Looking at a 1987 Bayliner 2160 Hardtop ???

[Catfisher61]

Long time boater but new to I/O's / fiberglass boats. I'm looking at purchasing a 1987 2160 hardtop with a 3.0 OMC Cobra drive 130 hp on a road worthy trailer for fishing Lake Michigan. I do have a boat inspector lined up to look at it structurally and wiring before purchasing. Was told the boats been trailered and properly stored the last 25-30 years. I was able to water test it yesterday, waves were up so did not throttle it all the way up but engine ran and shifted well.
My biggest concern is about the 3.0 Cobra drive. Not looking to race anyone but is that engine enough hp for 3 men and gear.
Any info on that boat, drive, engine greatly appreciated.

 

[tpenfield]

Wow . . .
A Bayliner from the 1980's and OMC power package to go with it . . . . Ownership could be interesting, but there is always a diamond in the rough.

Let's see how things go with the inspection (is it a certified Marine Surveyor?)

 

[Catfisher61]

Inspector is certified.
Wasn't in the market for a 37-year-old Bayliner but the local and price made it worth looking at to me... just wanted to know if that engine and drive train are enough from someone with hands on

 

[matt167]

Well a Bayliner Trophy 2160 hardtop would be one reason to gamble on a Cobra Drive. That said. That’s a big heavy boat. The 3.0L is either a base engine or one that somebody swapped in. I know they were common with 4.3’s and that was enough. My dad’s current fishing barge is a 1986 Mark Twain MTF 240 cuddy walk around with OMC 4.3 ( I would have never invested In obsolescence) it has enough power with a 4.3L, but could use more. The weights of those 2 boats are similar

OMC Cobra is obsolete and has some shift issues but for the most part they do work.

 

[Catfisher61]

got it on the Mark Twain weight / engine hp comparison, the 3.0 is the original engine per the owner... boat really is a barge but we like the fishing platform.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Plan on a full restoration and potentially a repower

 

[airshot]

Parts no longer availiable for OMC stuff, and probably some rot in the wood structure without a doubt !! Bayliner were budget built boats with lots of wood in the structure and that 3.0 is minium hp. All this is my opinion of course. For me, it is aluminum hulks all the way...no glass boats !!

 

[dingbat]

The hull is rated to 230 Hp.

Wouldn't want to be out on big water when push comes to shove that under powered

 

[Lou C]

Agreed on both points frankly ANY 1987 ‘glass/wood composite boat is a risk for rot and a 3.0 in a 21’ boat is less than adequate. I have the 4.3 4bbl V6 Cobra in my 20’ FW and it’s adequate for a cruise speed of 25-30 mph but that’s about it. Ideally it should have a 5.7 4bbl. The Cobra drive well I’ve had great luck with mine but there are not many places at all that will work on them. See if any shops near you will work on a Cobra if not you should pass.

 

[Catfisher61]

appreciate everyone's feedback on that engine and especially the Cobra outdrives, I'm still in the market... that boat is still for sale as we went and looked at it again today before the inspection and my 6'3" fishing bud and the hardtop are not compatible.

 

[airshot]

Had that been an aluminum boat, the 3.0 would have been more than adequate if it were a Merc !! I had a 22' Starcraft aluminum with a 3.0 and it worked great. 34 mph with two adults and gear !! That heavy glass boat would have been a dog.

 

[mr 88]

What is your budget ? Are you slipping it or trailering ? Mostly fishing or kids and water sports as well ? Waters you plan on boating on ? Just a few things that may make it easier to make a suggestion on boats to look for and avoid .