25' 1978 Bayliner question...

[ElmoTheDestroyer]

Hi,

I'm looking at buying a 78 Bayliner with a 305/280 drive... I was hoping you guys/gals could tell me a bit about what to expect/lookout for/etc...

I've heard the older Bayliners are built stronger, so that sounded appealing... Is that true? I live in the San Juan Islands and the waves can get a bit rough here at times (windy).. I don't want to have a boat that is going to break in half or something.

Curious what sort of efficiency that hull/engine combo gets? Assuming it has trim tabs and the "most efficient" cruising prop. I'm sure at 25' it's going to use a fair amount of fuel..

Any other thoughts you have would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 25' 1978 Bayliner question...

Bayliners are know as low-end boats. so, in a boat that started out low-end and is now 33 years old, you should look out for just about everything.

In that era, boats had lots of wood built into the structure of the boat. the wood usually rots in about 15-20 year's time. You should check for rotten wood and 'soft' areas of the flooring, transom, stringers, and other structural components.

I don't think the boat will break in half; probably more like 1/3 and 2/3's

The engine is a whole other story and you should check its condition as well. You should go for a ride as well as inspect everything and bounce the boat through some waves, check the performance at wide open throttle, etc.

Have fun.

 

[PBarrett]

Re: 25' 1978 Bayliner question...

I suggest you go over here and ask the same questions. There are a lot of members from the PNW that will be familiar with your boat and the waters you plan to boat/fish in.

http://www.baylinerownersclub.org/forum/index.php

Bubba, is pretty much dead on in his assessment. Any boat in the wrong hands can be reduced to junk, but a boat that was well taken care of, can usually serve you well.

PB

 

[junkman306]

Re: 25' 1978 Bayliner question...

I can tell you one thing for certain, that 5.0 liter is not enough power for that boat. Well, assuming you want to get there in a reasonable amount of time. Beyond that, name brand is pretty much meaningless in a boat that old, condition is EVERYTHING.

I know nothing about these boats and boats in general, but you don't think a single 305 is enough motor for that Bayliner??? I'm asking for informational purposes, not to be confrontational.

 

[Lakes84]

Re: 25' 1978 Bayliner question...

That boat has to be close to 6000 pounds. I have a 4.3 in my 21 ft and sometimes I wish I had more speed. That boat is heavy and will be a gas hog with that motor and sloooow, but if you're not into it for speed go for it. Just be prepared to have a chunk of your paycheck set aside for the gas. Like Bubba said, condition is everything. If the wood in it is all solid, (IE, stringers, transom, floor) go for it.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 25' 1978 Bayliner question...

I am familiar with that boat. The quality is not quite as bad as it's outboard cousins but it is not a Bertram either. If it had a big block it might be a decent boat but as Bubba says the 5.0 it is under-powered. I had the 1977 27' Victoria Command bridge with a 5.7 L and it was a slug.