Re: Bayliner Capris: Opinions please???
I have a 1999 Bayliner Capri 1800 with a Force 120 O/B, so I guess I have a boat a lot of folks here would really consider an albatross...
<br /><br />I got it in March of 1999, so this is my third season with it. We've been really lucky with it, and I like the little boat. It's a pretty little boat and we've had few problems with it. I like how it rides, it pulls skiers and wakeboarders fine.<br /><br />Here are the problems I've encountered with it:<br />* the stereo in it to start with was really junk. I replaced that myself.<br />* the starter was replaced under warranty when a part of it came off -- when the mechanic showed me what had happened, it was something that even I could have fixed had I known what to do (I am NOT mechanically inclined)<br />* the bendix on the starter began sticking earlier this year -- good advice from this BB allowed us to fix that problem simply by lubricating the shaft/bendix (THANKS FOLKS!
)<br /><br />I like the way it is laid out with the bench seat across the stern -- my previous boats were I/O's with the stern broken up by the motor cover. This is my first O/B, and I really like it.<br /><br />When I picked up the boat from the dealership, the mechanic who gave me break-in instructions for the engine told me to be sure to change the impeller every 2 years. I took it in at the beginning of this year for service. I am going to get manuals and try to learn to do basic servicing on my own to save money and just because I'd like to know (plus with all the negative comments on Force on these boards, well, it's kinda scared me into thinking I really need to know!!!
)<br /><br />Overall, though, I've been happy with the boat. I have a good place to keep it -- it's in a boat lift with a cover on it and I keep a bucket of dehumidifying stuff under the cover to cut down on moisture. I guess from what everyone says about the potential for rot / water damage, that would be something to consider -- if you have a place to store it where it can be kept out of the elements, that would cut back on such worries. (Plus, I just love boats -- any boat, and it makes me happy just to take it out and clean it up -- my fiance thinks I'm nuts -- but it contributes to the boat still looking almost new even with a few years on it!!!<br />
<br /><br />It is what it is... A small, inexpensive entry level boat. It suits my purposes -- freshwater inland boating. It wouldn't work for everyone. I guess a lot depends on what you want out of the boat. If you're going to take good care of it and are boating on waters for which it's appropriate, I don't think it's a bad choice. If you buy one new, you will be luckier than me in that you won't have the now-discontinued Force engine that everyone here thinks so highly of...
<br /><br />Now my next boat, I'm thinking of getting something that I could still use pretty well in my area, but could trailer and use offshore at times... Maybe a Boston Whaler 210 Outrage... <br />
<br /><br />Hmmm... Wanna buy a well cared-for used Bayliner Capri???<br />(just kiddin' -- I really love my little boat!)<br /><br />-anne
