Bayliner Bass Boats 2024

smallie.huntin reply :

I am hoping someone has some info on these boats. I would like to go take a look at it but is this reliable motor? I know nothing about this type of boat or motor. Does anyone have any input? I am really on a budget at this point but have 2 people I can fish with most weekends. It would just be nice to have the ability to get out whenever I want without pounding the shore. Thanks guys.

1987 Bayliner Bass Boat - $1500

1987 Bayliner Bass boat with 85 Force motor, trolling motor and trailer

I emailed the owner who said he doesn't know the model and that the "engine needs a tune up".

cart7t reply :

Bayliner has long been known as an entry level boat builder whether it's bassboats or ski type boats which they're more known for.

Check the floors, decks and transom out thoroughly on this one. Any excessive soft spots and I'd shy away from it. One way the entry level boat manufacturers use to cut corners is skimping on how well wood structural members are sealed.

If that checks out, pay to have the motor gone over by a pro.

Good luck.

Catt reply :

Bayliner shows only one boat built during 1987

The 1987, 1404 Bass is a 13.5 foot outboard boat. The weight of the boat is 770 lbs. which does not include passengers, aftermarket boating accessories, or fuel. The max rated horsepower of this boat, as listed by the manufacturer, (according to records we have) is 50 hp . If you do not have the manual for your engine then we highly recommend that you get one as repowering is costly and it takes you off of the water. When repowering, it is best to verify this information for the sake of safety and to ensure that your insurance company will cover you.

Your boat could possible be a different year

http://www.iboats.com/Bayliner_Boats__Bass_Boat/bp/41br1035c11

BassChump reply :

I am an owner of a 1984 Bayliner Trophy bass boat. I can tell you that it's been a great purchase for me. The boats are light, easy to tow, the engine is basic but to me, that's a good thing. Easier to repair and maintain and the 85 horse is very easy on gas. I have had only 1 problem with mine. It took a while to figure it out because the mechanic was an idiot but when I figured it out, the repair cost me less than 2 bucks. Now that's my kind of fix. Just a fuel pump diaphram.

Yes, Bayliners are entry level boats but they are popular for a reason. They get the job done. I love mine. I have less than $1500.00 into it and I'm very happy with it so far.

The engines are sensitive to underlubrication so the "tune up" thing bothers me. I'd have it checked out by a mechanic very closely but if he gives it the thumbs up, I'd go further.

To me that looks like the 16 foot (15' 10" actually) model and the 85 horse motor verifies that. It's the same motor on mine. A lot of people don't like the Force engines but as long as you don't EVER over heat them and make absolutely sure the fuel/oil mixture is correct, they are good basic engines.

If you find any soft spots in the floor, then some of the wood is rotted. Not a huge problem but if you're not handy, then a boat shop would charge a lot to fix it. If you can work with plywood and a saw, you should be able to repair soft spots yourself.

There should be a plate with the specs somewhere on the boat. Mine is near the throttle. It will tell you the model number and the max engine rating.

Some of the specs on that boat. The model is a Bayliner Trophy 1710. It weighs around 1445 pounds, it's 16 feet long and by the way, that's a 1986 model. Not a 1987. It may have first sold in 87 but it's an 86 model year. At ***, it will top out at around 30 mph give or take.

Anyway, I love mine and if it sank tomorrow, I wouldn't be out a bazillion dollars. I got my monies worth a long time ago.

See if you could take a mechanic with you, have him check it out. It would be money well spent either way. He should do a compression test, look at both timing adjustments. Those engines have an idle timing and high speed timing so if it needs a "tune up" as the guys says, it should show up there. That is a 3 cylinder engine and it has 3 seperate ignition packs and those packs are very hard to find and when you do find them, they aren't cheap so have the mechanic look at those as well.

If the engine passes, no soft spots in the floor and the engine and hull are in fair shape, then the rest of the stuff is basic. Lights, wheel bearings, trailer bunks, wiring. All easy stuff that I wouldn't worry about too much until I got it home.

One other thing. Bayliner uses pretty cheap gauges on the dash so if a few of those aren't working, that is pretty normal. I'd use aftermarket guages if need be but again, that's not that big of a problem.

Also, if you do purchase it, make absolutely sure that the engine overheat sensor is working. In those years, Bayliner didn't have a temp guage. They used a buzzer. Always make sure that the sending unit and the buzzer are in working order. The buzzer itself is located behind the console and the sending unit is on the back of the engine. It will have one small wire going to it with a small nut holding it on. When you take off the engine cover, it will be staring you right in the face on the rear of the engine.

Hmm, sorry for the rant. I'm just happy with mine. It does a great job for me. I see all these beautiful boats that cost sometimes 70K and go 90 mph. A bit much for me just to go fishing.

For that price, if it checks out, I'd say you got yourself one heck of a bass boat.

