Being an owner of a Bayliner, I have to jump in on this thread to bust a few myths. Bayliners have developed a reputation as a POS boat over the years and during a certain period, they were. Boats anything before 1990 tended to be cheaply built with little attention to detail. You can recognize the older Bayliners- very straight lines, angular and chopped off looking. The form of the boats simply weren't that attractive by today's standards. In the very late 80's, the company began to change it policies and try to produce a better boat. <br /><br /> Their processes were pretty much like everyone else's at the time. Wood was used in a lot of boats, not just Bayliners. Engine and drive combos were universal; no problems there. They updated electrical harnesses and rigging. <br /><br /> To cut it short, I can tell you that the Bayliner I have is every bit as sturdy and capable a boat as most people would need. It has been a pleasure to run and will be a pleasure for someone else long into the future with proper care. I have several friends who laugh at my Bayliner but b1tch at how much their boats cost to fix. They own Chaparrals, Regals, Crownlines and Sea Rays. I can outrun most of them and outpull them as well. I have a 20 foot cuddy that is in very nice condition and is an early 90's model. There isn't a single bad spot on the hull, in the hull or around the hull. No rotten wood, weak fiberglass or structural problems. The boat is in as good shape as it was when it was new, with the exception of the gelcoat. ( Being stored outside for a good part of its life took its toll.) However, it will look great once I take the time to buff it out. <br /><br /> You can joke all you want, but look at sales figures. Sea Ray was #1 last year in units sold and Bayliner was #2. Also, look at J.D. Powers surveys and see that Bayliner beat many "better" boats out there, like Regals and Maxums. People have gotten smarter and don't want to pay for name alone. Tell me what is so great about a Sea Ray? Do they run different engines? Outdrives? Gauges? Better vinyl on their seats? <br /><br /> I guess if you don't mind paying 20% more for a similar boat, that's up to you. I tend to look more at what I am buying and how well it is made before I blindly buy a name. <br /><br /> Oh, one more thing. If you go overseas into Europe, you will quickly find that Bayliners are looked at over there as luxury boats. They are very highly thought of over there and bring top dollar when they are up for sale. <br /><br />UFM82
