Bayliner Sea

I am new to boating and planning to buy a used boat. What would you suggest and why: 1996 Sea Ray 19' bowrider or 1998 Bayliner 19' bowrider both have 3.0 Merc and both were used in saltwater.

The Sea Ray and the Bayliner are two very different boats quality-wise.

Assuming the price is the same (which I'm sure they are not) and the overall boat/motor condition is the same, the Sea Ray is simply a better built boat.
When speaking of boats, "you get what you pay for".

2008-06-19 06:37:35 by gary 1

A walk through of Wilson Marine's 2009 Bayliner 300 Cruiser. Only available at www.wilsonboats.com or 800-875-2620 *thanks for looking this ...

It has an outboard motor with 125hp.
Thank you all for your feed back, they were all very helpful. The boat is only 19' long.
I suggested to my hubby that we rent a boat down there instead.

Went out about 12 miles at Pensacola in a boat like that, if it is nice weather you can go farther. Keep an eye on the weather though, you don't want to wind up like the football players.
Take a boating course, it is not required in FL but I found it helpful when I got my first boat, also, I would get a GPS unit, the little $100 dollar one would let you find your way back with out roaming around.

2009-04-12 13:33:59 by LeaS

Weather resistant anti-wick thread used throughout in construction.
Reinforced tie-down loops sewn in hem.
Join seams are folded 4-ply, no raw edges.

Same price (21k). We're torn. First time boat owners. One one side, a new boat would be mechanically problem free (warranty), lower rate to buy,...however not sure we want a Bayliner. Concerned about buying a used boat due to having to hire a Marine Surveyor, Marine Mechanic, sea trial, etc. all before feeling comfortable buying. With a new boat we wouldn't need to go through all this trouble. However something about a Sea Ray.."nicer looking boat, better reputation" HELP US DECIDE!!! 15 year old Sea Ray, or brand new Bayliner?
It's a Sea Ray 215 Weekender (cuddy cabin)

I would put my money on a used "anything" before buying a Bayliner.
I know the Bayliner is very tempting. That is exactly their marketing strategy. Bayliners are made and marketed to first time boat owners - and priced accordingly. Even though they come in all sizes - they are the "Yugos" of the boating industry. I know, they can be very tempting because of the low price - that seems like such a great deal - but fact is - they are not a deal at all. They look great on the show room floor... and fresh from it... but its all down hill from that moment on.

Before you succumb to the temptation, you need to visit a few Marinas and boatyards. At first glance walking around a Marina - look for the oldest looking derelict fiberglass boat you can find. If it is a Bayliner - check the age on the MFG tag at the stern... chances are, it will actually only be a few years old and far from the oldest in the Marina - it just looks older then the rest.

Yes, they have made improvements - not that long ago - their hulls simply slit wide open while running on choppy waters. While they don't do that anymore - their entire structure is the cheapest money can buy... cheap vinyl seats, carpet, resin, fiberglass, rails, hatches, windows - and these products all deteriorate really fast in the sun.

I don't know if your "Sea Ray" deal is a good one or not - "money" wise. But I do know that Sea Ray builds quality into their boats. Assuming however, that your Sea Ray is a good value (priced right) Then for sure, it is the better boat and will still look good for many more years then the Bayliner.

All that aside... Think about this... Your Sea Ray (if you take care of it) will probably not depreciate more then $4 or $5,000 over the next 5 years... That means in 5 years you most likely (if you take good care of it) will still have a boat worth $15,000. The Bayliner will be worth about $10,000 the moment you sign for it, and most likely in 5 years will not be worth $5,000 (even if someone will buy it).

Want to compare the facts? Look up the value on 15 year old Sea Rays... and look up the value on 15 year old Bayliners - as they say... the proof is in the pudding.

Happy and Safe Boating,
Capt. John

2009-09-03 12:44:41 by Matt H

Weather resistant anti-wick thread used throughout in construction.
Join seams are folded 4-ply, no raw edges.
Reinforced tie-down loops sewn in hem.

I have never owned a Bayliner or a Challenger... But this I do know...
In the past 40 years of hanging out at Marinas, owning boats, boating, and for the last 10 years living on a boat... Bayliners have to be the most frequent Brand of boat that needs fixing. I have seen their hulls cracked and split wide open, decking ripped both up or down the seams, and just about everything you would "not" expect in a boat to go wrong with it.
So there... you ask for "thoughts" this is mine. In fact, if Bayliner themselves gave me their biggest, best, most expensive boat made... I would be polite and appreciative... but as soon as they were not looking - I would strip that boat of everything mechanical, and give the actual boat away.

Happy & Safe Boating!

2008-06-30 23:08:32 by K H

I live in Gig Harbor, WA in the Puget Sound, I own a 1977 Piece of crap Tiderunner, and a 200HP Johnson O/B motor also a piece of crap. I want to sell this boat and get a newer used boat. I LOVE the sea-doos but I want reviews, the Whalers can be cool, I like the luxury of the Larsons, and Bayliners are for the most part....inexpensive. I don't have much to work with (including the money I will get from selling the Tiderunner, less than $8,000) Please help!!!

For Puget Sound I would absolutely go for the Whaler as they are almost unsinkable. The Bayliner would be running second because of the bang for the buck factor. You will get a newer boat with more features than with the Whaler. I would not even consider the other two for this area. The Larson is basically a more expensive Bayliner and the Sea-doo is great for lakes and calmer waters but not Puget Sound.

2007-07-31 07:38:18 by ebaykidbf