If you have any questions, just shoot me a PM. I'd be happy to help.

fishfordollars reply :

Above post is right on and if you don't take it to a dealer and have the motor checked you deserve whatever you get. The charge to check it out will be the best money you ever spent.

smallie.huntin reply :

Thanks for all the great info guys. Hopefully I will have an opportunity to see the boat this week and I will definitely have it checked out by a professional. Do I just push on the hull to check for soft spots?

drmnbig reply :

Bayliner is manufactured Quantum bass boats also. It's an identical boat to what you show there. My father in law purchased a 96 Quantum about 5 years ago. He didn't use it much and never took care of it and let is set for 3 straight years. He gave the boat to me and it's sitting in my driveway right now. The decks are made of plywood and the 96 is already getting soft. The carpet on these boats is also crap. Remember, this boat was not taken care of either so that 's the only thing I have to base an opinion on. I will say though, these boats are made as fish and skis although they don't have the typical look to them. They ride SMOOTH! I'm in awe at how well they take rough water. Mine is an 18'8" with a Force 120 and it'll run about 40mph. All around I'd have to say it's a good entry level boat if you're not picky about the little things.

BassChump reply :

Actually it's not the hull that will have soft spots, it will be the interior wood on the floor. Just walk around the boat and feel the floor and decks. If they sag or are spongy, then the wood is rotting. Not an extremely hard fix but it is something you should be aware of.

The hull is fiberglass so you can visually look it over and check for cracks from hitting stuff in the water, hits from the trailer while loading, stuff like that. Just look it over closely and if you see any large cracks, have the mechanic look at that as well. Some minor stress cracks on the top part shouldn't be any big problem but it pays to make sure.

Good luck with that and let us know how it works out for you.

I'm curious to find out myself.

TommyBass reply :

I had a 96' 75hp Force engine on a Nitro and had lots and lots of trouble with it. Always would die when idling regardless of setpoint and usually ran rough. Ended up putting a fuel pump on it from a 90 hp (other brand) and made it somewhat better. It was used before I bought it so I cannot vouge for how it was treated before me. I know every engine is an individual case but I have heard of other Force owners having problems. Youll have problems with any brand sometime somewhere, but for the relatively few amount of Force engines out there, many have their issues.

BassChump reply :

Well, personally I've had good luck with Force engines. I've never had a lot of money for luxuries like boats, clothing, food, shelter, that kind of stuff concerning basic needs. Fishing is a basic need isn't it??? Jesus said it was didn't he????? Hmm, that's another thread for another time.

Anyway, my point is that I've had good luck with Force engines. I must say that if I buy a boat, I always make sure the engine is in good shape prior to my purchase. If it's questionable, then I'll pass. One time I even pulled the head off of a Force just to see if the cylinder walls were scored. It ran fine but something just didn't feel right to me so I offered the guy new head gaskets if I could peek inside. Turns out one cylinder was scored. I installed new head gaskets and went on my way.

In other words, I make sure I'm starting with a good engine. I can fix just about anything else on a boat but the engine is a far too costly fix even if I do it myself. If I know the engine is good, then I've always had great luck with them. Just like any piece of machinery, if it's taken care of, chances are it will treat you well. If you start with a problem, it will many times always have issues no matter how much money you pour into it whether it's a Force, Johnson, Mercury, Evinrude or anything else.

And no matter how hard we try or how much we educate ourselves, occasionally it just doesn't work out. It's a crapshoot no matter what. You just do the best you can and hopefully luck is on your side.

TommyBass reply :

I definately agree. Buying a used boat is nothing more then a more sophisticated form of gambling in some respects. But taking the time to look just a little closer can pay off huge.

I was in no way trying to degrade your Force engine I was just stating my personal experiences with one. I have also had a 90 hp merc act up on me. I currently have a 90hp Yamaha and havnt had an issue with it yet but barely have put any time on it. Same with cars, you'll have your lemons no matter what brand... just some brands have bigger lemon orchards

BassChump reply :

Hey Tommybass,

No problem at all. I took no offense at all. Owning a lower end engine isn't everyones cup of tea. For me in my financial situation, I don't have much choice. I wish I could get a nicer boat and a bigger engine.

Since I can't, I have to make do with what is available for me and that would be a Bayliner with a Force engine. I've been lucky so far. No major issues. If there was I'd be sunk.

For 1500 bucks, that boat doesn't sound bad as long as the engine checks out, there aren't gaping holes in the hull and the trailer isn't a rust bucket. If it floats and it goes, then what else is there. It's just a matter of comfort after that.

Since the guy doesn't seem to know much about it, if everything checks out, I'd offer the guy 1200 and see what he says.

I got mine for a grand and it's been probably one of the best investments I've ever done. I take my 15 year old daughter fishing now and then and it has brought us much closer together so I figure just because of that, it was worth the money. Catching a few bass and trout here and there is just a bonus.

smallie.huntin reply :

Good looking boat! Thanks guys for all the input. I will try and see the boat this week, work permitting and if the hull checks out to my eye then I will look into having a professional take a look at the motor and the boat. I have been able to save about $125-200 each month for the past couple of months. I also sold my atv which helped the bank account more.

I want to take a look at this one but may end up just waiting to see what else comes on the market as I have my brother and cousin to get out fishing with. Thanks again guys.

