New to bayliners-gctid379068

[Guest]

Hi everyone,

I am thinking about purchasing a 1997 2355 Ciera but I don't know anything about bayliners. I've owned a Sea ray OB before but I have a family and would like a cuddy.

The boat I'm looking at looks VERY clean from the numerous photos the guy sent me. He's asking $14900 and I have no idea if this is a good price.

My other concerns are the weight of the boat. I have a 2011 F150 and wondered if it will pull it. Also what is the top speed with the 5.7L motor. I live in Colorado and do like to wat ski.

Are there any know issues with the hull, like cracking or is there anything in general I need to be aware of when I go check out the boat.

Thanks for any help!

[Guest]

Tank, the price seems a little high to me. Given the economy, if one shops around a bit, there are some great deals out there. For that money, you could probably get a little bit bigger boat, which, if you have a family, you will definitely need.

I don't have any trouble pulling my 2755 with a Chevy 1500, 5.7 engine, automatic transmission. If there is a steep climb, just drive by the tach and don't listen to the various creative names that other drivers can make up.

[Guest]

You will have no problem pulling it with that truck.

[Guest]

Welcome to BOC!

I previously owned a 98' 2355 for a while, decent boat and good for starting. For starters, your truck will have no issues, I pulled my 2355 for years with a 2006 f150 that truck has plenty of power its a none issue.

As far as the boat, they are good like I said for starter cruisers. The only real downsize is that its small, you will outgrow it fast. Depends though on what you are used to. 2 adults for us + 1 child was too much, we sold it and bought our 3055 and thats about as small as I wille ver go again, but hey thats just me. The price being asked is a bit high, I would expect new full camper canvas and a low hours engine for that. Mine had a rare bravo2 mounted on it, in very good condition, electronics, many many many many many thousands in new parts, additions, etc. I got around 15-16k I think for mine when I sold it with a trailer 2 years ago.

They are by no means a rare boat, lots of them out there. I would knock that price down to about 13k at least depending on features it came with. Does it have a real toilet or is it a porta potty? Engine/Drive combo? Camper cover? MIcrowave, real fridge not ice box? A/c? Trailer? Things to consider before putting a price.

If it has everything listed, 13k should be a good price, if its missing a/c thats ok a/c in 2355 was fairly rare. If it is a stripped down model with porta potty and ice box no microwave, id offer 11k or less.

[Guest]

tank1023 wrote:
Hi everyone,

I am thinking about purchasing a 1997 2355 Ciera but I don't know anything about bayliners. I've owned a Sea ray OB before but I have a family and would like a cuddy.

The boat I'm looking at looks VERY clean from the numerous photos the guy sent me. He's asking $14900 and I have no idea if this is a good price.

My other concerns are the weight of the boat. I have a 2011 F150 and wondered if it will pull it. Also what is the top speed with the 5.7L motor. I live in Colorado and do like to wat ski.

Are there any know issues with the hull, like cracking or is there anything in general I need to be aware of when I go check out the boat.

Thanks for any help!

:wel-

Welcome to BOC, Tank!

Bayliners are LOTS better that Searays

For comparison. My 2452 is a '95 and I bought it for $7600. 5.0 motor, no AC a real frig, no microwave, no camper top and I have to say that it was neglected and very dirty

However the mechanics were/are in very nice shape and she's spiffy & clean now

Oh and that included a trailer,,,one in need of 3 tires but o'wise just fine.

So as others have said, that price seems a little on the high side.

Best of luck to you and I hope that you find the perfect boat! Not this one >> _^_

Hope to see you around teh site!

Sarah

[Guest]

My experience is that "inland prices" for boats are a bit higher than at the coast. I could have gotten mine for

[Guest]

Top speed for my 2355 was only around 34mph max, many others have been well over 40mph though. Mine would have ran that if I had a different prop.

[Guest]

Here is a 2000 2455 doe 16500

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/2987444913.html

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies.

