89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

[speedcretin]

Well the boat was given to me and I have the slightest idea about boats. From my own assessment; the hull needs attention, the starboard side has rotted out the first layer of wood, the bow looks like its in its first stages of rott, the motor has signs of a oil leak from hoses, and the power tilt will not stay up. My questions are 1. what type of battery should I get for the force 125. 2. How much does it normally cost to have a good shop repair a Hull. 3. should I ignor the floors and just repair the hull and get the motor running and use the boat as a beginners boat. attached are photos under the boat and inside the Garboard.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

This is DIY work only. I would cost thousands upon thousands to have the boat professionally repaired. You've got a rotted hull with an obsolete outboard that is difficult to find parts/service for. You can't really ignore the floor as the underlying support structure of the boat is toast. It would not be safe to run it as is. I'd scrap it.

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

I have to second ezmobee on this. Unless you are willing to put in the hours required to fix it, you would save money in the long run to just buy another boat. If it was free you may could make a few bucks off the outboard, of course I know few and far between that would buy a Force. Also the trailer could be sold. May help to get you a few bucks towards another boat that would not require so much effort.

 

[speedcretin]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

I wouldnt mind the DIY if I had someone Knowledgeable to work with me, as I have a little to much free time on my hands. The pictures show the worst of the boat and from experience ive learned that old out last new and Id rather have a old (boat, car, trailer) then any new unquality Item any day. Im sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place on this one, The parts on this boat are very desirable as ive seen on other post, forums, ebay etc. So parting it out doesent sound like a bad idea. The local dealer has a 2001 for sale for 8 grand, but that means payments, insurance, etc. If I cant get a few good men thats willing to get there hands dirty then I will be forced to part the old timer out.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

Id rather have a old (boat, car, trailer) then any new unquality Item any day.

I with you there. Problem is, that was not a particularly good boat ever. Really bottom of the barrel stuff. There are lots of more worthwhile projects out there.

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

I hear you on the old ones, I am just finishing a 1972 boat that cuts through rough water better than half the boats made today. But just like everything there are some bad boats just like bad cars. But if you are aching to give it a shot, go for it because if you tear into it and find it is too much, you can still part it out. Of course there may be one other item of concern and that is do you want to get out there this season to do boating. Working around someone else's schedule, the amount of time needed to prep the area, murphy's law, and of course always running out of supplies and having to wait to get more could put you finishing this thing way past the summer months.

 

[speedcretin]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

For some reason when ezmobee said

I'd scrap it.

My inner man hard headedness overwhelmed me . I have nothing but time and I know I wont be getting in the water this year (at least in my own) so I think I'll give the old timer a lil TLC. I think it would make owning my first even more worth it being I had to put some hard work and sweat to get it out on the water. Looking at boat prices now a days I cant lose. My first car was a 83 cutlass supreme had blown head gaskets when i bought it not knowing anything about cars I bought a manual and got it back running in a month. I thinks this will be a great way to learn about boats why not tear into it...... hell may be fun. The first thing I want to do is get the hull patched up the gel coat has been worn down to the fiberglass in a few places, any good post on hull repairs?

 

[maagee79]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

I second the thoughts about the bayliners they r the pintos of boats. Not worth the effort to fix if u r wanting a good old boat my advise would be to look around then relay what u have found on this site and u will get good advise if its worth purchasing it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

If you're going to pursue this, get the motor running FIRST.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: 89 Bayliner Capri, where do I start?

I am with EZ. Scrap the hull and sell the trailer.