Volvo Penta AQ 125 A

[jedman]

Hello,

We are new to the boating world. Actually, not quite there yet. Boated as kids, but now we have our own and are thinking of buying a used boat to see how our kids like it. We are looking at a 1985 Bayliner with a Volvo Penta AQ 125A. Does anyone know what the exact horsepower of this would be, and would it be suitable to tow water skiers? Thanks

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Volvo Penta AQ 125 A

A lot will have to do with the size of the boat, how many hours are on the engine, how many people aboard/cargo. If it's just kids on two skiis,with the right prop you would probably be fine. But to get the pulling power needed for a slalom skier you may not have enough top end to fit the bill for slalom skiing(usually need a bit more top speed for slalom) If you do end up buying this boat make sure to have it looked over by a surveyor or marine mechanic. That vintage bayliner is very prone to rotted floors/stringers/transom. The boat market is pretty soft right now and there are a lot of good deals out there. A well maintained boat with records is what you are after. Not saying that liner isn't a good boat just make sure and check it over well it is almost 25...

 

[getinmerry]

Re: Volvo Penta AQ 125 A

I believe the HP is around 130. I have the same motor in my Glastron. It's fine for water skiers provided you don't have too much weight on board. Lister to the previous post about the possibility of rot on the Bayliner...very common problem.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Volvo Penta AQ 125 A

I had a Sunbird 19' Cuddy with the same engine about 115hp. We could pull an adult skier with 2 adults and 3 small kids on board.

 

[tbear1964]

Re: Volvo Penta AQ 125 A

I had a Sunbird 19' Cuddy with the same engine about 115hp. We could pull an adult skier with 2 adults and 3 small kids on board.

Depending on the manual you refer to, 110 to 115 HP. I have a 16 ft. Bayliner with that exact engine mated to the AQ270. Strong runner. Towing won't be a problem, just keep the passenger weight forward. You might need to to prop down and inch or 2. Usually a 14X19 is standard. For Watersports with passengers, you might need to sacrafice a few MPH for the holeshot. 14x17 should work okay, depending on what your are starting with.

Seatrial with a towing load and some prop experiments and you will be dialed in.

Good luck, great combo.

 

[Blackpony]

Re: Volvo Penta AQ 125 A

We have an '85 BL Capri Bowrider w/VP AQ125A 270 I/O. It does a nice job of pulling skiers - adult slalom, kneeboard, teen kids on tubes, etc. The manual says it's 110 hp -- great running little engine. A friend who is 6'0 240 lbs had one and it pulled him out with a little work - he even barefoot behind his (stepping out). We bought ours new in '85 and with love & care it's in great shape today. Hopefully you found one like it!