TommyBass reply :

BassChump: It dosn't appear you have scaled back very much... thats a nice looking boat you got there.

bassmedic46 reply :

Get it checked out, so you won't have any unforeseen issues.

BassChump reply :

Hey Tommybass,

Thanks for the compliment on the boat. It certainly isn't a new Ranger but for the money, I think I got a great boat. It works well for me and my situation. It's not the prettiest boat on the water but it runs well, has all the stuff and I'm happy with it. That's all that counts anyway. I wish I could afford one of those nicer boats but this does the same job so it's ok. It gets us on the water.

ImaRapalabeliever reply :

Holly crap Basschump my mom lives in Florence Oregon, I was born in Reedsport what a very very small town and small world.

ImaRapalabeliever reply :

I hear you buddy, my parents were divorced when I was 4 years old, my dad met who is now my step mom, we moved to Pensacola Fl, I miss seeing my mom but I feel very fortunate that I wasn't raised in Oregon. There's just not much to do or sustain a life. Your right it is very beautiful unlike any other place in this country, and I love to visit, but that's about it. My step dad was a commercial fisherman out of Winchester Bay a long time ago, but I hear that has also gone down the tubes. I am trying to get my mom to move closer to here but she just can't seem to leave. My grandpa and my dad both worked at the paper mill until it closed down a long time ago, that place is pretty much a ghost town now. I haven't been back in a long time, but I would love to go someday and do some fishing.

cart7t reply :

Quote
Thanks for all the great info guys. Hopefully I will have an opportunity to see the boat this week and I will definitely have it checked out by a professional. Do I just push on the hull to check for soft spots?

The place your most concerned about is the transom.

Look for cracks in the transom corners, motor mounting bolts that are sunk into the transom, rust coming from motor mounting bolt holes. Trim the motor down, have someone put their foot on the cavitation plate and really put their weight into it while you look at the transom. If you see flexing you've got a soft transom. It's repairable but labor intensive job.

Lots of soft spots in the floors and/or decking will indicate rotted wood underneath. Unfortunately it can also be a indication of rotted stringers (wood structural members glassed into the hull) underneath as well.

TommyBass reply :

Bass Chump, I wouldn't worry about it being the prettiest on the water. Theres alot more trouble to that then meets the eye. Alot of people spend high dollars on boats and have alot invested in them but maintaining them becomes a chore. I bought a 03 Triton off of a friend and it was a great boat and pretty as can be. But after 2 years of babying it through rocks and trees and wiping it down everyday I got sick of it and traded for a 18ft jon that I can run into all I want and it does everything I need it to. Everyone has their preferences and reasons for them.

And yes x2 sox fan: the transom is a good place to start looking for problems and probably one of the most important.

BassChump reply :

Hey Tommybass.

That's the way I look at it. I always want something I can USE..... I don't want to worry if I get a nick or scratch. Same with my cars. I own an old Ford Ranger and an older Chevy convertible. They are both decent rides but I won't have a fit if I get a scratch. Well, maybe on the convertible but it wouldn't be that big of a fit. lol.

I like my boat, it treats me well and if someone doesn't like it, they don't have to fish from it. hehe.

It works for me.

simplejoe reply :

Quote
.
I like my boat, it treats me well and if someone doesn't like it, they don't have to fish from it. hehe.

It works for me.

That's how I felt with my last boat, my friends called it the "little blue boat that could"

It wasn't the best boat out on the water but it never left me stranded out on the water either. If I drained my battery dead trolling all day only thing i did was walk back to the motor and use the pull starter instead of the electric start.

smallie.huntin reply :

I have decided against looking further into this boat. With all the info gained here about the boat and motor as well as from a couple of other places, I am going to stay away from it. Thanks a lot for all the help. The search continues. 8-)

bassattackerdad reply :

My son's got a 1984 Bayliner Trophy Bass with a 90 Evinrude. Sweet little boat for a 15 year old. Not the fastest but handles water pretty good. Got everything the big boys have. And for what we paid, we probably got the boat free for the cost of the engine!

GVJeeper reply :

I just bought an 84 Trophy and took it on it's maiden voyage yesterday. I am aware of a few wiring and bilge issues. Does anyone know here I can get a wiring diagram or manual on this boat?

Thanks, from a newby

Wayne P. reply :

For the Bayliner owners and potential owners, remember to disconnect the boat from the trailer for launching. You don't want to be associated with the "blond in the Bayliner story", LOL

slonezp reply :

Nener heard anything good about Force motors. In fact a # of years back a friend of mine had to have a major overhaul to a Force 125hp that was just out of warranty. They sold the boat a few years later on consignment. The broker told them that If the Bayliner had any motor but the Force they could have asked more for it.

South FLA reply :

Quote
I have decided against looking further into this boat. With all the info gained here about the boat and motor as well as from a couple of other places, I am going to stay away from it. Thanks a lot for all the help. The search continues. 8-)

Didn't want to chime in, but now that you decided against it might as well have some fun. Bayliner boats are seen often down here in Florida and the inside joke on them in the "marine industry" is the are called Bayliner for a reason...............................................................................................They are found lining the bottom of the bay ;D

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