Best Buy on a Bay Cruiser for $25K

[wfr308]

I am new to boating, and have been offered a 1999 Bayliner Ciera 2452 Express Cruiser with a 200 HP Mercury motor for $25K. My son in law says Bayliners are not reliable, and I should shop around. I want to fish up to 5 miles off shore, but mostly in the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and Maryland. I also want to cruise around - so like the look of the bayliner. Want to sleep on the boat some nights, so would't mind airconditioning. What might some of the better manufacturers be - and how old a boat, with approximately how many hours on the motor can I purchase in the $25K to $30K price range - similar in size to the 24' Bayliner? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Best Buy on a Bay Cruiser for $25K

To start your research go to Search at the top of the page and enter "Bayliner." That may confirm your son in law's advice. I been there and done that and would not make the return trip.<br /><br />On alternatives, suggest you hit your local boat ramp - see what might appeal to you and talk to the folks. Most will bend your ear off.

 

[L Christopher]

Re: Best Buy on a Bay Cruiser for $25K

wfr308:<br />Check out Marine Max on the web. They have several dealerships around. The last time I looked they had several used boats in the size you are looking for. If you are boating on the Bay and ocean look for a solid boat and have any used boat surveyed. Searay makes a 24' express and there seem to alot out there. I would think that for 30 large you should be able to get one with less than 100 hours.

 

[amada8]

Re: Best Buy on a Bay Cruiser for $25K

There are some fair to good Bayliners out there. Don't be discourged from buying one. They are mass produced boats that are not the best boats on the water. You get alot for your money with Bayliners, just not alot of top quality. If you stay away from certain models AND a certain Bravo sterndrive (that corrodes when you breathe on it) you may feel like you have gotten a good value for your money.<br />We have a 1995 28' Bayliner that has done well for us. A wonderful cruiser in calm seas; not the best when the bumps get over 3' though. We just stay in the bay on those days and have fun sharkin' with the kids. We currently have her for sale at 30K and moving up to a larger Bayliner. Resale has been an issue as there are many people who wouldn't dream of owning a Bayliner because of the 'bad' reputation.<br />I don't work for Bayliner, I'm just an owner with an opinion.<br /><br />Dave T