WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

[RatFish]

Hi Folks,<br /><br />I'm considering a Bayliner 205 Capri with a 5.0L (220HP) Mercruiser, convertible top with curtain, bow cover, fiberglass liner with carpet runners, standard back-to-back lounge seats, galvanized trailer with brakes. I can get a new 2004 for about $21000.<br /><br />I'm looking for the experiences you've had with your Bayliner. Tell me the good, bad and ugly. I know the 80's and early 90's (?) Bayliners have a terrible reputation. I'm really interested in the later years, say 2000 on up in the 18' to 21' range.

 

[93bronco]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

have you tried the bayliners owners club?<br /> www.baylinerownersclub.org

 

[RatFish]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

Thanks 2K Boat,<br /><br />I posted the message on the Bayliners Owners Club message board.

 

[mole2]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

Well, I've got a 2003 Trophy 1802 which has it's roots in Bayliner but has been a separate company since 2000. The 1802 is a solid built boat. All Trophy boats use foam encased fiberglass stringers, have stainless hardware through bolted, hand laid fiberglass hulls, vinylester gel coat and numerous other features found on more expensive boats. With one season under my belt I'm quite happy with my purchase. I did look at the Bayliner 19 foot cuddy but was more interested in a walk around for my purposes. The 19 foot looked like a nice boat at a great price. Bayliner is building a much better boat since the late 90's and especially so in the 2000's. <br /><br />You can take a look at my 1802 here:<br /><br />2003 Trophy 1802

 

[RatFish]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

Mole2,<br /><br />I checked out your pictures. Nice boat! I also like the 1802 and 2002 but they would never work for me. I have to be able to take out 6-7 people (2 adults, 4/5 kids) in a pinch. I looked at the 1900 Dual Console in 2001 but Trophy has since discontinued that model. The factory rep at the Atlantic City Boat Show told me they discontinued the 1900 and 1700 Dual Consoles because they competed with the Bayliner bowriders. What a joke! I guess they don't mind loosing sales to Key West and Seaswirl.<br /><br />I agree that Bayliner is building better quality boats. They still are a value line but I can't afford the same size Sea Ray, Four Winns, etc. I understand that all the hardware isn't stainless steel, etc. but I'm also a realist and would rather be out on the water vs. being home watching TV.<br /><br />Thanks for your input.

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

I had a 1994 2355 i sold a year ago. Other than Merc drive problems, i had no problems or complaints. The boat was good looking and got compliments all the time, a few sneers when they heard the brand name. In all it was an excellent buy for the money and we enjoyed many weekends on that boat. If you look back a few weeks there's a thread in regards to Bayliner and the fact they do hold value just as well if not better than other boats. Lots of what you hear is rumor when it comes to the name, and i was pleased with what i owned.

 

[RatFish]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

Mike_M2,<br /><br />Thanks for your input. I know a lot of people slam Bayliners but I think they are a great boat for the money. I have looked at a lot of different boats in the last year and I have found faults with just about every one of them. The only boat that I inspected that didn't have any flaws was a Cobalt. I'm not a Cobalt type of guy. They are way too expensive. I want to get on the water at a reasonable price. IMHO, Bayliner is a good boat. You get the most bang for the buck. The money I would save will buy a lot of gas.<br /><br />I saw the post concerning the resale prices on various boats. It just confirmed what I knew all along. Everything is relative, more expensive boats have a higher resale value. Lower price boats have a lower resale value. In the end it's all a wash.

 

[cuzner]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

I would have to agree you get what you pay for. I've had 195 cuddy for 6 years now, and aside from replacing fasteners that fell out or rusted I have been happy with it. I would suggest if you do buy a bayliner stock up on stainless fastners and replace the ones that come loose,along with loctite.It doesn't cost much and it you some greif down the road. I never realy paid much attention to snobs who like to put down Bayliner.<br /><br /> Good Boating<br /> Jim

 

[RatFish]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

Thanks cuzner,<br /><br />Your right. I would expect to replace some "el cheapo" hardware but that's ok. I understand that I wouldn't be buying a Cobolt, Bryant or Sea Ray. I would be paying a lot less for the same boating experience. Good advice to use loctite. Thanks.

 

[NCOffSeason]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

We looked at the Bayliner 175, 185 and 195 before we bought our Glastron. I really like the Bayliner and would buy one. I believe you would be fine as long as you take care of it, and you need to do that with any boat. Any boat will rot and fall apart if neglected.<br /><br />Get it, treat it well and have fun.

 

[Big Cod]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

Hi Ratfish-We bought the 19' brand new in 2001. In 2003 we moved up to the 245. The quality in the cruiser line is *much* better the the runabout line. However, I have no complaints about either boat. Absolutely LOVE the 245.

 

[RatFish]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

Chris, I agree. You have to take care of your stuff if you want it to last. The Glastrons are nice boats. The GX 205 was on my short list.<br /><br />Big Cod, I agree, the finish on the cruisers is very nice. The bowriders aren't too bad. It's no Cobalt but it's much more reasonably priced.

 

[hammlfam]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

Hey Ratfish,<br />I drove both the Bayliner and the Glastrons and I'll tell you this. If your looking for a boat that gets on plane quickly and handles like a dream, it's the glastron. Both had similiar features and it was a hard decision for us. But once we drove both boats, it was a no brainer IMO.

 

[KCook]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

hammlfam - interesting info. But exactly which model Bayliner did you try? <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[hammlfam]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

sorry, should have been more clear. I drove both the 185 and the 205. Both had the 4.3 merc. I drove a Glastron gx 185 and the Glastron 195sx. Both of them also had 4.3 Volvos. I went with the sx because of price. This was my first boat and I wanted to make sure we would use it before I upgrade in a few years. I'm not a boating expert like yourself Kcook, but for a novice boater, I could Diffentely see and feel the difference in Planing and handling.

 

[RatFish]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

hammlfam, Thanks for your suggestion. The nearest Glastron dealer is a "Land Locked" dealer about 40 miles away that would not give me a sea trial before purchasing the boat. You may be right but I'll never know. I'm looking at the 205 with a 5.0L (220HP) engine. IMHO a 4.3L (190HP) in a 20' foot boat is under powered. It would probably be ok with 2 or 3 people but forget about "loading her up" and going skiing.<br /><br />TO EVERYONE, I would like to thank everyone for their input. Your opinions and experiences helped me decide to go ahead and buy the boat. This is not my first boat but it sure is the nicest! Everybody is looking forward to a great summer! Thanks again.

 

[lund17]

Re: WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners

Congratulations Ratfish!! on your new boat.