92 Bayliner 1700 capri Force 70

[ssobol]

I found a 92 Bayliner 1700 capri with a Force 70 and a trailer. The guy wants $1800 for it.

He admits that he has had some trouble getting the engine to run this year. Said it worked fine last year. He seems to think that if it can be run for awhile it will sort itself out (get rid of the gum).

I haven't seen the boat yet. I don't have the time for a major project (like structural repairs) but I could deal with some issues with the motor.

Based on the reputation of these boats and motors am I wasting my time even going to look at it? NADA says $1800 is the right price for this boat (although probably with a working motor).

Any idea on the towing weight of this boat. The guy says it's 1200#. That seems a bit low to me.

I just want a boat for cruising around. How does this boat handle in chop (on rivers and med sized lakes)?

Thanks.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: 92 Bayliner 1700 capri Force 70

Don't pay any more than you're willing to lose on a Bayliner of this vintage, especially with a Force outboard.

Personally, this sounds like one of those "it's an easy fix" claims. Well, if it's so damn easy, why doesn't the current owner just do it? It'd seem to me to be common sense that a running outboard would boost the sale price.

I assume you understand that Force is essentially an obsolete brand that is no longer in production. Parts availability is now questionable and finding a mechanic willing to work on them can be difficult. Many main dealers will no longer work on Force, but usually with enough leg work you can find someone who will.

It varies by region, but NADA is always wildly high when it comes to prices for this area. $1800? I'm thinking maybe $800 would be more like it, but as you say that would be with a working motor.

At this time of year it's a buyer's market. I'd tell the owner to get it running and then you'll come and look at it. If he isn't willing to, walk away.

Grouse

 

[NYBo]

Re: 92 Bayliner 1700 capri Force 70

You'll have to look thoroughly to avoid those structural problems you want to avoid- these boats are notorious for them (sole, stringers, and transom are prone to rot if they haven't been kept covered).

I wouldn't pay that much for a non-running version, even if the hull is sound.

You are looking at something around 1500# to 1600# tow weight with fuel, batteries, safety equipment, etc.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 92 Bayliner 1700 capri Force 70

Check motor for strong spark on all three plugs, then check compression - 120# or higher on each cylinder.
Check the sparkplugs for signs of water, rust, or steam cleaning.

If those are ok, then the fuel/dirty carb is likely.
Easy to clean and work on that carb, yea there is only one.
Decent motor, maybe a bit underpowered on that boat if you load it with more that 3 people.

 

[lprizman]

Re: 92 Bayliner 1700 capri Force 70

bayliner + force = bad investment

 

[perchin]

Re: 92 Bayliner 1700 capri Force 70

I found a 92 Bayliner 1700 capri with a Force 70 and a trailer. The guy wants $1800 for it.

Too much money for this paticular boat right off the bat.

He admits that he has had some trouble getting the engine to run this year. Said it worked fine last year. He seems to think that if it can be run for awhile it will sort itself out (get rid of the gum).

Yeah.... That rod nock will just go away if ya run her more...

I haven't seen the boat yet. I don't have the time for a major project (like structural repairs) but I could deal with some issues with the motor.

I had one..... I would never deal with a force or that era bayliner again. Them forces were rated for hp at the powerhead not the prop.... so its not even 70hp...very underpowered.

Based on the reputation of these boats and motors am I wasting my time even going to look at it? NADA says $1800 is the right price for this boat (although probably with a working motor).

That era bayliner has a bad reputation for a reason... they were cheap to buy and cheaply built, so usually were got by new to boating folks whom didin't take proper percautions to things like keeping em dry.. they used underpowered outboards...the list goes on and on..... even with a running motor that boat in my area wouldn't pull in $1000.00.

Any idea on the towing weight of this boat. The guy says it's 1200#. That seems a bit low to me.

Probably around 1500#

I just want a boat for cruising around. How does this boat handle in chop (on rivers and med sized lakes)?

They have a decent amount of dead rise and do pretty good in some chop, problem is that you feel it in your teeth There are a lot of decent boats for what your looking to do.... I wouldn't consider this to be one of them...

And for all the Bayliner guys.... I didn't bash bayliner, I realize ones taken care of properly and the newer ones are a lot better...

 

[roscoe]

Re: 92 Bayliner 1700 capri Force 70

Too much money for this paticular boat right off the bat.



Yeah.... That rod nock will just go away if ya run her more...



I had one..... I would never deal with a force or that era bayliner again. Them forces were rated for hp at the powerhead not the prop.... so its not even 70hp...very underpowered.



That era bayliner has a bad reputation for a reason... they were cheap to buy and cheaply built, so usually were got by new to boating folks whom didin't take proper percautions to things like keeping em dry.. they used underpowered outboards...the list goes on and on..... even with a running motor that boat in my area wouldn't pull in $1000.00.



Probably around 1500#



They have a decent amount of dead rise and do pretty good in some chop, problem is that you feel it in your teeth There are a lot of decent boats for what your looking to do.... I wouldn't consider this to be one of them...

And for all the Bayliner guys.... I didn't bash bayliner, I realize ones taken care of properly and the newer ones are a lot better...

Actually, if the boat and trailer are in good condition, the price is spot on.

And myth about being rated at the powerhead is just that,a myth, perpetuated for 20 years now, but not true. They were required to be rated at the prop from the mid 80's on.

I just sold a 1993 70 Force in July, in top condition, very low hours, got $1000 for it.

My recently sold 17' aluminum (950# hull weight, 1400# running weight) with a 1995 70hp force ran at 37 mph and jumped on plane. Fully loaded with 3 people, it dropped to 30 mph max. I even had it fully loaded down with 800# of passengers, and it got on plane.

So it may be a 30 mph boat, 25-27 mph fully loaded.

Its all about condition, maintenance, and care.

 

[perchin]

Re: 92 Bayliner 1700 capri Force 70

Actually, if the boat and trailer are in good condition, the price is spot on.

And myth about being rated at the powerhead is just that,a myth, perpetuated for 20 years now, but not true. They were required to be rated at the prop from the mid 80's on.

I just sold a 1993 70 Force in July, in top condition, very low hours, got $1000 for it.

My recently sold 17' aluminum (950# hull weight, 1400# running weight) with a 1995 70hp force ran at 37 mph and jumped on plane. Fully loaded with 3 people, it dropped to 30 mph max. I even had it fully loaded down with 800# of passengers, and it got on plane.

So it may be a 30 mph boat, 25-27 mph fully loaded.

Its all about condition, maintenance, and care.

I would have to disagree on the price being spot on.... for MY AREA anyways.

Mine was an 86'....so mid 80's..... rebuilt it at pierce race shop in Lansing MI. It was an 1986 125hp Force. My buddy Jim runs the shop, and had it on the dyno.... Guess what.... it produced a whopping 87 hp. So it may be a myth, as mine was an 86.