Bayliner - what size engine?

[dgaulin]

I need some help. We are going to purchase a Bayliner 185 for our first boat. We are really on a budget and would like to get away with the standard 3.0 135 hp engine. I could upgrade to the 4.3 190 hp, but don't realy want to unless I have to. The dealer is telling me that the smaller engine will be fine, but I wanted to get other's opinions. We are going to use it for tubing, water skiing, etc. One of my kids is a big guy (6' 1", 250 lbs). Is the smaller engine going to be powerful enough for water skiing, etc.? Thanks for the help.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

130 hp is not much for an 18 foot boat. I would go with a bigger engine or a different boat.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

I would opt for the larger motor without a doubt.The 135 hp will move the boat decently.When you add gear and bodies and then ask it to pull a tube or skiier it will say NO!!The dealer will tell you that you can change the prop to do all this but that will just put more stress on the little motor and shorten its life.Charlie

 

[DJ]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

You will NOT be happy with the 3.0. Especially pulling water toys with a family aboard.<br /><br />The 4.3 will perform much better and the resale will be much higher.

 

[djvan]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

ditto <br /><br />I have a four winns 140 mercruiser, marginal at best only a 16 footer. I enjoy the mileage though. <br /><br />DougV>

 

[RatFish]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

dgaulin, everybody has "hit the nail on the head". Tell the dealer that a 3.0 is underpowered in your opinion. It may be fine for other boaters but you want the 4.3L period! I was just looking at 18' to 19' boats. I would not even consider a 3.0L. Not an option in IMHO. I ended up with a 20', 5.0L (220HP) boat. Check out this link for MHO on horsepower suggestions. <br /><br />Last week I got an "out the door" price of $17,295 on a Bayliner 185 with a 4.3L (190HP), fiberglass liner, carpet runners, bimini top, bow well cover, galvanized trailer with brakes and freight/prep (tax and registration not included). Keep in mind that the Bayliner dealers are not discounting the 185 with a 4.3L too much because the price is already low compared to 18' boats from other manufacturers.<br /><br />EDIT: I think(?) the Bayliner 185 equiped as mentioned above without the fiberglass liner and snap-in carpet was about $1000 cheaper ($16,300).

 

[msd58]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

When in doubt go with larger engine. The 4.3 V6 has more torque that the 3.0 4 inline.<br />"Been there did that"

 

[Seminoe Chad]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

I have a Bayliner 184 with a 125 Mercury on the back. I believe it has plenty of power. I can pull two tubers at once with no problems and also pull my 260 pound dad up on skis with no problems. I must add that I live at 5000 feet elevayion also. I can't say for sure if the 3.0 is enough for an inboard considering the weight and all, but the 125 does very well. Top speed is about 42(gps) with an aluminum 21 pitch prop. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

I really think that you have to weigh the amount of horsepower neede by looking at the power option. I/O power weighs more than Outboard power and thus would take more horses to get the same results.

 

[DJ]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

One has to remember that a 125 hp (2-stroke) outbaord is probably less than half the weight of the I/O.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

I had a 2001 Bayliner 1952 cuddy cabin with the 3.0.<br /><br />It would hit 43-44 mph (GPS) with four people in the boat. <br /><br />I sold it because it was rough and shifted hard and the boat was too small.<br /><br />Speed, however, was not a complaint.

 

[KM2]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

I have a 18 ft boat with the 4.3 and I wish I had the 5.0. If you don't get the 4.3 you will regret it within a few weeks of purchase.<br />Kevin

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

I had a '95 crownline 176 with the 3.0 and it was fine for crusin with 3 or 4 people, but it struggled to get us up on one ski if there were that many people in the boat. Great gas milage though. I would spend the extra cash and get the 4.3 otherwise you'll be ready to trade up in a year or two as I was.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

Did not know Bayliner made any more Outboard boats.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

Bayliner still has a couple of Outboard Models. The 160, 180 and 184. Only Mercs though.

 

[delsol]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

hey i would shop around for a better boat as i am because i am on a budget 2 , i price a crown with top 4.3v-6 trai;ler etc also carvell<br />19k loaded, chaperall 19k not much more then bayliner 2-k3k more but night and day difference, because i was going to buy the 9999 17.5 bayliner buti could get stingray for 12k searay 18 ft with all the goodies 4cyl 14999. with prep and shipping so its 3-k more but you get more, as i have not broght yet but i know what i will get and it wont be bayliner not because of the name but when you go to boat show...and look around they are not as cheap as they appear. shop around get v-6<br />.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

you will forget about the money you saved in a couple of years when your out with the family and some guests and the boat won't do what you want. go for the 4.3 I see a huge gain in long term enjoyment and value when you sell.<br /><br />if you are buying new...look the boat over really well...for fit and finish, gel coat problems, check the bilge where water goes and make sure everything is sealed up. I don't know about the new boats, but sea ray and bayliner made a habit out of drilling through stringers and bulkheads in the bilge and not sealing the holes well.<br /><br />insist on a sea trial before you pay in full.<br /><br />also, I would look into O/B power.<br /><br />my $.02

 

[JamNJ1955]

Re: Bayliner - what size engine?

dgaulin<br /><br />What boat did you end up buying? 3.0L or 4.3L, and how do you like it. I purchased a bayliner 185 this winter with the 4.3L in it and can't wait till spring to try it.