Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

[myhrdly]

Hey everyone. My name is Kim and I just bought a 1996 40th Anniversary Bayliner 1750LS. It is so new to me, I haven't even been to DMV to register it yet. LOL We bought it from a tow yard that my hubby works at. I figure I will try to go to DMV later in the week. If all goes well with paperwork, it will be in our name soon. I always hate dealing with lein sale paperwork because you never know what can go wrong. Crossing my fingers all will go well.

It cleared lein about 2 weeks ago, but the boss just told us last week. Last weekend we uncovered the boat and had a look. We figured out that the motor (Mercruiser Alpha One 3.0L, was locked up. We poured some tranny fluid or oil, not sure which it was now, I really didn't look(hubby did it), let it sit for a few hours and then hubby tried to turn the motor over by hand. He finally managed to get it to rotate two complete turns. We then tried with the key. No go. Starter is no good. So that is where we are at. We pulled the starter and he will drop it off at a starter guy he knows. So hopefully once we get it back, we can see if there was any damage done to the motor.

We figure it was locked up do to sitting and not being winterized properly. At least we are hoping. Once we know the motor will start I'm planning on going to the boat store and getting all the stuff for a tune up, including impeller and all oils.

I plan on bringing it home Friday, if weather permits, and giving it a bath. It is pretty dirty.

Here are a few pics.

We are kind of new to boating. Meaning we have had a pontoon boat, and a 17' flat bottom metal boat. I also grew up around boats when I was a kid. We just haven't been boating in a few years. I plan on taking some boating courses to refresh my memory and get updated!!

Kim

 

[rbh]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Hi Kim, and welcome.
Good to hear that you are getting back into the boating swing of thing again.

Now the boat, I am not going to be the voice of doom (I will leave that for others)

I hope you folks took the time to go over the boat before purchase and got a great deal on it.

The motor, since your in Sacromento CA I hope it has not hit freezing levels since the last time the boat was last used, due to water freezing in the block as this will crack it.

The boat, did you check for soft spots, floor, transom before purchase.

It is always a bit of a crap shoot with used boats, best of luck, and any questions you have the ansewers are here, just ask.

 

[boaterinsd]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Yes Welcome to iBoats. Glad to hear you found a boat, hope you stay lucky on the boat and its all good. If you are wondering about anything dont be afraid to ask, these folks are really the best there if for info.

 

[mr 88]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Do not go any further untill you make sure the engine is in running condition.I would use marvel mystery oil to soak and I mean soak the cylinders with.Let it sit for a day.Leave plugs out and then try again to turn over by hand.After your sure it turns over freely hit up the starter.Next step would be compression test after reinstalling old plugs,which will foul with the oil still in there.Now you can go to the new plugs with some muffs on the lower unit.At this point you are hoping the block is not cracked.The impellar in the outdrive will have to changed as dry rot has probably set in.Lower unit will also need the oil changed as you stated, also check bellows while off for cracks in the rubber.If cracked that will allow water into the boat and destroy the gimbal bearing.You may want to post or look in the Mercruiser forum about preparing or starting a engine after a long time of not running.Good luck!!

 

[myhrdly]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

I hope you folks took the time to go over the boat before purchase and got a great deal on it.

The motor, since your in Sacromento CA I hope it has not hit freezing levels since the last time the boat was last used, due to water freezing in the block as this will crack it.

The boat, did you check for soft spots, floor, transom before purchase.

It is always a bit of a crap shoot with used boats, best of luck, and any questions you have the ansewers are here, just ask.

First off, thanks for the welcome.

We checked the boat over as far as looking for cracks and all in the hull. It looks good. As far as soft spots, I never heard of that till I came onto this and another boat forum. I wouldn't know how to find one. For the tow yard to lein sale a boat, they have to have it appraised. The appraiser said it was a real nice boat. I don't know what it appraised for though.

The think looks practically brand new, except for the dirtiness. I am planning on fixing that problem soon. LOL

As far as the motor goes, we don't know how bad off it is. We think it is ok, but time will tell. I don't think water froze in it during the winter, but I can't say for sure. It had it's cover on it plus had a car cover and a heavy awning type tarp over the whole boat. I think it is still worth what we paid for it even if it means we have to rebuild it. We can do it ourselves, and it would just mean we may miss this boating season.

We paid $1000.00 for it. Although, I think we should have gotten a better deal than that, but oh well. LOL They were originally wanting 1500 for it, so we got them down 500, but will still need to fix the starter and get a new prop. We may have a prop already though. I friend may have a good used one for us.

Now when you say doom, are you meaning because it is a Bayliner? My friend that is into boats told me how they (bayliners) were made poorly and called it by another name that isn't to nice to say on here! I told him that I figured for the price we paid and what we want to do with the boat, we didn't do bad. Besides, they can't be all that bad, alot of them are around!

 

[myhrdly]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Do not go any further untill you make sure the engine is in running condition.I would use marvel mystery oil to soak and I mean soak the cylinders with.Let it sit for a day.Leave plugs out and then try again to turn over by hand.After your sure it turns over freely hit up the starter.Next step would be compression test after reinstalling old plugs,which will foul with the oil still in there.Now you can go to the new plugs with some muffs on the lower unit.At this point you are hoping the block is not cracked.The impellar in the outdrive will have to changed as dry rot has probably set in.Lower unit will also need the oil changed as you stated, also check bellows while off for cracks in the rubber.If cracked that will allow water into the boat and destroy the gimbal bearing.You may want to post or look in the Mercruiser forum about preparing or starting a engine after a long time of not running.Good luck!!

