Desert Dweller ? on an 80s Ciera-gctid826234

[IronZebra]

Hello, The spouse and I reside in Albuquerque, New Mexico (read little water and must travel 2-3 hours to a lake). We are looking at a mid-80s Ciera tomorrow and wanted some advice on what to look for. I have an F-350 (normally a balloon chase truck) that I will be using to tow. Found the below listing on craigslist with no pictures. Phone call and the owner says has not been in the water in about two years but that they have done annual maintenance (oil change etc.). They are moving to the east coast and do not want to take it with them. Are there any special considerations (good or bad) with a trailer boat in an arid desert environment. Any insight greatly appreciated.

CL ad copied below.

Bayliner Ciera 28 ft. 5.7 liter Volvo Penta 190 Volvo outdrive with many new parts. Runs good. New tires, brakes, boat cover, and folding top.

Includes new Deck grill, new VHF marine radio, and new radio in cabin. The cabin has sink, stove, refrigerator, queen master bed, bow bed, kitchen table folds down for child's bed, and bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower.

The Boat has a tune up, changed oil, new carbarator, belllos, heat risers, exhaust manifolds, new batteries, shore power plug. The boat will pull skier and tube.

The trailer has new tires and wheels, 2 extra wheel, new bearings, seals, brakes, and master cylinder. Have the paper work for boat, toilet, stove, grill, and others.

$7000 or best offer

,

[Centerline2]

there are many things to look at on a boat of that size, and dont forget the trailer inspection which includes the entire braking system and rotors/drums, tires, lights and general appearence.

if the boat has never seen saltwater, its a big plus, but that doesnt mean the boat is in good condition, nor does the ad indicate what actual condition the boat is in...

in order of importance (in my opinion) check the mechanicals of the engine and outdrive to make sure they function properly without overheating, and what engine and outdrive is it fitted with?

and then the electrical system... has it been added to, so that it looks like a wiring spider web below decks or behind the helm?

electronics... new? were thy put in last week? or maybe new 3 years ago when the boat was last used?..... no real care should be given to all the electronics that may be installed, or not, because even if the electronics are not completley obsolete, they add very little value to the boat (if any)...

then the hull and transom.... any rot in the transom or stringers? deck fittings all tight?... any gel coat cracking is ugly and devalues the boat a bit, but it doesnt make it any less seaworthy, and its kind of normal for that era of boat, especially in that hot dry climate.

what condition is the head/waste/macerator system in, and does it all work as it should?

all other systems work? such as lights (interior and exterior, nav lights) bilge pumps, water systems, stove, ect...

condition of upholstery... mold or mildew?... sun rot?

condition of bimini and canvas articles? these are considered consumables (and expensive) and will probably need replaced.....

there is so much more to look at when the boat gets bigger, and so more potential problems, which could potentially equal more than the purchase price of the boat. this is more common than one realizes until too late!

the purchase price is right if the boat is as good as the ad makes it sound, but thats very rarely the case.... if after looking at it and you still are interested, take some photos of the problems you find and post them so that someone can give you an educated guess as to what the repair entails... good luck!

[dmcb]

Well the ad shows the engine and drive. Volvo indicates it Is a 1985 or older. The price is at the high end for that year unless it is really nice.

Normally we would suggest a survey and you should try to get one. The location may be difficult for that.

At least you need a sea trial to see if it performs to specs. That engine may be a little lacking for that boat. Adding a dual prop to that outdrive will make the engine perform much better. Without that or an engine with more hp, you will have to watch your weight closely.

I think you may be looking at a Contessa not a Ciera. The Contessa is a well laid out boat and is a bit over 10' wide. You will like the room.

Pay attention to the expensive things. Engine, outdrive, rot in the transom and stringers. The other things you can test or see if there are problems. Canvas. refrigerator would be a larger expense.

Don't expect it to be new. It isn't. Don't get hung up on small things that are easily repaired or replaced and lose track of the major deal breakers.

About the transom and/or stringer rot.

If water gets between the layers of fiberglass, the wood can rot. That is a major repair and would be a dealer breaker.

It is difficult for someone not experienced to find. A surveyor will use a moisture meter. Some can tap the transom with a small hammer to see if the sound changes.

Not a normal condition but it does happen.

Good luck.

Doug

[JThiessen]

I'm not sure that I would choose a 9 1/2 or 10 ft wide boat if I had to trailer it 2 -3 hours every time I wanted to use it.

Thats a big wide load.

I'd look at the 24 to 26 ft series to stay more mobile with it.

[dmcb]

Personally I disagree about towing.

I towed our Contessa all the years we owned it. 50 to 120 miles one way. Took it to Florida and back. We only boated on the St. Johns River in Florida which was about 90 miles through Florida traffic.

Never had a permit and never a problem.

You haven't lived until you tow a 10'3" boat through Atlanta on a Sunday night just after dark with wall to wall traffic and 60 mph keeping up with it.

Had a truck cop follow me in Georgia and finally passed and didn't even look at me.

The widest part is above the mirrors so that isn't a problem. You have to remember your wide and position yourself properly in your lane so you don't hang over.

Somehow oncoming traffic seems to move over for you.

[Jeffw]

DMCB wrote: You haven't lived until you tow a 10'3" boat through Atlanta on a Sunday night just after dark with wall to wall traffic and 60 mph keeping up with it.

Until you tow a 2007 305 11'0" beam through Atlanta on a Friday night through a construction zone with 12'0" wide lanes. I got pretty tight-cheeked on that one!

[dmcb]

Yes Jeff, that would increase the pucker factor.

Doug

[carguy]

You have plenty of truck to tow it but why are you attracted to this particular boat? How are you thinking of using it? Will you spend nights on it or is it more for day use? If you are into slow cruising, this could be a good rig but if you're loading it up with people and gear and want to explore, you'll find it underpowered. Have you owned boats before or is this the maiden voyage? Sorry for all the questions but there are lots of knowlegable people here that can help with the right info.