Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

[MagicMan]

There is a real clean one for sale around here w/ a 4.3, top, cover, and trailer.

But, the guy wants 7295 for it?!?!?!?! Even NADA doesn't give that for HIGH retail on it.

I could probably get it cheaper, but I you can't help but read all the negative comments people say about Bayliners. This boat doesn't have an hour meter so there's no way to tell how many hours are on it, but the boat looks decent.

Anyone got any advice?

I've got some pics.. but I can't post them yet...

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

Why not get it surveyed and make sure it more than just looks clean! Bayliners get a bad rap but they are fairly inexpensive and some first time boat owners don't really take care of them so of course the second or third owner gets the headaches. Mine is over 20 yrs. old and still going strong so it just depends on how its been cared for over the years. I would bargain him down on price though even if the surveyor says it looks good. Just my 2 cents.

 

[MagicMan]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

Why do Bayliner's have such a bad reputation? Do they really have weak hulls like people say?

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

There are a bunch of threads on this here and on the baylinerownersclub webpage. but they were entry level boats and some took care of them better than others.

 

[Danwec]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

Bayliners typically weigh a LOT less than upscale competitors..... that tells you something.

A buddy's bayliner: Stand in the cabin while underway and you can FEEL the water fllowing beneith your feet. stand in a same size (another buddy's) Monterey and you feel nothing. Also- the bayliner gets tossed around in the waves while the Monterey and the Doral cut and slice.

Not knocking them- you get a LOT of boat for the $$$. I haev a bayliner, and you can't argue with the reduced fuel consumption- especially at these prices! They are just a lighter made boat..... unless you go to brand new 30+ footers

 

[MagicMan]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

Well, I'm pretty particular about the maintenance of my vehicles and other toys... so I know that I would take as good of care as possible of it.

Should the fact that it has no hour meter scare me away?

Oh.. here's a pic...

 

[gcboat]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

An hourmeter is virtually useless to a buyer. All one needs to do is disconnect the wires and you have zero hours being recorded. Need to use some common sense - look at things. Check fluid levels, smell the oil, looks for leaks, etc, etc. Crawl around the engine bay and look for green or corroded wires - sure sign of water intrusion. If you're really serious have the boat surveyed by a professional. Thinking $300.00 to $400.00 would be a fair price. Then you have the peace of mind just knowing all there is to know about her - good and bad.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

nice looking bayliner!
like GC says use common sense and get her checked out by a surveyor then if you think its OK make your best deal. good luck!

 

[BAYLINER185]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

I have heard that bayliner is a cheep boat and so on and so fourth.

I did just buy a BRAND NEW 07 BAYLINER and its nothing like a CHEEP boat. It is also the same hull as its big brother SEA RAY as they are a Brunswick made boat. My dealer said they use the exact same hull as the SEA RAY and that SEA RAY uses a differtant top and deck is the only differance. Does that mean anything I dont know.

I did however have an 84 webcraft and this BAYLINER blowes it away. The new BAYLINERS are goign to make a change in the BAD reputation, just wait and see. My dealr told me they know bayliner has taken a lot of knocks and they are working to change that with these new units!

PS I have a new 07 185. They dropped the CAPRI name but of course its a bow rider.

My boat looks a lot like that one inside except for some modern changes. That one in the pic looks a lot like my old WEBBCRAFT!

 

[95yj]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

Most of the bad reputation of Bayliner comes from before Brunswick bought them out. Brunswick has actually turned the Bayliner into a pretty decent boat. It's still an entry level boat but you get a lot of boat for your money.

 

[Rob454]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

There is nothing wrong with bayliners. its how they were taken care of what matters. Usually what happens is since its a entry level boat people buy them they expect troubhle free use out of it and since they dont maintain it because they either dont know how or they dont want to pay the dealer/ repair shop prices for maintenance they let it go. Then the boat starts acting up they get tired of stuff breaking and they sell it and tell all their freinds how bad a boat it was. I bought a bayliner and I had to replace a couple of things but overall its a decent boat. i did get it used because i didnt want to shell out the $$ for a new boat.
as for the boat youre looking at it looks in great shape. the $$ he is asking isnt that outrageous considering its summer time and its boating season. Prices usually go up on whatever toys are for sale in whatever season.
you have to remember that. I see some ridiculous prices for some boats in my area.
Good luck with your purchase

 

[MagicMan]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

So now I'm lookin at a 1999 1850 SS. But, it's got the 3.0 in it. I thought the SS's came with the 4.3. Am I mistaken?

BTW, this boat is ridiculously clean. I mean immaculate.

 

[Rob454]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

So now I'm lookin at a 1999 1850 SS. But, it's got the 3.0 in it. I thought the SS's came with the 4.3. Am I mistaken?

BTW, this boat is ridiculously clean. I mean immaculate.

i think the 3.0 is the standard motor. the 4.3 is a optional upgrade
Rob

 

[TexasX]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

I am looking at buying the 1997 Bayliner Capri 1850 SS in my areas well. I am just wondering if anyone has bought a 4 cylinder 3.0 and regreted it later. I plan on using the boat for my family and mainly in our bay, but wondering should we bring a couple of additional adults, what to expect.

Thanks!

 

[FusionFrank]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

I am looking at buying the 1997 Bayliner Capri 1850 SS in my areas well. I am just wondering if anyone has bought a 4 cylinder 3.0 and regreted it later. I plan on using the boat for my family and mainly in our bay, but wondering should we bring a couple of additional adults, what to expect.

Thanks!

I have a 1997 Capri 1950 with a 3.0 LX engine and this is my first boat. We use it on a large chain of lakes in upstate NY, we usaully go out with 4 - 5 adults and all the typical gear (cooler, jackets etc) and pull a tube, the boat does great - gets on plane quickly and does not have any trouble pulling the tube (although you can feel a drag). The speedo reads almost 40 (but everyone says these are not accurate). I am very happy with this boat and feel it has adequate power. It also gets great fuel mileage. So far it has been very dependable, and has not given me any problems (this is my first seson with the boat).

 

[johnsonspond]

Re: Is a 1997 1850 Capri SS BR worth it?

I bought a 95 ss 1850 3 seasons ago. It runs great. turn the key and go. Just like my honda. Make sure the motor has good compression. In three seasons I have had about $1000 in mechnical work. Not bad considering I only paid $3000 for the boat. It is great on gas too.