Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

[boaterdude48]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

I dunno, I thought he made some pretty good points. Bayliner's used to be crap, but they have closed the gap on the quality since 2000, and now I have to agree, arguably offer the best bang for your buck.<br /><br />Peevuto I realize you are a bit frustrated because you wanted some proof that bayliners are cheaper built, but you have to realize that kind of proof used to exist, but doesn't in today's world. <br /><br />Happy Boating!!

 

[magster65]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

Well, I didn't read all the posts so I may be repeating something. <br />IMHO I've been on the water for 20 years or so. I'd own a Bayliner but not an older model. The older Bayliners (70' and 80's) were not built as well as a lot of other manufacturers like Sea Ray, Four Winns etc. but they were very similar to Reinells, Fiberforms and... whatever, all the lower end stuff. I wouldn't buy myself a problem. The newer models (90's to date) are much better. They are still not the 'cream of the crop' but are more durable and a lot more stylish than ever before. Bayliners are priced accordingly and always have been. When it comes to the bigger boats... I went for a day trip in a 4788 Bayliner. Wow, what a beauty. It's common knowledge that in that 'league' of yacht Bayliner gives you the most for your money. Something else though, there are plenty of Bayliner owners out there that have older models and are happy with them so I'd consider the TLC a boat has had at least as important as the brand.

 

[travisty]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

I may be too late to chime in on this forum, but here goes. I've spent a few years on the water and a few years in boat yards working in the "megayacht" industry, including working months at a time in the Bering Sea in Alaska with a few hurricanes at sea under my belt. I happen to own a 78 Bayliner Nisqually command bridge. I was aware of the less than top dollar products installed on the boat, such as plywood flooring, sporadically covered with fiberglass to join risers. However, having once been a laminator in a very high quality shipyard in the northwest, I know that the hull of my boat is solid, all the stringers are sturdy and there is nearly no flex in the boat at all, in fact, I noticed that the hull was nearly an inch thick when I upgraded my downriggers and up to an inch and a half at overlaps. All fiberglass boats flex, no matter what, you can't always see it, but it is there. Basically, all boats are a liability, it boils down to how good you take care of them. The mundane maintenance required, but often overlooked, will overall add to the longevity of your craft. Here in the northwest, the open water is simply not people friendly and the constant rain during fall, winter and spring make it even more difficult to keep your boat ship shape, however I take my boat out all summer long to places like swiftsure bank in Canada, other Vancouver island sweet spots and a handfull of San Juan Island destinations with confidence. Any problems that are present in the boat are either a result of poor "cosmetic" material or owner neglect. Good luck boating.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

Actually, the larger Bayliners were never thought poorly of, they tended to be pretty good structurally. It was the small 19 foot and under boats that had structural issues. Not enough layers in the hull layup, inferior layup when glassing in stringers and floor, the list goes on. I'll tell ya what though, I know a guy who has a 90-ish Capri with 3.0 that he never covers, leaves in the water most of the year, in the rain. He just about treats this boat as bad as a person can treat a boat, and it is still solid. I could not find a single soft area anywhere in the thing. The upholstry looked like an angry wombat got at it, but structurally and mechanically the thing is solid. It is a rare example, and proof, that Bayliners can't be all that bad, despite their shortcomings. They always did have a good style to them, thats for sure....

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

If you want to understand how Bayliners were put together I suggest you get a copy of the video "Fiberglass Repair with Bruce M" distributed by Bennett Marine Video. In the video, Bruce M completely rebuilds a mid 80s (I think) Bayliner in the 27' or so class. During the rebuild he shows you how it was constructed and how he rebuilds them. It's a real eye opener.<br /><br />My cousin just bought a early-mid 90s 27' Capri - pretty looking boat and he stole it for like $12K (no idea how many hours on it because it has no hour gauge - can you believe that?) It also has no trim gauge. I've been on it several times showing him the ropes. It has a single Merc 260 with an Alpha 1 Gen 2 - it won't plane with more than 3 adults even with Bennett trim tabs....

 

[Hunky Dory]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

I own an old Bayliner and am not angry at anyone. Does this make me a bad person?<br /><br />Like I always say; if you ask for an opinion you might get one. If you're really lucky it will be honest. I've been enlightened by all the opinions posted and have no reason to doubt veracity.<br /><br />I especially appreciated the insights of f_inscreenname and while I'd love to see his old John Allmand scream under 330 hp it's obvious he has very different needs and expectations than I.<br /><br />I've known Chevy owners while I owned a Ford, Ford Owners while I owned a Chevy and both while I owned a Dodge. You can guess what they said -- knowing they were all correct because none of my cars/trucks were perfect. Were theirs?<br /><br />Oh, I did once own an Acura. It was near perfect but within a couple of years it depreciated more than the cost of a Chevy of the same capability --and I bought it used!<br /><br />Moral; if you can afford a Rolls then you won't be happy with what your friends will think if you buy a Chevy -- if you can afford only a Chevy, you will be a mobile as the guy with the Rolls and you won't much care what HIS friends will think.<br /><br />BTW: don't buy a Rolls or a Bayliner with moss growing on it...

