

I wouldn't be too concerned about the 3.0l engine in this size boat. I have a 17 ft SR that has the 3.0l running a 19p prop and have absolutely no problems with getting skiers out of the hole. If I were to leave my four kids home, I could definitely pull a 21p and increase top end. It not a speed demon but it goes as fast as I want. It's real easy on gas, is very reliable, and easy to maintain. I would say that a 115-125HP OB would be a better fit (power/weight ratio) on that size boat, but I love my setup.

RatFish · Sep 5, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

NCOffSeason, If you really like the Bayliners, consider the 185. I was just at a boat show and they were offering the 185 with a 3.0L for $11,500 without any haggling. You get a bunch of options that the 175 does not include. i.e. More length, Radio, Tilt Steering wheel, etc.

NCOffSeason · Sep 6, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

Thanks for all of the advice. I went to the Glastron dealership today and looked over the SX 175, 195 and the GX 185. All were much nicer than the comparable Bayliners. Took the wife. New boat is in my immediate future now! I wanted an entry level boat, but now I'm wondering if I would be better off with a nicer boat (and larger payment). I like the 175 with the 3.0. The traditional seat layout is nice and it comes with a Bimini top, radio, etc. It's only about $2000 more than the Bayliner. Would you recommend spending another 3k for the 195 to get the 4.3V6 and the added size? Also, what are the pros and cons between the traditional seating configuration and the SL option which has the 2 buckets seats in front with a rear bench. Do you really need a 3' sunning pad on back? Does anyone use theirs? Thanks, Chris

Lou C · Sep 6, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

Definitely get the bigger boat with the 4.3, then you won't lose on depreciation when you trade up from one of the smaller ones in a few years. The large rear sunpad is nice to fish off of, and in my Four Winns it gives a large storage area on either side of the engine. My FW is 20'9'' and to me it is just big enough, on a 17 footer you will be bumping into each other and feeling cramped. Neighbors have a 17' Maxum and it is really cramped compared to mine.

KCook · Sep 6, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

My view is that the motor decides the boat size. If you are moving up to a 4.3L, then the 180-192 models make sense. But if you end up sticking with the 3L then I would also stay with the 175 models. The full width rear bench seat is more popular. So it would be easier to sell when the time comes. Here are some more threads covering the various brands in the 180-192 range: Bowrider Ski & Fish Name some "value" brands of family runabouts When looking a different brands also take a peek "behind the scenes". Inside the helm, motor compartment, ski locker, etc. Kelly

DJ · Sep 7, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

I agree with Kelly. The engine size is the deciding factor here. The 3.0 is an "entry" level engine package. You, I'm sure, have already noticed the huge premium moving up from the 3.0. The 4.3, or better, will have a much better resale and will be easier to sell.

RatFish · Sep 7, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

Ditto... An SX195 with the 4.3 is a better setup. Better yet get the 5.0L if you can swing it.

NCOffSeason · Sep 7, 2003

Re: 2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

OK, I've narrowed my choices to the SX 175 (3.0) and the GX 185 (4.3). The GX has all the bells and whistles and it looks like a Cadillac. It has the bucket seats with the rear bench seat. This boat is a 2001 that is brand new, never been out of the showroom leftover. I can get it for the price of a new SX 195. It goes for over 20K in 2004. Any problems with getting a new 2001? It has never seen the water and it looks great. Thanks, Chris

2004 Bayliner 175....Advice Needed

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