More Bayliner???'s

[camaroman7d]

I am new to this board, but not a new boater. I have done a search and read up on Bayliner topics on this site. As a previous Bayliner owner I have nothing bad to say about them (I owned a 1986 Capri with the dredded Force). I bought it used and had no problems out of it. I am a very detail oriented person and take very good care of my things (also very mechanically inclined). <br />Okay now for my delima, I am in the market for another boat (it has been too long). I know some people don't care much for Bayliners. I am looking at a 1995 18ft Bayliner powered by a Mercruiser O/D 135HP, it is a fish and ski style boat which is perfect for us. I know the older Bayliners weren't considered to be any good, but are the newer ones any better? (I know this is a matter of opinion to some degree). The boat will not be docked. We are not big on skiing either. It will only be used in fresh water and will be very well taken care of (covered and maintained). <br />Is this a bad boat? Lay it on me (good or bad). I am not looking for the Ferrari of boats, but a decent Chevy will do fine. <br /><br />Royce

 

[12Footer]

Re: More Bayliner???'s

Welcome to the forum,Camaroman.Look for a deck hatch, and if found, lift it. This is where the problems are with Bliners. The Mercruisers are tried and true...Very reliable.<br />But anyhoo, look for uncoated bulkheads,specially the top half, and the under side of the decking. I believe Bliner went to foam bulkhead contruction,but they still use "the gun",and don't roll the mat in properly.<br />And it really does make a difference, if the boat is cared for. My 89 Capri is in the driveway,covered, otherwise ready for me to hook up and go..Danged weekend hurricanes!@!!!!#$%^^&<br />

 

[camaroman7d]

Re: More Bayliner???'s

Bayliner has been around since the 1950's. I just don't understand that if they are so "bad" how would they still be in business? Take Yugo for instance, they are no longer around because they truely were bad cars. <br /><br />Thanks for the advice 12footer, I will definetly keep an eye open for what you mentioned. <br /><br />What about Four Winns, Reinell, or Seaswirl? Are these boats any "better"? I am in the market for a 16 - 18' openbow I/O style boat. I am open to suggestions (no older than 1993 or so).<br /><br />Royce

 

[ctak]

Re: More Bayliner???'s

Well here goes... I think it depends on the previous owner and boat upkeep. I have a 94 Bayliner 1850LS bowrider with a 4.3LX mercruiser. I bought it used about three and a half years ago. I live in the Seattle area and use it for both fresh and salt water recreation and fishing. I have nothing but good things to say about this boat. The engine runs smooth and strong. I pull my two boys and their friends tubing and skiing. It has plenty of room for gear and passengers. I've got a couple of downriggers hooked on the back for salmon fishing in the fall. It's small enough that I just hook up and go on a nice afternoon. Gas mileage is great compared to an outboard that I grew up on. If you read posts on this board there are people who have had bad experiences with Bayliner, and for good reason. But for myself not knowing the history I bought this boat and have been very happy with it. I keep it stored in the winter in my garage (had to shorten the axle by 3") and take fairly good care of it. This board is a god send for boaters. You can get repair and mantenance tips and it holds a wealth of information and most importantly the people are just plain good folk. If you inspect the boat and talk to the previous owner(hopefully he is the original) and its in good shape and he has taken good care of it then I would say your chances of getting a good reliable boat are great. The other thing would be how you are going to maintain it which sounds like you've got this area covered. The only other thing to consider is the motor size. I have a 4.3 because that is what came with the boat. I don't know how the 3.0 handles the boat. I would suspect that the initial hole shots would be a little slower.. might be an issue if pulling skiers. I can run mine up past 50mph with a 25' prop. I've heard that w/ the 3.0 you can get up around 40mph but again I don't know because I haven't been it a boat with a 3.0. Anyway I would take her out for a spin on water. Hope this helps and if you have any questions just ask...<br /><br />Colin

 

[12Footer]

Re: More Bayliner???'s

Bayliner's downfall is due to it's production methods,in quality control.<br />The newer Bliners are made differently,and so far, outside of the Proline division,I haven't heard much complaints. But Review the posts of "Mrnobody",regarding his winter project. It's illustrates the major issues owners of bayliners must deal with. They aren't as bad as all that, but just as the Force line of outboards, they require unique maintainence attention to areas such as under deck,transom, brasswork, and minor fit and finish ,like trim.<br />They are the highest seller of all hulls in thier market,thus you have more of them out there to complain about. They are priced fairly for what they are. As a contrast, look at Boston Whaler, Grady White, and Mako resale values for hulls produced in the same year. You'll see that (unless the guy doesn't know what he has), it will be consistantly way higher than Bliner.<br />But us Bliner owners still develop the same love affairs with our scourned craft.<br />I don't think I'll ever sell mine. It's pretty, sound, an stable. And I plan to keep her ship shape as long as I'm able,and run her with pride.

 

[camaroman7d]

Re: More Bayliner???'s

You guys are great, Thanks.<br />The boat I am thinking about is in "Like New" shape can't even tell it's been used (from the photos)less than 150hrs. It is a 1 owner 1995 18' Fish and Ski with a 3.0L Mercruiser rated at 135HP. I believe it will reach about 44mph (not sure though). Like I said my main goal is a good fresh water lake boat for family fishing. We do not ski at all, so that is not a real concern. I do not want a slug either. I would love to have a full on bass boat, but I will wait until my kids are older for that (not the safest for kids in my opinion). This is not a boat I plan to keep for the rest of my life or anything like that (though it is one very nice looking boat).<br /><br />Royce

 

[MIKE F]

Re: More Bayliner???'s

One thing you can do is make sure you don't leave any water sitting in the bilge when you leave the boat. Best of luck.

 

[Mike M2]

Re: More Bayliner???'s

Ok, here's another. I too am a Bliner owner. I bought a 24ft. 94 Cierra a few months ago with a 4.3. I gotta say, i love this boat, and yes, it is very sound. I trust this boat greatly, and take it on 4 day trips around the great Chesapeake. Hell, i'm taking her trolling tomarrow for Rock. I was worried at first about the 4.3, but it does plane just fine, top speed isn't great, but thats ok by me. <br />My old boat was a 86 19 Bliner with the Volvo 125. That boat planed great, pulled a skier fine, and got gas mileage that was unbelievable! Same story tho, too much wood, not enough glass, replaced flooring and seats, but enjoyed doing it. I can say i really see a big difference in quality between th 86 and the 94.<br />I guess they are like VW Beetles, not the best built thing with 4 wheels, but once you have one, you love them.

 

[MGBRingo]

Re: More Bayliner???'s

I own a 1991 Arriva 20' with the Mercruiser 5.7 Chebby V8. It is made by Bayliner.<br /><br />I bought it new in Feb 1992. It has been great. I use it a lot and have never had any problems with it. Fit and finish is great. Seats are still like new.