WHAT DID I JUST BUY?

[thewallflowers]

So my friend said he knows someone that is selling a 1988 Bayliner capri 17 ft boat cheep. so i went there and looked it over a bit. New upholstery, garage kept, almost new tires, to name a few things. It has been in the garage for 2 years so the battery was weak and it at least turned over. So I bought it. got it home and looking at the title closer it says 16 ft and 1987 Bayliner. I have looked on Bayliner website and could not find this boat. The motor is a 2.3l Ford with an OMC outdrive. This could be a 160 bowliner or a 1650 capri or something. Anyone have any idea of exactly what it may be. My last 2 boats are still sitting in storage as they are 1970's models needing parts. I hope this wont be that same issues.

 

[bruceb58]

1988 Bayliner Marine Corp Prices & Values

1988 Bayliner Marine Corp Prices & Values - J.D. Power

www.nadaguides.com

Hope you got it really cheap. Bayliners of that vintage were pretty poorly made boats even when they were new. How do I know? I owned one. That along with an OMC Cobra...good luck.

 

[matt167]

Well, aside from the boat possibly being a rotten deck-over. The 2.3L has not been used in a boat since about 1990 and that was by OMC, which is defunct. You should be able to find parts to keep it going, but you will need to consider used stuff as well

 

[Scott Danforth]

if that motor ever needs an exhaust manifold - good luck.

 

[Lou C]

NLA Marine
Sea Way Marine
eBay
I’ve gotten many OMC spare parts from these sources that are not available from BRP any longer. With these you have to anticipate ahead of time what you’re going to need because it takes a while to find parts. Having said that I’ve never lost a season due to a lack of parts.

 

[bruceb58]

Outofbusinessmarinecorp.com

if that motor ever needs an exhaust manifold - good luck.

Yep...even GLM(Good Luck Marine) doesn't even make them for that engine.

 

[Scott Danforth]

used ones are $600 to $1000, chinesium knock-offs are $600-$700

 

[thewallflowers]

Well I got an engine manual from Bayliner. It at least gives me the needed info on the motor. I had to put it in the storage yard because the HOA won't let me mess with it during the week. I need to hear it at least run. I will hook up an external fuel tank to it and put the muffs on it and cross my fingers. Besides the possible exhaust issue, is there anything else I need to look for after I change the oil, filters, plugs, points, and check the timing? I paid 2k for it and got the title and stickers done this morning.

 

[thewallflowers]

It is called a 1650 BR.

 

[Scott Danforth]

hope the transom and stringers are not rotted

 

[Sprig]

So you bought a 32 year old Bayliner without taking it for a test run. Well good luck with that. And you have no idea if the engine runs, or what condition the engine and out drive are in. In addition old Bayliners are notorious for having rot in the hull and transom and having the flotation saturated. Again good luck with this, let us know how it all goes.

 

[bruceb58]

It is called a 1650 BR.

Nada doesn't show a 1650BR for 1988. 1986 looks like last year.

 

[jmok1978]

I paid 2k for it

Yowza!

 

[briangcc]

Pandemic has been doing crazy things with boat prices so probably not out of line. Would have been about a grand (or more) cheaper pre-pandemic.

But is what it is.

I remember seeing those boats outside K-Mart back in the 80's.

This is the era that soured everyone on Bayliner so I would very, very carefully check over every inch of the stringers and transom to make sure they are solid. Tap tests tell you nothing, you need to drill test holes, as low as possible, inside the boat. Clean shavings - seal the hole up. Wet mulch....your decision whether to repair or part/scrap. Resto forums are full of info if/when you get to that stage.

 

[thewallflowers]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement ( LOL ). I am 2 blocks away from the main road that everyone take to Lake Mead. A good friend has a lot on the main road and has sold several boats over the years because his lot is so visible. He said because it is that time of year when people are looking, 78 F today, it is a great time to sell. So i will get it to the lake this week and then if it all works, i may put it up for sale. the local craigs list has this type fo around 3k or higher so we will see. if all else fails i will keep using my 76 sea swirl that still runs great. This is boat #5. Sold boat #1 (OUTBOARD), took #2 to the recycling yard, #3 still needs wiring, #4 works great for a very old boat and now this 86/87 bowliner capri 1650 br. I WILL GET IT RIGHT SOMEDAY.