On Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:20:44 -0700 (PDT), "Robert M. Gary"
wrote:

I'm looking at buying my first boat. I'm looking at a "runabout" style
for family boating (tubing, cruising, etc). My wife and I looked at a
new 07 Bayliner 175 at the dealer for $14500. However, I hate thinking
about paying over $1000 in taxes on it.
I'm also looking at a 2003 185 Bayliner with 90 hours on it (both have
"family pack, stereo). The 185 has 190 hp fish/depth finder and new
trailer breaks for about $12,000

Not sure where you live, but the difference in tax between $12K and
$14.5K isn't much considering the total value of the vessel. - like
maybe $100.

So I guess the question is how much difference does 4 years make on a
boat. It certainly looks like I get much more boat in the 185. Is 90
hours much? I looked at some 185's at the dealer (all new though) but
I'm assuming the 2008 185 is still larger than the new 175.

Pre-owned boats can be problematic unless it's always been maintained
by the dealer, the dealer has service records on the boat and that the
proper maintainence has been completed when it needs to be done. You
won't be able to tell how the boat was run, but a good solid service
record will give you an idea of how the previous owner felt about
ownership.

The difference between a 175 and 185 is minimal believe it or not. You
would think the extra foot adds a lot but it doesn't.

In terms of money, it just so happens that there are two locally for
sale - 185 2003 Bayliner runabouts. One is in Bristol condition
(meaning it's pretty close to showroom) and it's advertised for $10.7K
and the other is in "good" condition at $9.9K. Checking the books
(which I just received a new set of) average high retail (averaging
all three books together) is $10.5K, average low retail is $9K.

With respect to the 2003, don't get all hot and bothered by the
fish/depth finder and brakes - that's normal maintenance and doesn't
add to the value of the boat at all.

Also, since I've never bought a boat before I'm not really sure what
to look for when I take a look at it. I know some of the newer
Bayliner's come with lifetime hull warrantys but I'm not sure about a
2002.

First of all, be aware that Bayliner is considered the Yugo of the
boating industry - in some cases deserved and in others not so much.
The more modern Bayliners are good boats - nothing stellar or
outstanding, just a good entry level boat.

The boat that you are considering is their entry level boat - it's
meant to be an introduction boat, run for a couple years and then if
you take a fancy to running the boat and the family likes it, trade up
to a larger or more powerful boat inline with your interests. I've
seen buys go from these small Bayliners to wakeboard/ski boats and in
one case a bass boat because the guy loved fishing and the family
could care less about boating.

In terms of purchase, it's always a good idea to have the boat looked
at by a good mechanic at another dealer. Pay for an hour of shop time
and have the engine checked - compression, hours, outdrive, etc.
Cosmetic things are generally noted when you are looking at the boat,
but don't do your looking all at once - that way you will miss things
like little tears in the vinyl, scuff marks here and there - that kind
of thing. Usually it's best to look it over, talk to the sales guy
away from the boat, then go back and look at it again more critically.

In terms of value, it really depends on the market in your area. In
general, this is a good time to buy second hand as there are a lot of
boats out there for sale and making a good deal is a little easier.

Lastly, as another member mentioned, you need to see if you are
comfortable with the boat, what exactly you expect from the boat (ski,
wake board, tube, fish), how many people onboard at any time (max),
etc. You need to get onboard and sit in the seats see if your are
comfortable and can move around sufficiently without restriction. How
much storage will you need - etc. A secondary consideration is if you
can properly tow the vessel with what ever you are using to tow with.

There are a lot of considerations in buying a boat. For example, I
purchased a 32' Contender Center Console a few years back thinking
that Mrs. Wave wasn't interested (or so she said at the time), then
she wanted something with a small cabin so I sold the CC and bought a
32' Contender Fisharound with cuddy and she rode in it three times and
never went back - not interested in boating or fishing. So I sold my
dream boat, purchased another different boat and ended up selling that
boat and I'm back in the market for a 32' CC again. :)

You may find something similar with this boat - your family might not
be interested.

Lots of things to think about.