The boat has a real fridge, microwave, and stove, also bathroom not porta potty. He has three covers including a new camper cover.

Yes, boats are a little pricer her in Colorado because there are less of them, I would like something bigger but the lakes are just too small. I do go to lake Powell for longer trips but I have to travel over mountain passes to get there and anything over 23-24' is just scary.

Well I'm excited to see it on Saturday. I will post Picts if I buy it.

Thanks again everyone!

Oh ... Also has transom grill which I'm very excited about.

[CaptUgly]

My advice would be that if you have never had a cuddy cabin go for a little ride in the cabin before you buy it. A lot of people can not go in the cabin if they are moving. Instant sea-sick!:livid:

[boatworkfl]

Take some pictures and post some, if you really want this boat offer less, go for a sea trial and run it to top speed, be sure to get a marine survey on a boat this size and value, you may need one depending on the financing institution, this is a depressed market for boats, have a mechanic go over the engine and outdrive.

MARINE ENGINE SURVEY INFO

I compiled this info from the training and course material I received at the Chapman School of Marine Surveying.

A marine engine survey is a comprehensive evaluation of the condition of the engine, all the components such as: The fuel, cooling, exhaust, electrical, controls, gauges, running gears, engine mounts, and should include and the all important oil sample test, including a compression test as well as a sea trial to assess the overall performance of the vessel and engine.

The marine engine surveyor will provide a very detailed written report, and should include photo's, just as detailed as a vessel survey; and include his findings (good and bad), and specific recommendations, and like a vessel surveyor can oversee and provide a detailed report on any repairs.

Buying a boat usually is an expensive undertaking, having to replace or have extensive repairs to the engine and gears can seriously affect the vessels value. Major repairs can ruin what seems like a good deal.

Note: The person who pays for the vessel survey or the engine survey owns the survey, unless there is a prior agreement between the surveyor, buyer, and seller.

I always recommend a marine survey for any expensive boat/vessel purchase. A good marine surveyor will find out more about the vessel than the majority of boaters; not to say that a first look cannot be done with an experienced boater. You could take an a very experienced boater with you.

Pat S.

[Guest]

Towing: I tow a 26' 5200Lb boat over I-70 from the west to Powell often. I use a Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.9 and towing package. It's not a problem if you are careful and don't let your speed build on Eisenhower grade and the west bound side of Vail. You won't have any problem with a 23/24' as long as you have surge or elec trailer brakes and they are in good order.

I had a 2355 years ago, and liked it just fine for two plus a small kid or maybe two. You'll get creative about where to store and stuff supplies, but it can be done with planning.

Sounds like the owner takes good care of his equipment with all the canvas. For any boat, judge the condition by the electrical items functional, and the shape of the bilge under the engine. These are regular maintenance items and often are overlooked or let slide. Everything electrical should work fully, and the bilge should be reasonably clean and free of gunk.

Bayliners in general are decent boats. They aren't the best built, but aren't the worst either. There are several models of several years that I would caution against but I think the mid 90s Cierra line are safe bets. As I said, you will have trouble with electrical stuff over time. Keep on top of it, and fix the small stuff that comes up and move on.

The only thing I caution against is the 2355 on the open water of lake Powell with any non-swimmers. Wahweap bay, and several other parts of Powell can get pretty rough in hi winds. Anyone not a good swimmer, and even swimmers should wear a vest in high winds. If you get the boat unbalanced fore and aft, it will porpoise a bit in light chop. This is common due to the large freeboard of the 23' size. I would suggest you try the 2455, or even the 2655 which is my favorite. For your price range, you can get a 2655, and have a bunch more room and smoother ride. Of course, it weighs more, and needs a good trailer but I would recommend the 24 or 26.

[Guest]

Good info Doc and boat.

How much would a survey cost me?

This is why I came here I knew you all would point me in the right direction.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

[Guest]

survey prices can very, my 3055 I paid per foot, I think it was around 400ish. If your new to boating and cruisers, you definatly want a survey.