Opinions on a Bayliner Trophy...

[relocyo]

So, im in the market for a new to me boat, ive heard such rotten things (rotten being the keyword) about a bunch of bayliners, this is one of a couple I have been watching online, question is are the bayliners trophy series just as poorly built as everyone says about other bayliners? Its alot of money for me to spend, and was just looking for a bit of feed back regarding the trophies... Anything specific to look for during a sea trial? Thanks in advance guys!http://okaloosa.craigslist.org/boa/2419021253.html

 

[Jshadwick]

Re: Opinions on a Bayliner Trophy...

Well, I am a trophy owner so i cant be too negative. My boat is a 98 Center console and its a good boat for what i gave for it. I have the same motor and i believe that it is underpowered, so i think a 22 footer will be way to much boat for this motor. In this price range there are alot of boats out there.

 

[AmigoAzul]

Re: Opinions on a Bayliner Trophy...

I had the same exact boat that I purchased new in 2k and sold in 2008 (got laid off). Mine came with a Merc Saltwater series 125 and would cruise at 32 MPH and the max speed trim out properly was 41 mph on a GPS. I would be suspect with the Force motor on this boat as they came with a Merc 125 as the base motor in 2000. The other thing to look out for is that they did'nt make the Force motor in 2000. I have a Force motor now that runs great but the parts availablity is limited. As for the quality of the boat I neber had any issues with it I thought it was a pretty well built boat and they offered a 10 year hull warranty on them. I had taken that boat into some pretty big seas for a 21ft boat and it did just fine in big water. Good luck and have make sure you go over the motorwith a fine tooth comb. Check spar, compression lower unit oil and water pump.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Opinions on a Bayliner Trophy...

I had a 1996 Bayliner Trophy W/A cuddy (model 2002) and loved the boat. The issue with early Bayliners (mostly 80's models) was due to poor construction. The company made major changes in their construction methods in the early 90's but has a hard shaking the stigma of the name. That is one of the reasons Bayliner changed the name of their bigger boats to Meridian.

Nonetheless, like anything else, the value of the boat depends on it's condition and the previous maintenance it has had. Any boat can be subject to neglect. There are perfect Bayliners and crappy Grady Whites. Regarding the engine, I had a Merc 150 any that was the perfect powerplant for a 20' cuddy. It is not a light boat and I have talked to others with the 2002 model and the Force O/B, and they even say it is underpowered. Force discontinued the O/B in 1999, so I wonder what year the engine truly is.
On another note, the model 2002 I am discussing was a 20' boat. Your 22' boat would be even slower. Aside from that, you may test drive the boat and it could run out at 35-38 MPH. But, it's empty because he's selling it. By the time you load your family/friends/gear/coolers into it, you would be lucky to see 30 MPH. Look for a bigger motor, and ones you can finds parts for.

Best of luck.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Opinions on a Bayliner Trophy...

I agree with the others. Nice boat, completely inadequate motor. Too much $$ with that motor.

 

[jm_bullard]

Re: Opinions on a Bayliner Trophy...

I have a 1998 Trophy 1903 center console. It came with a 120 Force, but I upgraded to a 150 Optimax. The Optimax pushes the boat well. No lack of power there. The Force was grossly underpowered for this boat. Alas, my wife and kids rarely fish with me. I'm going to keep my 17 foot Key West, and re-home the Trophy.

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Opinions on a Bayliner Trophy...

I have a 1991 Bayliner Trophy. It came with a 120hp force. The force outboards are good motors but require regular maintence like any other motor. It was a bit under power if you are trying to water ski behind it. But for a fishing machine it did what it was intended to do. Also it was very cheap on gas.

Remember when buying a boat that has a carbarated motor on it. Take the HP (120 HP) and drop the 0 and you will have the gas amount it will burn an hour at WOT. So this case 12 gallons of gas.

Also with these Force motors they are known to throw rings. You will want to do a compression test even if it runs. Mine still runs great but it thru a ring last year. Instead of rebuilding it I chose the an Evinrude 225hp. It sucks it (gas) like a cheap hooker on friday night......... lol

As to rotten, yes all these bayliner boat did have a rotting issue. The drain holes in the splash wells are a snap together attachments. If they didn't get sealed properly at the assembly plant then water gets into the transon and rots them. A simple way to check any boat to see if the transom is weak/rotten. Try bouncing the motor when trimmer up. The motor should not move at all. If it bounces there is a problem and it has a possible rotten transom. If the owener will let you, pop out the drain tube and poke with a screw driver for rotten wood. Check out the link in my signature, I just finished replacing my transom.

 

[relocyo]

Re: Opinions on a Bayliner Trophy...

Yea, that was def. A point of contention with the motor, I figured something that size should have a 150-200 hp on it... But where iam at theres lots of those bayliner trophies floatin around for sale (lol) didn't realize that there was no 2000 force motor, good catch guys, for as previous experience proves if they dont k know thr year of the motor they probably dont know how to take care of it either, I think I willpass on that one, I figure for the price I can get a better rig, I like those trophies but my heart is not completely set on them, I figure for under 10k I can get somethin halfway decent... I would hope at least, dont have time for a project right now... Thanks again yall for the motor catch, learn somthin everyday!