82 Bayliner Trophy is it a good starter boat?

[reagan]

Hello everone, I have found a 82 Bayliner Trophy 21' with 650 hrs on it. It has a 4cyl inboard Merscruiser motor and comes with dept finder, fish finder, ect. also comes with downriggers and 6 penn boat rods and reels . I know very little about this kind of boat but the man said I was free to take to a marine shop to have it checked. I asked this question on another site and got a lot of negitive response about Bayliners. I can buy the boat for 2500.00 with all the gear. I thought it was a good deal. Thanks Reagan

[Carnivore]

Bay liner has received a bad rep because it isn't a top of the line boat and there are too many people that are elitists. I have heard good and bad about them but only know of 2 instances of bows having glass problems and or decks and bows coming apart. That one is newer (70s versions had construction issues). For that money if it starts well and has good compression I would most likely go for it. Now if you don't know that much about boats I would take it to a boat yard as a new motor and or out drive will set ya back about 3k to 5k each installed. I would have sure the manifold risers have been changed and the out drive has little or no play in the prop when in gear. There are some other fine details I would look over too.

I see your in Oklahoma which should mean it is a freshwater boat and that makes a world of difference too. Make sure the guy has done regular oil changes on it (ask him how to see if he knows how to change the oil) and that the out drive gear oil is regularly changed and again ask him how he does it. If he takes it to a shop as for recorders. Then put the out drive down and pull the top plug to see if any water is in the out drive. If not you are in good shape is there the seals are going and look out.

[phishy]

Bayliner has its own forum you should check out BAYLINER® OWNERS' CLUB - Message Board - ezboard.com
Use the search feature to get into the archives, and feel free to post up your question to them. They are very helpful and im sure can answer your questions better then anyone.


Now as Trophy owner myself. I can tell you that the current line of production they have right now has come along way. They have made some leaps and bounds on design and over all quality. They still are cheaper then most boats out there, aside from the Seaswirls. I really dont have much bad to say about my boat. I also you use it much differently then you. It does well in the Channel Island enviroment. For your application i think its a great boat that you will have years of enjoyment from. With any used boat its really buyer beware. Check it in and out. Have a surveyor look at it if your in doubt. But really your getting what you pay for. Expect problems and have money set aside for it. Its a great price for the boat.
Dont mind the diehards..Ive had plenty of those guys on my boat in weather and ask them how it was..they walk away suprised...

[wils]

bayliner is a great starter boat