 

[alpolo]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

I have 1983 Bayliner, AQ125 engine (4 cyl Volvo) bough it foe $1000 about 3 years ago from a person that had it for 10 years, where boat was not maintained, repaired or anything, with the exception of winterizing. Till this year I had some problems with overheating, starting, etc. Finally got fed-up and change/fixed/redesigned everything that did not worked or was not the way I like (including positioning and structure of seats). Tested on the lake for a week, runs great and with 2.1 liter, 4 cylinder uses about 2.5 galons per hour (part skiing/tubing, part just riding). My point is, it is unimportant what you have as long as you like it and are taking care of that. There Yugo, Ford-T, VW original, etc. that run around not because they were made such a rock, but because someone is taking care of them. There is no free ride, Rolls Royce, as well as KIA need to be maintained. It is true that KIA is more prone to fail due to its design and engineering, but Rolls Royce is way more expensive to maintain.

 

[gotboostedvr6]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

I own and am currently restoring a 18 foot 84 bayliner capri, and also partake in enjoying and repairing a 94 or 95 20'5" capri.

If I were to directly compare my experences owning and/or operating a bayliner to the 10 boats I've owned previously I'm sad to say the design and build quaility leaves much to be desired.

I've owned brand names such as: Glasstron-Carlson, Hydrostream, Glasspar, Searay, ProLine, Crusers inc., Wellcraft, Baja, Checkmate and Winner.

Key areas of bayliners build that disapoint me are at any location where wood is joined to the hull or an area where a support mounts to a stringer , such as the front Fuel tank mounting location or the supports for the underdeck storage (ski box). the front tank mount is ply and has no glass covering it so they are all completly rotten. the underdeck storage supports mount to the stringers and have no glass at all on the supports or the stringers and lead to premature rot.

I dont have time today to get into it more but the front console supports that mount to the hull using wood screws through 1" by 1" wood mounts. the inferior mounting of the consoles teads to the wood screws pulling out of the mounts and allow the top of the hull to wobble almost out of control in any chop.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

I used to have a dog like this guy.

Here Peevuto, Here Peevuto!!!

Bite the stick, Bite the stick!!

Someone got one of those lampshade things???

As Peevuto lays in the corner licking himself...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

Ayuh,.......

I Thought this Looked Familiar,.......

This thread is Over 2 Years Old........

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

Dang Bond-o...i set and read the whole freakin thing wondering who half of these idiots were...didn't look at the post date....
Can someone say DEE DEE DEE!!
I can thank Gotboosted for dredging this thread up..

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

I have nothing against Bayliners. They look good and seem to float. I see a lot of them on the water. HOWEVER-- My friend has a 20 foot cuddy with the 4.3 chevy engine. About a 2000. It runs well, does 50 WOT. BUT, when he nails it, it shimmys and shakes like everything is flexing and continues to do it while on plane. Not a big shake, just something I can feel in my butt through the seat. But feels uncomfortable to me.

 

[magster65]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

I haven't posted for while, why not jump in on the old "Bayliner' debate
I agree with the 'Chevy' comparison. They're not the best boats but they are better than they were and you get a decent boat for a lower price. I personally think the quality has improved gradually since the mid-nineties (from what I have seen). It's the same old story... you get what you pay for and Bayliners are less expensive. However... if you ever get a chance to go for a 'ride' in a bigger Bayliner (45' or up)... do it. They're gorgeous boats and I don't think many other manufacturers are any better.
Happy Yachting!

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

Ayuh,.......

I Thought this Looked Familiar,.......

This thread is Over 2 Years Old........

Rerun's ya gotta luv'm...........

 

[delsol]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

its an easty call
buy a chevy colbalt for 13-14k or a toyota corolla 15k the choice is a no brainer.
better built, higher resale. better quality.
i had a choice buy a new 14k bayliner with no work needed or a real nice speed boat needing a motor for a total cost of about 9k and its an 89 cost $24k new back then. it will turn heads and its a machine not a boring boat. but when i chose to sell it which i am keeping it i will get 7-8 k easy were as the liner in one year will lose alot of value new or used. the old saying you pay for what you get
bob

 

[tmh]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

it's funny how difficult it is to get specifics from folks who are VERY WILLING to give opinions. This thread has only a few posts of substance or relavance, IMO. I was actually interested in the topic, as I am sure NO boat manufacturers have remained constant for 25 years! IF Bayliner quality IS better now, that would be of interest to me. Unfortunately, little was posted about this other than the general assumption that because it's still an inexpensive boat it must be lower quality.

Now, I ASSUME the cheap Bayliners DO have to cut corners to remain low-priced. But WHERE do they cut corners? Not on the engines/drives because those are all the same! Maybe the vinyl is cheap. Maybe the hull isn't supported like the better boats. Maybe the floor isn't as water-tight. Does anyone KNOW the answer?

btw, the car comparisons fall short in one important area - engines. IF a chevy car had the engine and drive system identical to a BMW THAT would change the comparison completely. Using toyota as an example, the Camary has the same engine/drive as on of the Lexus models, yet the Camary is less expensive. Fabric, amenities, etc. make the difference AND the Lexus name plate!

