Boating Novice Needs Advice: 125Hp Big Enough?

[tjrinak]

Looking at a 18' Bayliner w/ 125Hp Mercury outboard. It's a good deal, but my only boating friend says keep looking. Says I'll be dragging a skier 60 feet before he can get up if there are four adults in the boat. Agree / Disagree? Buy or keep looking? Any advice would be appriciated.

 

[kev_79]

Re: Boating Novice Needs Advice: 125Hp Big Enough?

Your friend is an idiot! 125 Merc is plenty of power, should push you about 50 by yourself, at very least 40. bout a 23 pitch prop? Mixed opinions about bayliners though, you will hear if for sure. If you can afford a better boat, do so, but if not, go within your means. I have one, and no problems after I trashed the Force. should turn 12 this year, I should be in for fixing the shotty fiberglass, so I hear, but as for now, still going fine. Good Luck.

 

[JB]

Re: Boating Novice Needs Advice: 125Hp Big Enough?

Howdy, TJ. Well Kev warned you, and here it comes: If you really liked the Yugo then a Force powered Bayliner is the package for you.<br /><br />The Bayliners are made as cheap as they can get away with, and sometimes they don't get away with it. <br /><br />The Force excuse is not poor quality as much as it is obsolete technology and manufacturing.<br /><br />Result: The Bayliner is rated by J.D. Power as the WORST boat made, and the Force engine is a poor, but appropriate partner in causing grief.<br /><br />Find a quality boat with a modern, well made engine.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Boating Novice Needs Advice: 125Hp Big Enough?

TJ, Like kev 79 says that 125HP Merc should be more than adequate for that boat(it's Mercury,not Force-right?)<br />As far as the boat-it's a Bayliner some love them, others hate them.<br />I think the best thing is to have someone (surveyor?) check it out for you and see what they think.It's hard to give an opinion, sight unseen, on a boat.We don't know the year, hours on the engine, general condition of this boat.But don't walk away simply because it's a Bayliner.I was just visiting another sight and there is a topic going where some people are actually bashing Grady White much to the displeasure of all the GW owners who are trying to defend their pride and joys.<br />Regardless best of luck in what ever you decide. Just remember there are plenty of boats out there for sale.

 

[JB]

Re: Boating Novice Needs Advice: 125Hp Big Enough?

Sorry 'bout that, TJ. I guess I'm just stuck on Bayliners and Forces going together. Of course that Merc, in good shape, is fine for that boat. BUT! the boat is still a Bayliner.<br /><br />Ask 12Footer about Bayliners.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[12Footer]

Re: Boating Novice Needs Advice: 125Hp Big Enough?

Ah yes, the old bayliner debate. I own one, and up until last month, thought these Bliner bashers were just jealous. It's a pretty boat on the water, but it's what is under the decking that'll scare ya.<br />Poor glass layup,sometimes ,not even ROLLED into the resin! And stringers that aren't coated all the way.<br />Mine is an 89 Crapi 1650 with a Force.<br />It's a good boat for what i paid for it. The fact that it's 12 years old doesn't diminish from it's beauty, as was well maintained since new. It only let me down once,and that was my own stupidity (hooked up a tank of stale gas,and had to troll home).<br />But I did have to do some extensive deck repairs.

 

[tjrinak]

Re: Boating Novice Needs Advice: 125Hp Big Enough?

Hey, thanks for advice guys. I had no idea that Bayliners were rated as the worst boat. That's a little disconcearning. But at least you all seem to agree that the 125hp will do the trick. A little more info. about the boat: Its a 2000 Capri 1800 and looks to be in really good shape. The pay off is $13,100 Which is about the most I can afford. So can I get a better boat for that or does that seem reasonable? Thanks again, TJ.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Boating Novice Needs Advice: 125Hp Big Enough?

RUN RUN RUN AWAY !!!LOL 13,000 is way too much to spend for a questionable boat. In a few short years that boat will be worth around 2500.00. For that money, and for much less you should be able to find exactly what you want in a hull and power. There is no need for a compromise. There are so many great used boats and engines for more than half the price that still would be better then that hull. Heck, I wouldn't trade my 74 Glastron CV hull for a year 2000 anything and I paid 2500.00 <br />I would also make sure a boat is going to be a part of your leisure lifestyle before laying that much cash down. If the fun leaves before the bill is paid you will not be a happy camper. <br /><br />Keep us posted!! We can help.....

 

[JB]

Re: Boating Novice Needs Advice: 125Hp Big Enough?

Hey, TJ!! For 13 large ones you should be able to find a '80s Grady White, Boston Whaler or Scout in the right size and power range for your wants. Then in 4 or 5 years it will still be worth 13 grand.<br /><br />J.D. Power rates these three as the best boats made, and their resale value supports that.<br /><br />Res sky at night. . .<br />JB