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**itsabowtime2** · 01-15-2012, 05:00 AM

So many choices. The F150 will limit you in towing, especially long hauls. Are you planning on over-nighting?

The 80's Ciera's all had the rear sleeping quarters, depending upon size their either have 1 additional birth in the bow area or both a birth in the bow and a convertable dinette area. Not all had an arch, but you can have one made, or make one yourself.

Take 1985 for example:

2150 - smallest and not set up out of the box for overnighting. If you go with one of these, do NOT get it with the 3.0.

2450 - perhaps your best choice for towing as it is not a wide beam. Came in a command bridge as well.

2550 - 9 1/2 beam. Great layout.

2750 - narrow beam as well. With trailer and gear you would be at your limit, perhaps over.

2850 - wide beam as well (10'). Came as a command bridge as well.

'85 is a nice year because they a Volvo powered so a conversion to a DP is possible which really helps these boats out, especially the 2550 and 2850 as they are heaver boats.

As far as rot, get a survey to be sure but common areas are the transom, around the rub rail and windows. The arch also suffered rot as well.

Have fun with the search!

**Go Aweigh2452** · 01-15-2012, 05:10 AM

Command bridge is nice but you live in the frekin cold!!! I'd bet half the time you'd be in the cabin and if it were a dual helm, you'll loss a lot of cabin space.

Get either the 2452 or the newer brother 242 or 266. They all have heads, showers either in the cabin or on the aft cockpit, walk thru transom (2000 and newer), trailerable (even with the F150) but watch the weight..., and you can heat the cockpit area and keep warm inside the drop curtain while driving during cold weather...

The 242 and 266 have a berth on the port side under the cockpit and the forward berth would be for you and the Admiral... They both have indoor showers too.

They come with 5.0 or 5.7... and look for the BIII if a 5.0 and with a BII, I'd suggest a 350/5.7...

Everything is a compromise in boats...

**2850Bounty** · 01-15-2012, 06:02 AM

Quoting our Doug (aka DMCB).... (paraphrasing perhaps)..... don't fall in love with a boat until you learn if it fits your needs or not ...... (or sump'n like that).

Doug, help me out here!

Mid 80's .. perhaps '83-84 to '86....... good choice, IMO.

The Volvo Penta was the drive option during these years.

Prop selection can be up to 16" diameter... not so with Merc or OMC.

And you are no doubt familiar with the DP addition and what that will provide for these larger boats.

Basically.... a mid 80's will offer you the OMC ('87 and later) or the Volvo Penta (up to '87) only.

No Merc Bravo anything until much later.

Phil nails the early model numbering.

Matt (aka Downloadcomplete) can perhaps best explain the later Bayliner model numbering.... I lost track once the second pair of digits no longer meant what they did previously. :thumb

It used to be that a XX50 meant SDN F/B boat..... now it does not.

Why the arch? Radar? Just curious!

If you plan to trailer, you may want a SS arch that hinges and folds down.

Your Ford F150 Fx4 5.0L won't cut the mustard for anything near 26 - 28 foot.

But the 28 footer will save you from another "Two-foot-Titus" attack in the future, since 28' is apparently your limit.

I'd say... do it now, as apposed to later, IMO.

As for rot or stringer/transom core damage......... you are in the area of fresh water boats, so this is of more importance for you if you look locally.

Fresh water tends to damage core material more so than salt water.

Have you been on or driven a Sedan Flybridge boat? If not, you may want to!

The mid 80's Contessa is available in a SDN F/B boat.

Once a F/B owner...., it would be difficult going back to a single station boat, IMO.

Look at Gary's (aka Garbal) 2850 Contessa thread in the completed projects section.

It should have both of you drooling shortly.

But as Doug said; you live in the frekin cold!!!... so the F/B may not appeal to you as well.

However, with a single station, you are still out in the elements to some extent.

Food for thought!

Sleeping quarters are berths. Kitchen is a Galley. Bathroom is a Head. Eating area is typically a dinette.

Sofa area is often referred to as a settee or salon area.

Good luck! Lots to think about.

**Guest** · 01-15-2012, 06:44 AM

I might no of a nice 266 discovery 4 sale only used 1 summer maybe it would fill all your needs.

**itsabowtime2** · 01-15-2012, 06:47 AM

Something to consider, intergrated swim platform? Personally I like them as you have less holes in the transom, however if sealed correctly and maintained it is a non issue. These were introduced in 1989 such as the 2755. This would also give you an intergrated arch vs. the bolt on version on the mid-80's models had. It is also OMC powered which you are familar with. Just to add to the mix.

**2850Bounty** · 01-15-2012, 06:59 AM

Just a reminder.......

Alexirocz28 wrote:
My dream boat is a mid/late 80's Ciera/sunbrigde with the arch....etc etc etc ...............

Soooooooo.... I decided to look for that mid 80's that I always love.....

**Guest** · 01-15-2012, 07:07 AM

1984 Contessa, Duo prop

Raymarine Radar w/chart plotter & depth sounder

Located in Oregon

Tripple axel traylor, 2 axel electric brakes

**Guest** · 01-15-2012, 09:04 AM

Well I love the look of the 80's Ciera/Sunbrigde.... the reason for the arch for me is only cosmetic.... I dont mind having to do work on the boat....I think would be even more fun ....

My ideal number at least on my mind was a 26ish.... I think a boat that size could go in the trailer fairlly easy and also enough room to have a weekend with the wife away from everything with some luxury.....

One of the guys at the boat show yesterday told me to get an aluminum trailler to cut down the weight so I can get a bigger boat .... I actually never thought about that until yesterday....I never counted the weight of the trailler....

I think I dont have enough overnite experience to know what I need inside the galley and etc.... but I know what appeals more to my eyes....

