Force 125 / Bayliner Capri 19.5 ft

[clooper]

I am very new to the boating world...actually never owned one. I came across a 1986 Bayliner Capri 19.5 ft w/ a Force 125 engine. They are asking $3,000 for everything including the trailer. My limited research tells me the price is pretty good, but I am worried about what I have read / heard about the Force engine. The seller of the boat has had it for about 15 plus years and says he has not had to do anything to the engine other then routine maintenance and that it has run great for him the whole time. Should I go for it?

 

[Joey1805]

Re: Force 125 / Bayliner Capri 19.5 ft

I own an 18 foot Bayliner Capri as well and the Force engine has been pretty good to me. I would check the compression in the cylinders if I were you. Your looking for all of them to be around the same, give or take 5 to 10 pounds of eachother.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Force 125 / Bayliner Capri 19.5 ft

Lets assume the Force reputation is undeserved<br />and it will perform OK.<br /> First it is an orphan with no factory parts support except what is allready in the system.<br /> NAPA auto parts Marine products catalog lists about 12 pages of Chrysler/Force parts.<br /> and lists something like 87 pages of E/J<br />parts.Resale value is poor.<br />Then there is the boat, The general opinion<br />is that the smaller Bayliners are prone to rot<br /> in the floor and transom. I dont know if yours fits into the smaller clasification.You can check the floor for sponginess and shake the motor front to back and watch for transom flex.<br /> Check it carefully and keep in mind there is usually a good reason why something is priced<br />below typical market values.

 

[Bushleaguer]

Re: Force 125 / Bayliner Capri 19.5 ft

My first boat was identical to what you're looking at. Bought it new in 1986. I took meticulius care of it. The motor lasted until 1996, at which time I repowered it with a Evinrude 115 HP. Ran the hull another 2 years, at which time I sold the hull with no motor for $2000.00. I moved the motor to my step up boat. I was happy with the Bayliner for the most part. I learned plenty on maintenance and repairs. I had a constant problem with the windshield assembly coming apart. I re-did the floor when it rotted out in 1995. A Bayliner is an entry level boat and it worked well for me. It was an affordable start in boating and I'm glad I did it. My current boat is a 1987 Aquasport 22' CC and you can really see the difference in construction. Hardware, building methods, etc. If you do go for it, be prepared for some work and money spent. If you buy it, there is pelnty of help at this site. Good Luck!

 

[sony2001]

Re: Force 125 / Bayliner Capri 19.5 ft

I bought an 88 with cuddy cabin because I alone was able to launch and trailer the boat. Others at 20 ft. are many pounds heavier. Since its a one owner Bayliner , yes, you can go for it.