First Time Boat Buyer HELP ? Bayliner vs. Doral ?

[Linz]

Hi everyone<br />This is my first boat. I want to make the right decision.<br />I am looking at 18' bayliner and doral boats.<br />A few dealers say stay away from bayliner.<br />Any imput here would be appreciated !<br />The bayliner I'm looking at is 18' (17'7" with a beam of 6' 11") with a 120 Force engine ... it is a 1999 almost like new... not a bad price I think.<br />and the Doral is a new 2000 18' (actual 18'6" with a beam of 7' 3") with a 115 Mercury Engine (2 stroke)<br />Both have outboard motors.<br /><br />Any Comments would be greatly appreciated.<br />Linz

 

[ODDD1]

Re: First Time Boat Buyer HELP ? Bayliner vs. Doral ?

Linz, i cannot speak for the boats,but to the motors,yes unless you can buy yhe force right[thousands less] purchase the mercury motor. Everything on it powerhead, gearcase, ignition is more durable than what force used. besides if you do have a prob, is easier to find a merc dealer.......

 

[hohmanj]

Re: First Time Boat Buyer HELP ? Bayliner vs. Doral ?

Run for your life from Bayliner..Although the quality of product has become much better of the last couple of years...(I think searay is making them now) they still have a way to go...Doral on the other hand is a much better boat for the money & even gives Searay a run for there money...Since it's canadian boat & you can get more boat...

 

[SEAFARER22]

Re: First Time Boat Buyer HELP ? Bayliner vs. Doral ?

If you buy the Bayliner, you probably have a Yugo to tow it with to the ramp.

 

[B Burgon]

Re: First Time Boat Buyer HELP ? Bayliner vs. Doral ?

The name Bayliner seems to invoke a lot of negative comments. I have had one for the past 3 years, I was sceptical but I bought it anyway and I personally have been satisfied with the boat. I use it every weekend April through October and it hasn't cost me anything beyond normal maintenance. My brother-in-law has a similar size and year Doral he uses it about a third as often and the interior is not holding up well and the stringers and motor mounts have gone rotten and need replacing. The Doral seems like a more significant boat but in this case at least the Bayliner seems to be holding up better.

 

[samsulli]

Re: First Time Boat Buyer HELP ? Bayliner vs. Doral ?

Linz, See if you can get the Bayliner W/Mercury, that would be a much better package... Sam...