I’m going to look at a very clean Bayliner bowrider on Friday. The boat has apparently had a lot of work done to it and from the pics I’ve seen it looks clean. I normally wouldn’t consider such a boat but some friends of ours have taken us out a few times on their Bayliner and we’ve had a blast. Their boat has actually withstood a good deal of neglect as well as noob mistakes like pulling out of the lake with the engine trimmed down. They haven’t been able to break theirs in the three years they’ve had it.

This is the 22ft bowrider I’m considering.








The boat apparently has a new floor, interior, water pump, stainless prop, and top. I am not sure if the total hours yet. It has a 5.0L merceuiser alpha one with a new stainless exhaust.

My main concern is that it doesn’t come with a trailer. I’m thinking I should be able to find a used trailer for $900-1500.

Are Bayliners terrible boats? The price is QUITE tempting.

bayliners are built to a price. simple enough. I'd never go anywhere offshore with one, but lake etc. not something that would worry me, especially if I own it and can provision adequate emergency supplies. Used trailer should be nothing problematic to find, but pricing can be a bit regional. The Merc is pretty solid especially if its life has been in fresh water, but in the end your risk is a new rebuilt one and that's 12-15K. Way less than if it had an outboard. New floor is not a very clean boat for the record, its one with a history that merits investigation. Not good or bad, just investigation.

Break Out Another Thousand...

quote:

Are Bayliners terrible boats?

Yes, but my family had one when I was a kid, we never had any major problems even though we were told it'd fall to pieces.

Had a 21' just like that IIRC it got up to 53 mph, 55-56 on smooth water with tabs all the way up. More than enough power to pull skiers and tubers.

Man I miss my early teens spent on that Bayliner. Almost every weekend in the summer at the lake and occasionally a one or two week trip to Smith Mountain Lake. Some of my favorite times as a teen.

My 2 happiest days as a boat owner was when I first bought it, and the day I sold it. I will NEVER own any boat ever again! Nothing but a constant money pit and time drain. When you have a boat, everyone is your friend, but no one helps out cleaning, flushing or offers gas money. I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but that was my boat experience.....

Rent don’t own. No matter how much it costs, it’s cheaper than owning.
There are all sorts of hidden costs to own a boat that new owners overlook.

I feel the same as Cousin Vinnie. I had a brand new super pro air nautique for 8 years. It was a blast but, something was always breaking. Sold it in 2010 and I felt major relief as I watched the guy who bought it, drive off into the sunset.

Storage wouldn’t be a problem. I have a huge driveway and it should fit in my garage (I need to check that).

Is a new engine really $12k ?!

As long as you have the money and don’t mind spending it, and the time involved.

If you are in a tight budget, or resent spending, the fun evaporates in a hurry.

I was thinking worst case scenario if the engine went out in 2-3 years it would be about $6k. Are mercruiser 5.0l engines that expensive to replace?

The reason the price is "tempting" is because it's a Bayliner.

Are girls in bikini's going to be ridding up front ? if yes then buy it. it's a pretty boat.

I would check the transom for any kind of rot they usually line that area with plywood for strength then glass over it, if water penetrated that area it might look good from the outside but could be an issue.

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Break Out Another Thousand...

Party pooper.

Ok. I always cheer on people who want to buy boats because I love boats and boating. Buuuttt, I don't have one... Now where is that hole in the water...

Rules of boat buying,

Don't buy the first boat you look at,

Don't buy a Bayliner.


You'll thank me later.

quote:

Originally posted by amals:

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Break Out Another Thousand...

Party pooper.

Ok. I always cheer on people who want to buy boats because I love boats and boating. Buuuttt, I don't have one... Now where is that hole in the water...

I spent all my money on fast cars, fast motorcycles, fast women and fast lawyers.

Weren't nuthin' left for no damn boat...

they aren’t called Bayliner for no reason....they have a horrible reputation. And yes, a new motor will go over 10k....anything on a boat is more expensive because it’s on a boat. My buddy is replacing a motor in his (not a Bayliner) and it’s running him 16k for a rebuilt.

Bayliners are average quality boats but would be ok if you use them for average wave heights etc. They're not going to fall apart or anything......and the price cutting corners bayliner used in the build have already been fixed (floor, seating, etc.)

Check lower unit oil for water in it. Just back the drain screw out and let a few drops of oil drip out, it should be oil colored and clear.....no water, no white milkshake color, dark color indicates it's been a long time since it's been changed. Do a compression test on the motor. Exhaust manifolds are supposed to be changed every 5-7 years in saltwater as when they go bad they leak water into the engine cylinders. A compression test will show if this has happened before the manifolds were changed. If you want to go further, pull an oil sample and send it out. A CAT dealer, you can buy a bottle, shipping label and the service for like $35 and have the analysis in 2-3 days usually. Check when the raw water pump impellor in the lower unit was changed, you want to do this every 2 years or 200 hours. Check bilge pumps. I would highly recommend paying a good marine shop a few hundred to thoroughly inspect the boat before you buy it.

If you buy a used trailer, get a double axle,it is MUCH safer. Immediately do the wheel bearings and seals in it. You should be able to get one in that size and length in aluminum for your price range.

You didn't say what your price is, but personally I'd rather have a boat with a 4 stroke outboard in that size/type. I/O's are a royal pain in the rear to work on the engine usually due to them being buried half under the floor.

Gcode- your buddy is getting taken for a royal ride. A new 5.0 liter marine engine is around $5k, $8k full dressed with all new accessories, exhaust manifolds or less.

quote:

Originally posted by RaiseHal:
Rules of boat buying,

Don't buy the first boat you look at,

Don't buy a Bayliner.

Good advice in general.
Bayliner boats are cheap for a reason, even new ones, compared to many other brands.

Used boats can represent a good value, if you know what you're doing and what to look for.

The wrong used boat can end up being a nightmare, causing you to dump money into it you'll never get back.

Do your research, spend some time looking at boats and pretty soon you'll start understanding why Bayliner boats are considered a joke by most serious boaters.

The boat you're considering has had the floor and interior replaced?
Personally, I wouldn't even consider it.
The floor was probably rotten.
if the floor was rotten, the stringers might be, too. Yikes.

Run away.

Rule 1: aluminum
Rule 2: outboard

If you're new to boating and operate in unfamiliar water. You may consider running an aluminum propeller. They can save your lower unit if you run aground.

Better to sacrifice a $160 aluminum prop than trash the outdrive by running that stainless and transmitting a hit through the gearing.