Looking at a 1997 bayliner 2655 Ciera-gctid345284

[Guest]

Hello all,

I am very new to this and have only ever had trailer boats with outboards.

I am looking at a 2655 Ciera and have been told by the seller that it has a new motor installed in 2010. He has told me that it is a "short Chev" engine with manifold and risers changed at the same time. What does this mean? and should I be wary as it is not a standard mercruiser engine. I have been told by a marine mechanic that some people put converted car engines in and they usually fail very quickly. Would this chev be one of these?

Has also told me the front clears will need changing at some stage (quoted $3000)

Is there anything else to look out for with this year model? asking price is Au$38000 is this reasonable?

Also looking at a 1999 searay 240 sundancer for similar price nice looking vessel and appears finished just that bit better than the bayliner varient. I know they are the same parent company.... what would the more experience people out there consider??

thanks in advance...

[msd58]

I had 2655 like the one you are considering. I had for 12 years. Great boat. The short block he is referring to mechanic's term for just the block minus heads manifold water pump etc. All Mercruisers of this year vintage are GM (chevy) blocks. The 240 Sea Ray you are also consider in very well made boat with great fit and finish. However side by side the 2655 is going to be a roomier boat in every aspect.

[Guest]

I don't know what "front clears" means?

I'm not familiar with your market and exchange rate, but that year range 2655 would sell for around $15-20k USD. Hard to translate market forces to other countries however.

As far as the 240, look carefully, and compare it to a 2455 Bayliner. We had the chance to buy either the SR or Bayliner, and found the Bayliner to be superior in most ways although it cost a bit more. And as noted, the 2655 is noticeably larger in every way.

[Guest]

Viewed boat this morning. Not bad for the age. Clears/ covers will need redoing at some stage. Did get up on plane but not at fast as I thought it would be. The speedometer was not working apparently just a wire has broken. Also the windless got slight kink in chain and jammed up.

Imagine not a huge drama to sort out.

The swing back rest is broken. Still usable but would be on the list to fix at some stage. Is it hard to get spares for this aged boat?

Asking $38000 What's the usual process for offer. Where do I start?

And did notice a big difference in space between 2655 and searay2400!! Amazing what 60cm makes.

[Guest]

Own the same boat. The 5.7l is a bit underpowered for this boat in my opinion. If I get 4+ adults in the boat it's pretty slow to plane off. I have however skied behind it, just to say that I could, pulled me out of the water on two skis ok. Def. not a ski boat, however not what I bought it for. I payed 17000 for mine with a trailer(2 years old) but it came with autopilot, radar, 4 electric downriggers, and 10+ rods for trolling. I'm in Michigan in the US, and a bayliner around hear similiar to mine without the fishing stuff could be had for 13-16000 prolly. I bought mine 2 years ago. It's a great boat, not sure how the markets are over there, but seams a bit high to me.

[msd58]

Alexaw06 wrote:
Viewed boat this morning. Not bad for the age. Clears/ covers will need redoing at some stage. Did get up on plane but not at fast as I thought it would be. The speedometer was not working apparently just a wire has broken. Also the windless got slight kink in chain and jammed up.

Imagine not a huge drama to sort out.

The swing back rest is broken. Still usable but would be on the list to fix at some stage. Is it hard to get spares for this aged boat?

Asking $38000 What's the usual process for offer. Where do I start?

And did notice a big difference in space between 2655 and searay2400!! Amazing what 60cm makes.

Cruisers don't get up on plane like your outboard run-abouts you have owned. I owned a 2655 for twelve seasons. Only time boat had *trouble* getting up on plane was with 6 adults plus fuel & gear. Below posted You Tube of my performance figures. Boat had 4 adults, one todler, nearly full tank of fuel, 15 gal of water and all gear for summer season. Note also my isenglass is fully up and too full camper canvas. (27.1 MPH GPS 3650 RPM) Never felt my boat was ever underpowered:

[Guest]

Clears/ covers will need redoing at some stage.

Ooooh...Isinglass and bimini tops?

Asking $38000 What's the usual process for offer. Where do I start?

You make an offer pending survey. There are contract forms out there, google it. Basically it's just like a house where you make a firm offer contingent on the inspection (survey) finding no major problems. They accept or counter, and once you have a number, you give a deposit pending the survey. You contract your surveyor to inspect the boat, he gives a report. If there are issues, you negotiate repairs or a further price discount with the seller. If no issues, you proceed with the sale.

So it sounds like it's a 350 motor, probably 250 HP two-barrel carb? What outdrive?