What is better for use the OMC or VOLVO? I know it's like what is better Chevy or Ford.....I know every brand has his + and - but overwall what is better?

**Guest** · 01-15-2012, 09:40 AM

I am sorry to use somebody elses picture but I love the look of that boat just missing the nice white arch on top....and would be perfect....

**2850Bounty** · 01-15-2012, 09:43 AM

Alexirocz28 wrote:

What is better for use the OMC or VOLVO? I know it's like what is better Chevy or Ford..... I know every brand has his + and - but overwall what is better?

Well, we'll be opening a can of worms here... so here we go gingerly!

OMC is no longer as of 1993 or so, when the Volvo Penta design began being used.

Parts are still readily available... but more difficult to find good OMC service.

Most all AQ series Volvo Penta parts are still available and there is a vast array of interchangeability.

Service is not an issue since these are very easy to work on.

OMC is limited to a 15" propeller in the Cobra series.

OMC Cobra is Dog Clutch gear engagement and requires an ESA.

AQ series Volvo Penta is Cone Clutch gear engagement... no ESA or SA.

You'll find OMC only in Bayliners from '87 to ??? whatever the year was when B/L became Merc only.

From early 80's up to '87 (not including 87), you'll find AQ series Volvo Penta.

OMC Cobra offers a hydraulic tilt/trim system.

AQ series Volvo Penta offers this from the 290 on (there is a 280 PT, but is rather rare).

OMC uses a rubber hubbed drive coupler that requires anual engine alignment.

AQ series Volvo Penta uses an all steel Borg Warner drive coupler... no anual engine alignment.

Both have the quivalent of a "Gimbal" bearing that requires service.

OMC is Gimbal mount... Volvo Penta is main suspension fork geometry.

Both require routine bellows replacement.

OMC bellows replacement is much like the Merc Gimbal system bellows replacement.

AQ series Volvo Penta bellows replacement is more user friendly.

OMC requires a shift cable bellows.

AQ series Volvo Penta does not use a shaft cable bellows.

OMC sea water pump is drive located.

Volvo Penta sea water pump is engine located.

OMC can be converted to the later Gimbal system Volvo Penta.... including the Duo Prop.

All AQ series Volvo Pentas can be adapted to the Duo Prop.

Volvo Penta incorporates a lower unit oil pump that circulates the cooler gear oil up and back.

In all fairness, you'll want to hear from the guys who like their OMC's and who have had great luck with them, and many here have.

.

**Guest** · 01-15-2012, 09:55 AM

2850Bounty wrote:
Well, we'll be opening a can of worms here... so here we go gingerly!

OMC is no longer as of 1993 or so, when the Volvo Penta design began being used.

Parts are still readily available... but more difficult to find good OMC service.

Most all AQ series Volvo Penta parts are still available and there is a vast array of interchangeability.

Service is not an issue since these are very easy to work on.

OMC is limited to a 15" propeller in the Cobra series.

OMC Cobra is Dog Clutch gear engagement and requires an ESA.

AQ series Volvo Penta is Cone Clutch gear engagement... no ESA or SA.

You'll find OMC only in Bayliners from '87 to ??? whatever the year was when B/L became Merc only.

From early 80's up to '87 (not including 87), you'll find AQ series Volvo Penta.

OMC Cobra offers a hydraulic tilt/trim system.

AQ series Volvo Penta offers this from the 290 on (there is a 280 PT, but is rather rare).

OMC uses a rubber hubbed drive coupler that requires anual engine alignment.

AQ series Volvo Penta uses an all steel Borg Warner drive coupler... no anual engine alignment.

Both have the quivalent of a "Gimbal" bearing that requires service.

OMC is Gimbal mount... Volvo Penta is main suspension fork geometry.

Both require routine bellows replacement.

OMC bellows replacement is much like the Merc Gimbal system bellows replacement.

AQ series Volvo Penta bellows replacement is more user friendly.

OMC requires a shift cable bellows.

AQ series Volvo Penta does not use a shaft cable bellows.

OMC sea water pump is drive located.

Volvo Penta sea water pump is engine located.

OMC can be converted to the later Gimbal system Volvo Penta.... including the Duo Prop.

All AQ series Volvo Pentas can be adapted to the Duo Prop.

Volvo Penta incorporates a lower unit oil pump that circulates the cooler gear oil up and back.

In all fairness, you'll want to hear from the guys who like their OMC's and who have had great luck with them, and many here have.

.

Woowwww....that was a great explanation man thank you SOOOOO much for this detailed explanation.....

**Guest** · 01-15-2012, 09:55 AM

Do you fish a lot? Cruise more? or both equally? There are quite a few mid 80's Trophys out east, the 2860 has the mid ship berth, folding dinette berth and vee berth, the 2460 has the vee berth dinette berth, both have enclosed heads. both available with VP Aq's both were available with galley packs. Everyone has their favorite models that fit most of their needs.... I fish a lot and cruise a bit 1-2 weeks a year and the odd weekend getaway, but I fish 3-4 times a week so the Trophy works for me.:arr Good luck with your decision and remember........

Boats are NOT a financial investment but a LIFESTYLE investment!!

**Guest** · 01-15-2012, 10:16 AM

nobody believe me when I tell that but I never fish in my life.... but I have 3 fishtanks at home.....lol.....

**2850Bounty** · 01-15-2012, 10:25 AM

Ofishal wrote:

Boats are NOT a financial investment but a LIFESTYLE investment!!

That is a great one to grasp!

No real investment in terms of a financial return.... but certainly an investment in terms of a return in family fun and enjoyment.

We just reap the pay-back interest as per each day on the water. Ya can hardly put a price on that!

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