Are Bayliners good boats?

Opinions on two different boats and motors please.?

• We've found what we think is an awesome 87 Bayliner Ciera. Pristine condition, less than 500 hours, hi-dry kept for 17 years, all records. My husband is concerned b/c he's heard negative things about Bayliners and he's heard negative things about OMC outdrives (they're not made anymore, parts are hard to find and mechanics don't usually work on them). We've also found a 1984 25' Formula Cabin Cruiser. This one was owned by a marine mechanic (we checked it out- it's true). He says he rebuilt the Chevy 350 3 or 4 years ago and has also rebuilt most of the Mercruiser outdrive. The boat started right up and seemed to run pretty solid. The cabin was not as polished as the Bayliner but would tidy up nicely w/ some work. If you own or have owned either of these boats, or have experience as a mechanic or something, please weigh in here. Thanks much.

• Answer:

  I can only presume that you have budget restraints in order to consider either of these two boats. As old as they are, my best guess is the Formula. Despite the fact that Bayliner is one of the largest boat manufacturers in the world, they had a few problems in the late 80's like many other builders. Just for clarification, here's the truth about it. As the price of wood went up in 1985, many manufacturers were looking for a less expensive route for marine grade plywood. Enter the Taiwanese. They could beat the price, and from all tests were making quality ply at a fraction of the cost. So, Bayliner, Donzi, Four winns, and MANY other manufacturers started buying. What they didn't know until too late was that the glue was changed, and the plywood started to self-distruct. The smaller companies stood behind theirs even after the warranties ran out, however with literally tens of thousands of boats with deteriorating decks, Bayliner could not replace them all and stay in business. That is what really happened to Bayliners reputation. Now, as for the powertrain, since OMC is no longer in business, soon parts will be impossible, like a Yugo. Mercruiser and Formula are strong, dependable companies, and parts are easily found. My best advice is to keep looking however. The technology on fuel savings alone will save you enough money to buy a newer boat and use it more. With the new outboard stuff, economy is through the roof. On the IO side, the new fuel injected engines are over 33 percent more efficient than the old carbuerated stuff. Last thing you want is some old, wore out boat giving you trouble instead of fun days.