Don't take my word for it...ask around. I have replaced floorboards,
stringers, transoms, and even complete interiors on many Bayliners. Their
problem is that Bayliner takes too many short cuts. Their hulls are 1/4 inch
thick at best, and their transoms are prone to rotting out rather quickly.
They use cheap lumber in their stringers. The floorboards are 3/8 thick
plywood, which will crack over time just by walking on it. The instrument
cluster is a cheap looking as you can get. As long as you keep your Bayliner
in freshwater only and properly covered against the elements, it should last
a long time, otherwise you have been forewarned.

Jim Rojas


"William G. Andersen" wrote in message
news:lQuzc.4387$0z6.65@fed1read07...
Absolute horsecrap.
Bayliner makes a great entry level boat.
Glastron also has a low priced model.
A lot of people think you should buy a used boat - I wonder if they buy
used
cars.
The advantage of buying new is that you have a warranty and you can take
care of the boat. Buying used, you might be buying someone else's trashed
boat.
If you've no clue what you want and are likely to want a different boat in
a
year or two, you are probably better off buying used and avoiding the
depreciation on a new boat.
As for the size of boat - if it's just the two of you on calm days, a 17'
boat's good. A bigger boat gives you a little more space to move around
and
will handle choppy water a little bit better.
I'm prejudiced. I bought my 1998 19' Bayliner bowrider new for less than
$10,000. I use it at least two days a week, year round, in salt water. The
lowest price I could find for any other boats was about $14,000, and there
wasn't any significant difference. Oh, there was a difference: my Bayliner
included a galvanized trailer - the others came with painted trailers.

"Jim Rojas" wrote in message
...
Bayliner makes the worst boats in the world. They are the "YUGO" of boat
builders. They use the cheapest materials, have very thin hulls...real
garbage.

Please shop around. I recommend Mako, Proline, Boston Whaler, Chris
Craft,
etc. Being it's your first boat, why not get a great $5000 used one
before
you commit to a higher ticket item? This way if you lose interest (most
people do), you can expect to get at least half your investment back if
you
sell it.

Jim Rojas

wrote in message
...
Hi folks,

My wife and I went around looking at boats today. Was wonder what ya
all feel about the Bayliner 185 ? We were quoted a price $15000. With
taxes, ppep, freight, etc, the total is $16057.50. This is for the
Bayliner 185 w/ bikini top and coast guard package. Does this price
sound reasonable?

For the Bayliner 175 w/ bikini top and coast guard package the price
is $12,000. With taxes, ppep, freight, etc, the total is $12870.00.

Do you think the Bayliner 185 is worth $3217.50 more than the Bayliner
175?

This is our first boat purchase. We would appreciate your input.

Thanks,
JC