Bayliner or Starcraft? V-6 or V-8? Is 20' Too Large To Launch In Fresh Water River (Willamette)

[courtneydannibale1]

Hi Guys. I am looking to pull the trigger on a late 80's Bayliner or an early 90's Starcraft. My true concerns are generally in the area of engine size and boat size. If fuel consumption is of little concern should I go with the 350? In consideration of boat size or length is 20' an acceptable boat to fish on the Willamette?

 

[Chris1956]

A 20 footer is fine with a V6. You should see 40MPH or close to that with that motor.

I do not know the river, but expect a 20 footer would be just fine on most rivers.

 

[roscoe]

Fuel use in a boat will vary most by speed, not engine size.

Very little difference in fuel use for a 6 running at or near full throttle,
and an 8, running at 3/4 throttle at the same boat speed.

More important is condition of boat motor and drive, and recent maintenance history.

Bayliners of that era have a very tainted reputation, and any 25-30 year old glass boat is likely to have hidden damage in the stringers or transom.

 

[courtneydannibale1]

A 20 footer is fine with a V6. You should see 40MPH or close to that with that motor.

I do not know the river, but expect a 20 footer would be just fine on most rivers.

Great advice! Thank you.

 

[courtneydannibale1]

Fuel use in a boat will vary most by speed, not engine size.

Very little difference in fuel use for a 6 running at or near full throttle,
and an 8, running at 3/4 throttle at the same boat speed.

More important is condition of boat motor and drive, and recent maintenance history.

Bayliners of that era have a very tainted reputation, and any 25-30 year old glass boat is likely to have hidden damage in the stringers or transom.

I will be checking on maintenance history and hidden damage now based on your advice. THANK YOU!

 

[mr 88]

If you have a link to the boats that might help " us " give you better advice. As mentioned Bayliners of that era are known to have bad stringers among other things. Hours on motors and where they have been used can be a help. If boats are located at someone's house take a look around when you pull up. If it looks like something like a Sanford and Son house vs the Cleavers residence that may be a indication of how they took care of the boat as well.

 

[courtneydannibale1]

If you have a link to the boats that might help " us " give you better advice. As mentioned Bayliners of that era are known to have bad stringers among other things. Hours on motors and where they have been used can be a help. If boats are located at someone's house take a look around when you pull up. If it looks like something like a Sanford and Son house vs the Cleavers residence that may be a indication of how they took care of the boat as well.

Got it! People with 750+ Credit Scores take better care of their stuff. Thanks...I'll try and send a link.

 

[courtneydannibale1]

Here Is One Example:

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[courtneydannibale1]

If you have a link to the boats that might help " us " give you better advice. As mentioned Bayliners of that era are known to have bad stringers among other things. Hours on motors and where they have been used can be a help. If boats are located at someone's house take a look around when you pull up. If it looks like something like a Sanford and Son house vs the Cleavers residence that may be a indication of how they took care of the boat as well.

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

 

[GA_Boater]

Got it! People with 750+ Credit Scores take better care of their stuff. Thanks...I'll try and send a link.

Not true. Some high credit scores are from buying stuff to replace what they abuse and break.

 

[courtneydannibale1]

Not true. Some high credit scores are from buying stuff to replace what they abuse and break.

lol

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard
Recommend you do some reading here: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/f...help-buying-a-boat-a-buyers-checklist.612841/

Condition is the key to any used boat. I agree that an 80s Bayliner has a bad reputation, but you also want to be sure of the Starcraft. There are some good pointers in that thread to help you evaluate the condition of the boat.

 

[Lou C]

Honestly if either of those boats uses wood framing in the construction (Bayliner for sure, not sure about Starcraft) they are way too old, unless stored inside or used in the arid Southwest. Wood rot in the structure is extremely time consuming to repair. Been there done it once and never again. I would not ever have an old boat esp one with an I/O power package.

 

[mr 88]

Don't see to many marine engines that are covered in dust like that. Wonder how long it's been sitting . Also wonder if it has been winterized correctly and if the boat has been covered properly. I would check the carpeted " floor " for sny soft spots. Looks like forward of the windshield the floor is glass. Had a Regal set up like that and it had a soft/ rotted area just about where the carpet and glass meet. Check it good and also the vinyl interior sideboards. Before offering anything after checking that out the flooring etc , i would ask for a sea trial to verify the block isn't cracked (water in oil will be milky looking )and the out drive is working.

 

[The John]

I live a few blocks from the Willamette and your boat should be fine and have plenty of power.

Freezing doesn't happen in the Portland area often, and when it does its usually short lived.

 

[Lou C]

Don't see to many marine engines that are covered in dust like that. Wonder how long it's been sitting . Also wonder if it has been winterized correctly and if the boat has been covered properly. I would check the carpeted " floor " for sny soft spots. Looks like forward of the windshield the floor is glass. Had a Regal set up like that and it had a soft/ rotted area just about where the carpet and glass meet. Check it good and also the vinyl interior sideboards. Before offering anything after checking that out the flooring etc , i would ask for a sea trial to verify the block isn't cracked (water in oil will be milky looking )and the out drive is working.

Agreed all good points, that carpet over a plywood deck is the absolute worst construction for an open boat. Unless it was stored inside most of the time or the PO lived in the arid southwest, it WILL have rot somewhere. The carpet holds moisture against the wood and none of the holes to mount seats were likely sealed to keep out moisture, so you get maybe 10-15 years before it really starts getting bad.
When I re-did the deck in my '88 Four Winns I had a glass shop glass it for me and then coat it in non-skid gelcoat, and threw all that carpet away. That allows it to dry out and its still solid now nearly 15 years later.