I'm not sure what he poured into the cylinders, it was either some sort of oil, or tranny fluid. He turned over by hand a couple times after about 3 or 4 hours of sitting in the oil. He put more oil in it afterwards and we haven't turned it over since. We were going to get the starter fixed first.

Yah, I planned on replacing all oils and impeller. I will make sure to check on the bellows, as soon as I figure out what they are! LOL I really need a book!! Any good suggestions on books??

 

[NYBo]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Welcome to iboats

Sounds like you got a good deal.

 

[rbh]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

HI Kim-

$500/$1000, great deal.
Here is to hoping that everything works out in your favour,

good luck and have fun!

 

[Expidia]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Great looking boat! Don't forget there is also a Bayliner specific forum here: http://forums.iboats.com/Bayliner_Boats.

I'm sure others have that same model and can answer specific issues that they might have already experienced.

That motor's very popular so you can get anwers in the Mercury Cruiser forum to: http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21

 

[myhrdly]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Great looking boat! Don't forget there is also a Bayliner specific forum here: http://forums.iboats.com/Bayliner_Boats.

I'm sure others have that same model and can answer specific issues that they might have already experienced.

That motor's very popular so you can get anwers in the Mercury Cruiser forum to: http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21

Awesome, thanks for the links!!

I am trying to join the Bayliners Owners Club forum but it is taking forever to get approved. I am able to view the forum and sign in and all, but I can't post. It is so annoying! LOL

I will go check out the Bayliner forum here!! THanks again.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Awesome, thanks for the links!!

I am trying to join the Bayliners Owners Club forum but it is taking forever to get approved. I am able to view the forum and sign in and all, but I can't post. It is so annoying! LOL

Uh oh...

 

[myhrdly]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Uh oh...

Was I not supposed to mention another place here? Or is that a bad place? LOL

 

[NYBo]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Was I not supposed to mention another place here? Or is that a bad place? LOL

I just like it better here. Not a lot of emphasis on the smaller boats at the BOC.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Was I not supposed to mention another place here? Or is that a bad place? LOL

Maybe he's just mad cause your Bayliner is newer than his

I don't think there is an issue if you made mention of another site like they Bayliner Owners Club! I think the moderators don't like it if we post a link to a competitive parts site when someone asks a question like "where can I buy a carb kit"?

Of course, they prefer you look on iboats first and don't want us to lead buyers away from iboats since they are providing us this forum as a place to ask for help . . . which is understandable!

 

[rickryder]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Welcome Aboard! Nice looking boat at a good price! Like rbh said the voice of doom.....
Check the deck thoroughly for any spots that feel soft or spongy..... You have to realize it's a 24 year old boat that you have no idea how the previous owner stored or maintained it. There are many people on here that can testify (me being one of them) that older boats can have underlying issues under the deck....

Read some of the resto threads and you will see what some have found in the 20+ year old boats....

I wish you all the luck with the new to you boat and hope it all checks out to be solid and seaworthy

 

[mr 88]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

My math is not the best ,I calculate it is a 15 year old boat,not 24, that was apparently coverd quite well,3 tarps.
The main bellows is the rubber accordian style part that covers the drive shaft on the out drive.There is also a smaller one for the shift cable again between the outer transom and outdrive.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

My math is not the best ,I calculate it is a 15 year old boat,not 24, that was apparently coverd quite well,3 tarps.

Ya, Bayliners had their build issues with the ones over 20 years old. Their new models are actually pretty great for entry level boats.

You can buy a Mecerdes or a Chevy and both will get you to where you want to go.

Your boat is a great starting point. 15 years old is still a new boat to me. Most boaters don't put a lot of hours on them.

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Hiya and welcome aboard I'm not an engine guy very much, but I'll say when your going over the boat, look at all your deck fittings (cleats, rails, rail fittings, etc...). Allot of them are made from plated zink and rot over time and you don't want the cleat you have your line tied to too break and have to go swimming for your boat. Also pay extra special attention to your fuel tank, hoses, filters, etc.. Fuel problems can cause a nightmare of problems and can lead to carb problems as well. Also take a good look at the wiring you can see to check it's condition and check the fuses for blown one's ( always carry extra fuses). I guess what I'm really saying is go thru all of your electrical and mechanical systems really well. Boats are one of those things where an ounce of prevention is really worth a pound of cure, nobody likes to be dead in the water in the middle of the lake or offshore

Art

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Oh yeah, I for got, go through your trailer with a fine tooth comb as well, check axles for corrosion and check all your bolts, etc.. as well as greese your hubs (bearing savers are a good idea if you don't already have them) lube up your crank and hitch as well and look at your tires (have a spare and jack that will work for your trailer) and test the electrical. Good maintenence and planning saves many a day on the water.

Art

 

[lcmains1]

Re: Introduction! New to the forum and somewhat new to boats.

Welcome, There is a bunch of knowledge on these fourms.
I can speak from experience when buying old boats. I have owned 3 in the past 2 years and have learned a ton on what not to buy. I would say that you have quite a bit of work ahead of you. You also have quite a bit of dollars in your future for this. Before you take the time to clean this thing up be sure that it is going to float and run. I have made the mistake of making a boat look great only to find out that it was junk. You will most likely need the following (considering it has sat for so long)

New Plugs and wires
Oil change
outdrive oil change
New Impeller
New Bellows
New Gimbal Bearing
New fluids
New Steering Cable

However, you need to be sure that engie will run before you do any of this.
Good luck with it, It looks like it could be a nice boat with a little tlc!