On 12 Mar 2007 00:38:59 -0700, "brian" wrote:

i have just purchased this boat for 10,000.00 from a privet party.

You bought a boat from a shrub? :)

You've over paid for the boat by about $4,000 even if it's in perfect,
mint showroom condition. The book says it's worth $6,000 in average
condition with average cosmetics. Practically, looking at the various
buying guides quickly, they are averaging $5200 ask price in good
condition in my area - if you can find one that is.

has the 5.8 cobra in it and trim tabs and what not. i am looking for
any information on this boat as to the boat itself or the engine and
outdrive. looking for any information that i can get regarding the
safety of this boat. and what to look out for . i am having a mechanic
look at it first before the deal is final.

It's a "bubble" boat - a type of vessel designed for maximum interior
space. They tend to have a lot of windage and accessing the bow along
the deck can be problematic and in some cases downright dangerous.
Cockpit space can be limited due to design.

just wondering if the is
any information out there regarding this boat/engine history that
someone can help me with. it would be most apprecitated. this is our
first BIG boat. we just upgraded from a 1850 bayliner 1999. and used
the money to get this bigger one for the family and friends. camping
and fun. also know what the top speed is on this as well. 351. thanks
for any information you can provide.

Well, first, you are going down ten years from '99 to '89 and that's
never a good thing. Are you trading your boat against this boat by
any chance?

Secondly, it's your choice, but I would have a marine surveyor look
through the boat before I put any serious money on it - a mechanic is
fine for looking over the engine and outdrive, but this type of boat
can develop some interesting problems over time and surveyors have
access to information not generally available to the public.

It also depends on how the boat was used, how many hours of use, how
it was stored (on a trailer, shrink wrapped or tarp or nothing), etc.

If it were me and I was looking for a larger boat, I'd look into other
makes and models. For ten grand you can buy a newer used boat
probably in better condition.

I refuse to get into the whole Bayliner debate except for this - it's
right before Trophy bought them and I believe Bayliner had some
serious issues with quality about this time. I could be wrong.