First Time buyer need some info?

[SCFM]

Hello All this is my frist post, I want to buy a used cruiser, I was thinking of bayliner at first but have since read some of the other threads about Bayliner and this has cast some doubts about them. What Im looking for is a 24' to 28' with a pump-out head and shower and 5500 pounds or less. I have never owned a boat before, I want to get a boat because I think it would be a good family activity for the weekends and other vacation times throughout the year. I live in Southern California but right now live in the philippines but will be home pretty soon. I really dont want to spend more then 10k but might be willing to go upto 15k or so for a good boat. I am very handy so something that needs a little TLC wouldnt be to bad, Im more concerned with the over all condition of the hull and motor. I would like to know what are the better brand boats speically if Im going to be buying used, Im not sure how often I will be using it but I would think atleast 2 weekends a month. Also how old of a boat should I be thinking about getting I mean doesnt the hull weaking alot over the years or will it be ok just aslong as it was well maintained, Well I hope this wasnt to bad of a first post and I will thank all in advance for any help and info.<br />Thanks alot SCFM

 

[Ripsnort]

Re: First Time buyer need some info?

Personally, an older cabin cruiser or similar large boat, I'd pay the $$ and have a marine survey done on whatever you decide.

 

[jerzshaw]

Re: First Time buyer need some info?

Hi SCFM.<br /><br />I don't bash any lines of boats, as my experience is limited. It seems to me fishing is not important to you, as you have not mentioned it. It also seems to me you should place a premium on safety, as you are planning on boating with your family primarily. What I say is primarily based on heresay, from others I know, and bulletin board postings I have read.<br /><br />Excellent used boats (even 10 years used or more, as your price range is not very high relative to the size boat you are looking for): Boston Whaler, Grady White, pre 1992 and post 2000 Mako, NEWER Trophy's, Wellcraft, SeaCraft. <br /><br />Avoid?: Bayliner (no offense) Angler<br /><br />I can tell you Grady's Dual Console models, BW Ventura line, and Wellcraft V21 Cuddy are all great family boats. I looked at them and ultimately decided on a BW 190 Nantucket, as some fishing is important in my equation.<br /><br />In terms of used boats the BW's are safe, and I understand that the Ventura lines are not as popular as BW's center consoles. That means you may be able to find something from the late 90's at a pretty good deal.<br /><br />Good luck and I hope I didnt offend anybody's boats.

 

[Bondo]

Re: First Time buyer need some info?

I have never owned a boat before,

You're Looking at a Very Large Boat, For a Man Without Experience.....<br />I'd think you should be looking for a 18/20'er to Start with.... <br />It'll be Alot Cheaper, The 1st Few times you run Into the Dock.......(It Will,+ Does Happen)<br />Or, Maybe I misread your post.....<br />Other than that, the comments above are Great 1s....<br />In the $10,000/$15,000. range, in that Size of boat, the Best you're going to find is a Beater, or Project Boat........<br />You Don't get Much of a 28' boat for $15,000......<br />Good Luck,+ Keep Posting..... <br /><br />PS. Don't Buy a Bilgeliner....

 

[mole2]

Re: First Time buyer need some info?

You can disregard all the wonderful advice you get on these forums about Bayliners being the scourge of the earth. Most all of the posters are not and have never been owners of the boats and only pass on urban legends to justify their purchases. <br /><br />That being said, for the amount you want to spend it's going to be hard to find something in the size you're looking at without it being a project boat. If you drop down in size you can pick up a nice fairly recent Trophy cuddy or something similiar. Check out boats in the 20 - 23 foot range. For $16K you can pick up a brand new Bayliner 1952 cuddy which will come with trailer, boat and motor, currently offering a 3 year warranty on the Merc engine, lifetime warranty on the hull. Compare it to others and make up your own mind. Do some research. Just keep in mind if Bayliner was as bad as these guys say it is, they wouldn't be the number one seller of boats in the US. In fact the company wouldn't be in business because they'd be sued out of existence if the urban legends were true. lol<br /><br />Give this a read for your information, especially the part about construction. It's on a local dealer to me (where I bought my Trophy) and comes from the Bayliner site. <br /><br /> http://www.islanderboats.com/boats/bayliner/index.html <br /><br />Things have changed a lot in recent years. Disregard the boat snobs.

 

[sandijk]

Re: First Time buyer need some info?

Look for a 92-97 Bayliner 23-26 foot cruiser and you won't go wrong. Ask a good marine mechanic or surveyor to look at the boat for you.

 

[SCFM]

Re: First Time buyer need some info?

Hi guys and thanks so far for the help and info I saw this boats listed would this be consitered a fixer upper?<br /> 1992 Sea Ray 240 Sundancer <br /><br />P.S. Its true I have never owned a boat but I didnt say I never driven one and 28' might be to big for now I will say 22' to 26' and like I said if it needs alittle work I wont be affiad to do it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: First Time buyer need some info?

Ya...... That's a Pretty Good Place to Start......<br />You Could get another 1500hrs out of that 5.0l,<br />Before you Replace it with a 5.7l.....<br />It looks like it'll be a Nice Ride for extended boating trips,<br />Just the way it Is.....<br />And, It's Not a Bilgeliner.....<br /><br />PS, No Disrespect Intended....<br />28' is Alot of Boat....<br /><br />I take it you're looking for a Dock Boat ????