Is a Bayliner still considered a poorly made boat (newer models?)?

Question

we are looking for a used boat and the boat dealer called us because they just got a 2009 Bayliner 205 BR in. We were wanting something new but not brand new.
I keep hearing that Bayliner has a bad name. The sales guy at the boat dealership said that in 2002 the same company that owns Sea Ray bought them and now they make much better boats. So, are the newer ones any better now? The boat is listed at just under 25k. My husband wants a newer boat but I am leaning towards getting an older Sea Ray, Ebbtide, Chapparel, Four Winns...ect...
What do you think?

Answer 1

Your sales guy at the dealership was correct... Brunswick (the company known world wide for making bowling balls) also owns Bayliner, Sea ray, Hatteras, Sealine, Maxum, Boston Whaler, Cabo, Mercruiser, other boat lines, and now even Cummins engines.

But... their ownership doesn't make the boat any better. Fact is, Bayliner is the leading seller of "entry level - first time owner - boats". That made them a good investment for Brunswick, not a good investment for the first time boat buyer.

Your thoughts on buying used is a very smart one... buying a new or used Bayliner however, is not so good. With the market the way it is, you should be able to buy a really great used boat for a trickle of the boat's real value. It does however, take study, time, and work to find a great deal on a great boat that is right for you...

I suggest, you check out the "boat buying" section of the site below... in it, you will find some great information on how to buy a used boat, as well as the advantages of doing so... it will also tell you how to avoid buying someone else's headaches...

Now... just so you know... I am not saying Bayliner is a "bad" boat. I am just saying that new or used, it is certainly not the best. The reason they have the corner on the "first time boat buying market" is that they are cheap, and thus have low entry level prices...



Also, before you buy any used boat - go to:

> http://www.nadaguides.com/SectionHome.aspx?l=1&w=24&p=0&f=5601 <

This is the NADA website... they are the Bible of used boat prices and values used by Banks, boat dealers, etc. and, so you know... boat dealers will always buy or trade based on the low end price (or less) and sell on the high end price (or more)... In today's market, if they are asking a penny more then the mid-range price on anything less then a boat in excellent shape and condition, you are not getting a good deal... and if you are letting them arrange your financing, they are likely to make more money on financing your boat, selling you warranties, and insurance, they they will make on the boat itself...



Good Luck,

John

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Is a Bayliner still considered a poorly made boat (newer models?)?

we are looking for a used boat and the boat dealer called us because they just got a 2009 Bayliner 205 BR in. We were wanting something new but not brand new.

I keep hearing that Bayliner has a bad name. The sales guy at the boat dealership said that in 2002 the same company that owns Sea Ray...

Answer 3

Although bayliner has improved their product over the last few years, they are still an entry level boat. The hulls are poorly finished, the hardware is of a lesser quality, and the interiors are not very durable. The Sea Ray is a quality built and finished boat, ther are lots of 30 yr old Sea Rays still in great shape. The warranty on the Bayliner is great, but not if the boat is in the shop all the time. You don't say what model of Sea Ray, so it's hard to judge whether 21k is a good price. If you have a survey done, the boat should be valued in the survey. Personally, i wouldn't be seen dead in a Bayliner, but this comes from experience of years past.

Answer 4

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axw81



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

Answer 5

Maxum Boats Out Of Business

Answer 6

Whatever you two decide on, get a Marine Survey and an on the water test drive of the boat. The newer Bayliners are decent boats. I have many family members across the country with Bayliners. Fact is, they are considered "Entry Level" boats and always will be. More people will sell a Bayliner within two years of purchase than any other brand of boat, but, it's because they are either leaving boating, or moving up. I've never owned a Bayliner personally, but have driven them and the "Up Brand" models. Bayliner has a good boat since Brunswick acquired the company. Like Most manufacturers, there's a "Luxury" or "Upscale" brand name much like Toyota and Lexus.



The price of $25k for a Bow Rider seems high to me, and I'd negotiate that price down a bunch. The Brand Names that you listed are better boats and more than likely be a better boat overall for you. I personally own two Sea Rays and can tell you they are great boats with perfect service records and never a breakdown.

Answer 7

Who Makes Maxum Boats

Answer 8

They shouldn t be. They are very nice boats. I have owned two of them. A 2004 24 and now a 2009 27 . You can get them basic or with more options. They are good quality boats that don t cost an arm and a leg. They get a bad rap from people that don t know what they are really like. Never had any problems with the ones I owned. They actually have more room in them than a lot of the higher priced boats. The big windows in the cabin are better than just port holes like a lot of boats have. Take a look at a Bayliner and make up your own mind. Don t believe everything bad you here about them.

Answer 9

Although Sea Ray bought out bayliner, they are still considering a "bottom of the line" boat. Not in quality, but in options.



A Sea Ray will come with all the bells and whistles, and a bayliner will be a pretty basic boat. It depends solely on what you want your boat to have.



The most important thing about owning a boat is maintenance, so make sure you are willing to maintain your investment properly and you can buy whatever boat you want without worry.

Answer 10

Just bought an 05 245 and we love it. Replaced some parts (for aesthetics since it wasnt covered) and actually had to search for Sea Ray 245 SB and they are identical. Yeah, Sea Ray may have better bells and whistles however to me doesn t make up for price difference when the guts are all the same (engine, outdrive, etc.). New Bayliners are nice in my opinion and still look great! I say 04 and up are big difference.