1988 bayliner 2251 CB Cobra

[fatboy99]

I am currently looking into buying a bayliner 22" 2251 cobra. Can anyone give me some info on this boat. From what I can find it was only manufactured in 1988. The seller is asking 8500.00 I am not an experienced boater or buyer, but this boat is beautiful. I have herad that older bayliners are not exactly quality boats. I was told the manufacturer in the 80's compromised quality for quanity. Please help!!!

 

[waterguy]

Re: 1988 bayliner 2251 CB Cobra

This question has been beat to death on this website. All I can advise you is that Bayliners have a terible reputation. I don't know if it's true or not, but I almost bought one, but after reading all the bad things about Bayliners on the web, I decided to stay clear of them. I purchased a "Sting Ray". It was a bit more expensive, but it's a great boat and I couldn't be happier with it. There are just too many boats out there to take a chance on a Bayliner. Good luck. What ever you get I'm sure you'll have fun. Boating is the greatest fun you can have....Waterguy

 

[93bronco]

Re: 1988 bayliner 2251 CB Cobra

there is a bayliner owners club www.boc-web.org <br />they wont beat you up. bayliners are great boats. you just have to find one that was taken care of, like any other boat. there is a mako up the street that is really BAD from neglect. in another subdivision there is a dc hydrasport that is getting that way. at the last boat show 2wks ago i talk to a guy who had a whaler that he said was a sponge. so its who you talk to. i like my trophy, handles and rides great. just dont like the access to fuel tank. but then the high dollar pursuit w/a is the same way as well as seapro. the price was right on my trophy for my budget at the time.

 

[MrBill]

Re: 1988 bayliner 2251 CB Cobra

fatboy: Check this out....the NADA used vehicle/craft guide. Your boat is listed, fill in the detail for specific equipment, etc and you'll get a good idea of fair market value. Remember...average retail price comes with a dealer warrantee of some sort and financing etc. A private party purchase should be less. Regardless of "reputation", the buy/sell market tends to reflect that phenomenon in price. Your price seems about $2000. too high. With a used boat, shop for attention to maintenance and upkeep. <br /><br /> http://www2.nadaguides.com/

 

[magster65]

Re: 1988 bayliner 2251 CB Cobra

Fatboy99, The bottom line is;<br />Bayliners do not hold thier value like most other boat because of reputation problems they earned in the past but also cost less than the 'other brand' equivalent. <br />Bayliners have more good and bad stories than other boats because they've made so many.<br />Bayliners are harder to sell because everyone, like yourself, has heard the rumors and horror stories.<br />I personally would buy a Bayliner, lack of maintenance and general care will turn any boat into a rotten hulk given enough time.<br />If your finances permit, buy a better boat and avoid the topic all together.<br />(no offence intended to Bayliner owners)