Thinking of buying Bayliner 2155 Sunbridge (Please HELP)

[Gotdabug]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a 1989 Bayliner 2155 Ciera SunBridge. It has a clean looking 3.0l OMC power plant with OMC out drive. It would be my first boat. Can anyone offer advise on this, what to look for and what the good points are?!!!!! Thanks

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Thinking of buying Bayliner 2155 Sunbridge (Please HELP)

Is that a 21 FT boat??If it is it is:

A-- Severely Underpowered

B--OMC motors are severely outdated.can't find anyone to work on them and the parts are almost non-existant(very hard to find -if at all)

I personally would pass.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Thinking of buying Bayliner 2155 Sunbridge (Please HELP)

and what the good points are?!!!!!

Ayuh,... As soon as I think of Anything,.... I'll come back...

 

[Showtime22]

Re: Thinking of buying Bayliner 2155 Sunbridge (Please HELP)

My first thought was also that its under powered.
Always test drive a boat before you buy. You can see if you like the way it drives and learn the tricks of the trailer. And you get to check its performance.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Thinking of buying Bayliner 2155 Sunbridge (Please HELP)

Now hold on boys - . First off the motor is GM based and even I can work on them. Parts are available and abundant. Now, the kicker is the Cobra drive. That's where your problem starts.
Also consider in the fact that this is a 20 year old boat. During those lean and mean years Bayliner produced some ( a lot )of pretty cheaply manufactured products. Stringer rot, transom rot are not uncommon. Now, it is all related to owner maintenance.
Since they were produced in a vast amount they were considered by many to be an entry level boat.
I am not being a Bayliner basher - I've got one. Just some points to consider on your impending purchase.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Thinking of buying Bayliner 2155 Sunbridge (Please HELP)

Iron Duke could be the best motor in the world but that boat is still underpowered BIGTIME. (especially if shes wet)

88 OMC Sterndrive ? Don't walk away, RUN.

 

[Gotdabug]

Re: Thinking of buying Bayliner 2155 Sunbridge (Please HELP)

Thank you all for your comments, Please keep them coming.

Yes it's the 21-22 foot model. It needs a lot of love, it has been left out of water for 2 years now and shows the results of true Irish elements. Hull seems ok, no cracks or visable stress. Engine looks clean, I was expcting a lot worse! no oily residue in the bilge either. The drive is hardly corroded at all. Inside is dry, needs a good cleaning but no must or damp. Current owner seems very mechanically minded but really laid back.

I haven't heard it running yet as he is in the middle of servicing it (could take some time) However he had no objection to putting it in the water so I could test drive (when he get round to servicing it 3-4 weeks maybe)

I would be berthing it in Inland water ways mostly where speed is restricted in a lot of places, however I live by the coast!!!
I am mechanically minded, and a lot of my friends are mechanics, I love boats and fancy a bit of a challenge, however Not an expensive one!!

Tanks.

 

[Gotdabug]

Re: Thinking of buying Bayliner 2155 Sunbridge (Please HELP)

Thank you all for your comments, Please keep them coming.

Yes it's the 21-22 foot model. It needs a lot of love, it has been left out of water for 2 years now and shows the results of true Irish elements. Hull seems ok, no cracks or visable stress. Engine looks clean, I was expcting a lot worse! no oily residue in the bilge either. The drive is hardly corroded at all. Inside is dry, needs a good cleaning but no must or damp. Current owner seems very mechanically minded but really laid back.

I haven't heard it running yet as he is in the middle of servicing it (could take some time) However he had no objection to putting it in the water so I could test drive (when he gets round to servicing it 3-4 weeks maybe)

I would be berthing it in Inland water ways mostly where speed is restricted in a lot of places, however I live by the coast!!!
I am mechanically minded, and a lot of my friends are mechanics, I love boats and fancy a bit of a challenge, however Not an expensive one!!

Thanks.