1980s Bayliner Volvo vs Ford Inboard Engines

[marcusknight]

I may have an opportunity to buy one of two 1980s 18 foot Bayliner Capri. One has a Volvo engine and the other newer one has a Ford. Assuming the conditions of the boats were about the same, was one of these engines better than the other?

 

[bruceb58]

Neither are great. Both are going to be hard to get parts for and the Bayliner Capri in general is not a very good boat in the first place. My bet is the Ford engine is mounted to an OMC Cobra so the Volvo gets a slight nod.

 

[2kvert]

I was steered away from ford because of the OMC drives by a boat dealer. Even though he had a few on the lot He claimed they are less then reliable and very hard to get parts and service for.

 

[marcusknight]

If not a Bayliner, what would be a good boat of same size and configuration for late 80s or early 90s assuming I wanted an inboard engine as well?

 

[marcusknight]

And how good or bad are the force outboards from that time?

 

[bruceb58]

I wouldn't buy a Force either of course if you stay away from Bayliner, you will stay away from Force. Almost any boat will be better than a Bayliner of the late 80's early 90's. If you look at my profile, you will see I had a late 80's Bayliner Capri so I speak from experience.

With any boat of that era, you need to make sure that the transom, floor and stringers aren't rotten. You will find many that are.

 

[jerryjerry05]

I have a1988 21 Bayliner with twin 85 Forces.
They aren't as good on gas as a newer fuel injected motor but they also don't need a computer to diagnose any problems.
I like mine. I get about 2to 2 and 1/2 mi to a gallon.
Simple and easy to maintain.
The Capri was an economical mass produced boat.The Force an economical outboard.
Both owned by US Marine. The same company that now owns Searay.
The Volvo would be my choice of the 2 boats.
Again the drive they used was the less expensive motor/drive combo.
But the Volvo drive is the best drive maker out there.
The Volvo parts are a lot more expensive than Mercruiser.
DO NOT BUY A COBRA ANYTHING.

 

[marcusknight]

On Craigs List I have been looking at boats about 18 feet long in the 3 grand range. I have a 16 foot Starcraft now, but I want something a bit bigger and something with and inboard style engine. If not Bayliner, what alternatives would you all recommend for something in that configuration?

 

[jerryjerry05]

I didn't say Bayliner was bad. I would buy a Bayliner any day.
Just the drive they put on some years.
The Cobra was used by Bayliner starting in 86/87 till the mid 90's than they used Mercruiser.
Before that they used Volvo and before that they used Mercruiser.
The Bayliner use the same material and gauges and are not as bad as some people say.
I've owned a 32 a 28 two 21's No real problems with any.

Just have someone with some marine experience check the boat out.
Or spend the bucks and get a survey.
The motor should have a compression test and the drive dropped and checked.
Most used boats have been setting.People don't usually sell something they are happy with.
Not using a boat is the worst thing you can do to one.