Considering '13 Bayliner 215

[Jimwhall]

I Currently own 16 foot sylvan sport select 112 hp Johnson SPL. I have owned this boat since new and have a lot of experience with it. The boat and I both survived my 20s, matured in my 30s and are still doing well in my 40s. I like to tow tubers and have a decent day on our inland Michigan Lake. I love the Sylvan, am not selling it, and have been comfortable doing work on it (rebuilding seats, decks, etc.) However my family is now bigger and the Sylvan than is feeling a little cramped. These days I'm a cautious driver who wants a safe experience for my family.

So I'm Looking for a new boat for my family. Specifically in looking in the 18 to 20 foot range. I'm looking to spend between $10-$20,000. It seems like the used boat market has gone absolutely insane this year, with boats that I'm interested in disappearing in a day.

I have come across a boat that looks beautiful, has limited hours, and seems to fit all of my desires. The problem is that this boat is a Bayliner, and my boating memory going back into the mid-90s suggests that Bayliner's are not good boats. This is a 2013 model.

My question is, does anyone have direct experience with Bayliner in terms of quality and durability and capability.

I bow extensively on Michigan's inland Lakes, with rare forays into Grand Traverse Bay. I never go out and to the larger Great Lakes. When I'm looking for is a boat that will:

• *Be able to tow my teenage son and his buddies without feeling underpowered or laggy.
• *Be comfortable for the day on the lake.
• Give me at least as reliable service as my 95 Sylvan has; that means going out most weekends during the summer and not giving me more grief than what I am used to with my two-stroke (I don't mind having to sweettalk at the start, just so long as it always starts)
• not drive me nuts with overly stupid quality things, like having hatches,Windows, or trim fall off, or accessories fail?
• Do all of the above for the next 5 years.

Boat I'm looking at is a 2013 Bayliner 215 with a 5 L Mercruiser I/O. seems well maintained. Can this boat meet my requirements? Additionally anyone have direct experience with this boat? Sorry if this is a bit stilted i had shoulder surgery and am one hand typing.

Thank you,

 

[Alumarine]

If it's been taken care of that boat should meet your needs just fine.
The build quality for that era is good.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I will say this the quality boats that you looked at were quickly sold, the bay liner has not, that is a sign not to be ignored.

 

[roscoe]

I say go for it, depending on condition of course.
That 260 hp 5 liter should have plenty of power.

Here is a boattest video review

 

[Jimwhall]

I will say this the quality boats that you looked at were quickly sold, the bay liner has not, that is a sign not to be ignored.

This just came on the market.

 

[Jimwhall]

I say go for it, depending on condition of course.
That 260 hp 5 liter should have plenty of power.

Here is a boattest video review

It is super nice, if lacking in luxury features. I see it this wknd. Any idea if their build quality is better than the 80's/90's?

 

[Stinnett21]

Go outboard if you can. The maintenance on the I/O gets tiresome and pricey.

 

[Mcfltfyter]

It will have plenty of power
It will be comfortable within its purpose
It will start and run reliably provided you do your part.
Parts should not fall off unless abused, but you will curse at the maintenance bill, or the boat itself if you do the maintenance yourself, but you'll get over it quickly.
It will last much longer than 5 years if you want it to, provided you did a thorough prepurchase inspection.

That boat would be over your $20k price range around here.

 

[briangcc]

Bayliner quality has progressed substantially since the 80's. I'd pit my '99 up against most any boat of that era. You really need to ignore the older images of Bayliner as they are no longer relevant to the newer iterations.

If it meets your needs I wouldn't hesitate to buy.

 

[Ray74]

Bayliners are price point boats. Should be fine for what you are planning to do with it. The quality of products used aren't going to be as nice as some top tier boats but youre not going to pay a top tier price. Its all a trade off.

 

[lineman09]

i ran a 2002 capri 185 for several years ... their quility is much better than the old 80s rep... no one really builds a POS anymore .. i would not hesitate to buy if it fit my needs and was well cared for

 

[Scott06]

Good boat fir your needs if its been cared for . I have a similar sized sea ray (they are made in the same TN plant as bayliners) has held up well and with a 5.0 is great for watersports

 

[TankerDan]

In my opinion since Bayliner was bought by the Brunswick corp in the mid 90's the quality has gone way up

 

[poconojoe]

My 2003 Bayliner 185 has been a very solid and reliable boat.

Other than normal maintenance, most of my repairs are due to it being an I/O.

My next boat will be an outboard. No question about that.

 

[Scott06]

In my opinion since Bayliner was bought by the Brunswick corp in the mid 90's the quality has gone way up

Agreed. I saw the quality/fit and finish on merge with the quality of the smaller (< 22 ft) searays they are making

 

[hugh g]

Back in the 80's because of low build quality some guys called them Baypigs. But their quality has improved so I would't rule it out, just make sure you take it for a test run & check that the bilge is dry & the deck, etc. is solid as a rock. Get on the drive & make sure there's no flex in the transom. If their is, tell the guy thanks, but no thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

The 2013 bayliner is built in mexico with searays (lower cost of labor)