How much does SeaRay, Cobalt, etc NAMEPLATES add to the cost they are able to charge vs. Bayliner? From the turning up of noses regarding bayliner I see here and elsewhere, I'll bet that the "better" brands can add a ton of $$$ because they target the Lexus owner, not the toyota owner. You pay for prestige, like it or not. Many would be embarassed for their boating cronies to see them owning a Bayliner! Pride can be expensive!

 

[delsol]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

i disagree that toyota and lexas are all the same as i worked for them 5+ years. low end models yes high end completely different..
i think the chev colbolt, and the collora are a good example. they cost almost the same.
but the toyota is made alot better.
colbolt 13k
toyota 14k
decision is easy. i was born here but all american car's screwed the public too many years and let these jap. companys take over . the only good big 3 products left are trucks imo.
so if a blidgeliner cost 14-15k and a stingray same and searay 2k more maybe its worth it. i just know as for me. the last 3 years i got serious on buying a bayliner and changed my mine. you can see the quality of the trim is cheap.
that said go to a glastron-vrs - chaperall. i see a difference the glastron seems better made to me.
this is not aboyt bashing them. its about values of things. toyota/chev same price, you got to get the toyota , or nissan . and if you thing the big 3 care i had a problem with a 33k pont at 35k miles and 1 month out of watt. they told me sorry. over 30k for a pont. and they would not fix a defect in rear tail light. i dont feel sorry for these guys.
bob/philly

 

[magster65]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

I don't want to Bayliner bash, I have friends with them and I've owned them too. They've always looked pretty good as well. Specifics that I've noticed; the flooring in mine (17') was fairly thin and it wasn't coated with resin or anything other than glue and indoor/outdoor. Yes, it was the original floor mind you it hadn't rotted because the previous owners kept very good care of it, it was getting soft from use. The other thing was the seats were also made of really thin plywood and they were falling apart, again just from regular use. The framework itself was a bit 'rushed' as well because the corners of the plywood had sharp edges and as the seats wore in a bit they started to cut into the vinyl from the inside. The front deck on the boat made cracking sounds when you walked over it and there was a crack on the dash where the step was (walk through window). The deck would only support 125 pounds or so before it would 'complain'. I ended up putting a support under it... something Bayliner really should have done. Having the flimsy deck made the window a little hard to close too, another reason for the support. All the stanshions and railings were cheap cheap cheap. This boat had never seen the ocean and was stored indoors but the railings were still badly corroded... so were the cleats. They were thinly plated pot metal and a good tug on the railing would bend it. The vinyl trim inside was all in good shape but it was falling off because the plywood backing was poor quality and the standard screws and staples they use were rusted away. The boat was a early-mid 80's vintage. The folks I got it from babied this thing from new and have since bought a Mastercraft tournament boat.
The good things were that the Volvo power ran great, the hull seemed quite solid so it rode nice in a small chop and it was a good looking boat.
When I look at other Bayliners pre... nineties-ish I see the very same things as I said. None of this applies to the larger or newer ones as far as I've seen.
I wanna' say it again though, I ain't bashin' Bayliners! I'd say buy one but I'd shy away from the older smaller units unless you're handy.
No offense intended to anyone.
Cheers.

 

[andy1canada]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

Howdy!

I agree with F-in' and Bondo on this one. I was an apprentice marine-mech working in Vancouver and here on Vancouver Island back in the early 80's. Though I was only in the trade for a short time and was lucky if I got to change a prop let alone a set of spark plugs, I did get the opportunity to work along side some veteran boat-people and learned a few things.

Names of boat builders out here on the West Coast that got people excited were the likes of: Hourston, Double-Eagle, Sangster, Fiberform, Sea Ray, Grew, Bertram, Tolly Craft, Uniflyte, Canoe Cove and Zeta... to name a few.

Bayliner's were among those constantly needing the most attention and as a result I've always shyed away from them.

All boats are not built the same.

Case in point: My 1980 Zeta 19/Cuddy.

She's 27 yrs old and still solid as a rock. I just added a second bilge-pump to her and after I drilled through the hull for the outlet (aft just below rub-rail) I was amazed to discover the glass was over 1/2-inch thick. Another testament to a quality build and the reason why most of these boats are still in service today.

Like F-in's boat, I'll probably be leaving mine to my kids.

Cheers,
Terry

 

[tommays]

Re: Bayliner Quality - what year improved?

Why am i happy when i buy a 1995 19000 dollar chevy van that is used up after 12 years


And i am so upset about the 1995 16000 dollar boat that is not even close to being used up

Of my many boats the 1980 J-24 hand build by TPI was the only quality one, the 2007 bare hull is running 48000 dollars

I really do not need that level of quality to kick around on the bay or crusie out to Block Island on a nice day

So i picked one on those cheezy brands in 1995 and can say after 12 years of saltwater chop there are no cracks and the trailer is the big matiance item


Tommays