sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

[boating novice]

I'm looking to buy (finally) a boat for primarily lake use for my family of 4. We plan to have fun, tube and do some skiing. Since we are going to be trailering, we need to keep the weight down. I've narrowed it down to a 2004 Bayliner 175 or a 2003 slightly used Sea Ray with an extended warranty for $1000.00 more. Same mercruiser 3.0 in both. Any thoughts, concerns, advice from you experts out there? Thanks

 

[KCook]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

The Sea Ray really does have a nicer finish. Steering assist is nice, not usually found on Bayliners this small. Do either of these boats have this?<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[mercrewser]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

Ohmygosh. The Searay.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

Hi some people will bash the Bayliner. It is known as the entry level boat. Like a Hyundai is to the car world.<br /><br />Bayliner will be OK, but the resale will be low. It is cheap for a reason, they use cheaper parts and labor.<br /><br />As for the Searay, very nice boat. If you can afford it, I would go with the Searay.<br /><br />If you plan to salom ski, the 3.0 will be lacking in power from either boat.<br />Ken

 

[JB]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

In 5 or 6 years the SeaRay will be worth twice what the Bayliner will be worth.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

partially because people dog them. jb's right- if you think you may sell in a few years, take the searay. but if you plan to keep it awhile, and the bayliner's price gets you on the water, go for it. enjoy-

 

[tylerin]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

I own a Sea Ray, and I will say I'm extremely satisfied with the boat. Great fit and finish. Make sure that 3.0 is going to be enough. I see a lot of guys here poor hundreds of dollars tryng to get more out of them

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

JB, that's actually not true. A recent study showed three boats, SR, Maxum, and Bayliner from 1 year old to 14 years old. All three had almost identical percentages of value as compared to purchase price. Believe it or not, Maxum had the highest value of all three Brunswick lines. Bayliner does hold value just as well as SR.<br /><br />Model; year; stripped retail avg.; % of 03 cost<br /><br />Bayliner<br /><br />285; 2003; 49,800 <br /><br />2855;1996; 24,400; .48<br /><br />2855; 1990; 14,200 ; .28<br /><br />Searay<br /><br />280; 2003; 86,200 <br /><br />290;1996; 42,500; .49<br /><br />280;1990; 24,300; .28<br /><br />Maxum<br /><br />2700; 2003; 62,900 <br /><br />2700;1996; 32,700; .51<br /><br />2700;1990; 16,900; .26<br /><br />Searay jumps a foot mid 90's as they didn't make a 28 footer. As these figures show, Bayliner seems to hold it's value just as well as others.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

From what I understand, the later model Bayliners have improved much over their old counterparts. I wouldn't worry about it. Go for what you can afford. Sure, Sea Ray is a better boat, but then again, there are always better boats if you have the dollars. Just depends on how long you plan on keeping it...

 

[mercrewser]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

Have you considered the Glastron 175 with a 4.3 V6? Try to buy a boat and engine made in the US, not in Mexico. The Bayliner and its 3.0 Merc powerplant is made in Mexico.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

My glastron 175sx is made in the us but the 4.3 has a tag that says assembled in mexico

 

[BaldLoonie]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

So the Glastron is a good boat? I heard they were really cheap

 

[River Boater]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

Hands Down ..... Searay!! Just look at the two boats up close. <br /><br />Dont even know where to start <br />But the Searay is 10 times the boat that Bayliner is

 

[bluewater19]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

Glastron is better than the bayliner for sure.I have not looked at the searay that close So I can't give a opinion on that. I have heard on this board that searays are very nice though. I would take the word of most people on this board over a dealer thats for sure.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

I agree that the Searay is still probably a little better boat, but for anyone that hasn't looked closely or done research on these brands in the last 3-5 years would be suprised. Since being bought by Brunswick, Searay has cut a few corners in quality, I'm sure as a result of 'bottom-line' numbers. Also Bayliner has much improved use of construction materials and QA/QC in the last couple of years. To give yourself a fair outlook, go to the dealership or your local boat show and look inside and underneath the enginebay, storage hatches, etc. and compare for yourself.

 

[KCook]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

Glastron is better than the bayliner for sure.

Maybe true for the Glastron GX series. Glastron SX and MX series are hardly impressive. I would rather have a Bayliner than those.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[River Boater]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

To give yourself a fair outlook, go to the dealership or your local boat show and look inside and underneath the enginebay, storage hatches, etc. and compare for yourself.

That is where I would Start. Searay has good Latches Hinges wiring is put into looms etc... Bayliner Nada On all of those....

 

[River Boater]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

Searay has Insulation in their Engine Hatch Bayliner doesnt....

 

[93bronco]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

i looked at them both when bliner had the $9999.99 special.<br />the searay was prettier, but you couldnt beat the bliner price.

 

[Pikester]

Re: sea ray 176 vs bayliner 175

Another consideration is warranty. While they look similar, at closer look, the lifetime warranty on bayliner is for the hull only, and the searay is on the hull AND deck.